OUR MISSION
The mission of Preble Street is to provide accessible barrier-free services to empower people experiencing problems with homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty, and to advocate for solutions to these problems.
Our Programs
From a nutritious meal to crisis intervention, from clean clothes to healthcare, from shelters to a permanent home, Preble Street programs not only meet urgent needs but also create solutions to homelessness and hunger.
Who We Serve
The people we meet come from every background. Some were born into abject poverty and abuse. Others were born into a loving and stable family, but life’s circumstances dictated a wildly unanticipated course.
OUR ANNUAL IMPACT
Preble Street is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that depends on the generosity of friends who lend their time and their resources. Every gift you make, every hour you spend, helps those most in need.
LATEST NEWS
Staff highlight: Richard Kepler — “Having the goal and willingness to love people”
Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to Richard Kepler, Housing Support Staff at Florence House Name, title, and program: Richard Kepler, Housing Support Staff (overnight shift), Florence House How long have you worked at Preble Street? It will be nine years at the end
No Homeless Veterans
Preble Street Veterans Housing Services (VHS), in partnership with other Veterans services agencies* across the state have come together to dramatically reduce Veteran homelessness in Maine. Earlier this month, VHS and partners launched a housing surge to get as many homeless Veterans as possible into housing in the 100 days leading up to Veterans’ Day.
Rapid Re-Housing: A proven solution to homelessness
“Preble Street’s Rapid Re-Housing team made it possible for me to move with my two young children. I had already secured housing and made the decision to leave a long history of abuse behind — but I had no car, no support, and no way to get our U-Box shipped. That final step was out
5 things to know…about recent federal efforts to criminalize homelessness
If ensuring the basic human rights of people who are vulnerable and struggling in our community is important to you, right now is a critical time to speak up and out. In the last few weeks, the White House has issued a directive to forcibly remove people experiencing homelessness from Washington, D.C., and an executive
New Preble Street Board: Ready for the road ahead
Preble Street is excited to share its new elected officers for its Board of Directors for 2026-2028 (fiscal year beginning on July 1, not calendar year). The new officers are: Chip Leighton, President Yemaya St. Clair, Vice President Joann Bautista, Secretary Justin Rosner, Treasurer “Preble Street has really smart and committed people serving on our
Staff Highlight: Caitlin Tobin – “I learn so much from our clients”
Preble Street staff are #CompassionInAction, and we want you to get to know them! This month we’re introducing you to Caitlin Tobin, 1st Shift Case Manager at the Recuperative Care Program. Name, title, and program: Cait Tobin, Case Manager, Recuperative Care Program (RCP) How long have you worked at Preble Street? I’ve been here for
FEATURED STORIES
Brian’s story
Brian Hester is a proud Marine Corps Veteran. If you ask, he’ll tell you he “loved every minute” of his two-and-a-half years of service with the Marines. But, like many Veterans in Maine and all over the U.S., Brian cycled in and out
Peter’s Story
Peter was homeless for eight months, sleeping on the street and in different shelters in Augusta and Lewiston. He’s an Air Force Veteran, originally from Madawaska, Maine, who lost housing when his landlord increased his rent with only a month’s notice. “I had
Ron’s Story
“I’ll say it 1000 times over, the VA saved my life,” shares Ron. Ron is a former U.S. Marine. He currently lives at a residential facility in Lewiston, Maine, operated by Veteran’s Inc., a nonprofit that provides support services to Veterans and Veteran families
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Every week 350 community volunteers lend a hand at Preble Street and almost 100% of the food and clothing we distribute is donated. We welcome — we depend on — your time, financial support, and in-kind donations. Volunteering at one meal a year, once in a while, or every week; donating work boots for someone trying to turn their life around, or organizing a fundraiser — every gift you give helps those most in need.
