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
Social work is heart work
This year, the National Association of Social Workers’ Maine Chapter named Preble Street the 2024 Social Work Agency of the Year. Preble Street’s Vice President of Social Work, Andrew Bove, accepted the award on behalf of the agency. Below are the remarks he gave in his acceptance speech. My name is Andrew Bove, and I
Ending Veteran homelessness in Maine
In the past year, Preble Street’s Veteran Housing Services (VHS) program has housed over 270 Veterans. This past September, VHS housed more Veterans than ever before in one month, connecting 28 Veterans to housing. These numbers represent hours, days, and weeks of hard work from the incredibly dedicated VHS team, who show up with compassion and
Conference on Homelessness: Solutions Start with ME
“By being present here today, as well as by paying attention every day, by thoughtfully connecting the dots between the tragedy of homelessness and the racial inequities, social determinants of health, gentrification pressures, and widening economic inequities that cause homelessness, you are the group of people I am most optimistic about creating the change that
Two years of impact at the Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter
October 2024 marks two years of service to vulnerable community members experiencing unsheltered homelessness at the Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter. Since opening its doors, Elena’s Way has provided over 18,000 bed nights to individuals experiencing homelessness. That represents more than 18,000 times that a person has been able to sleep inside a warm, safe, and dignified shelter environment instead of
Homeless Voices for Justice hosts 2024 Candidate Forums
This October, Homeless Voices for Justice (HVJ) conducted its annual Candidate Forums, hosting candidates running for Portland City Council and the US House at Preble Street Offices and the City of Portland’s Homeless Services Center. HVJ is a grassroots social change organization that works with, and on behalf of, people with lived experience of homelessness and poverty. HVJ
Homeless Voices for Justice publishes 2024 Voting Guide
The 2024 Voting Guide from Homeless Voices for Justice (HVJ) is now available! Every year, HVJ polls candidates running at the local, state, and federal level on important questions and issues related to housing, homelessness, and poverty. The candidates’ responses to these pressing questions and critical issues are compiled in the below PDFs to help you make
FEATURED STORIES
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
Austin’s Story
When he first shared his story in the fall of 2022, Austin was spending his nights at the Preble Street Joe Kreisler Teen Shelter or outside on the streets. But for the past six months, Austin has been living in a one-bedroom apartment
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.
