PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — People who work with the homeless in the Greater Portland area are mourning a man they say fought tirelessly for people struggling with homelessness, poverty and addiction.

53-year old Steve Huston died unexpectedly at his home in Portland in last Thursday. Like many of the people he advocated for, Huston battled alcoholism and chronic homelessness.

Huston’s personal struggle with addiction was the focus of a story which aired on NEWS CENTER ten years ago. Officials at Preble Street Resource Center say Huston used these personal experiences to help fight for the homeless community.

He helped lead an effort to pass a law that makes homelessness a factor to be considered by judges and prosecutors when considering sentences.

“He was persistent in his work and he never gave up, he really believed in making our community better for people who are experiencing homelessness and poverty,” said Donna Yellen the director of advocacy at the Preble Street Resource Center.

There will be a memorial service to honor Huston at the Preble Street dining room, ten o’clock Friday morning. The public is welcome.