Mark Swann is the Executive Director of Preble Street, a Portland Organization that finds solutions for those who are experiencing homelessness, hunger and poverty. A finalist for the Congressional Medal of Honor, 51-year-old Swann has been with Preble Street for 23 years. 

You were one of our earliest guests when you first came on Love Maine three years ago. What’s new?

In 2015 we’ll be celebrating our fortieth anniversary. This is really exciting, but there’s always more work to be done. The human service sector has changed dramatically. Preble Street has tried to be creative and innovative, and address the needs as they arise in the community. People know about our soup kitchen and shelter, and the emergency work we do, but we are also focusing on different types of housing solutions, advocacy, and innovative programs with teens and veterans. We’re trying to be intentional with what we take on. We’re going to serve 550,000 meals this year at Preble Street. We’re now doing veterans work statewide – we have offices in Lewiston and Bangor. In two years, over 500 veterans in Maine have moved out of shelters because of that one program. We’re starting a recovery program for women at St. Luke’s, a local church. We have a transitional living program for kids …