Preble Street appreciates the efforts of the City of South Portland to reach an agreement with the New Gen Hospitality Management group that will keep people sheltered.

It is critical that the cities of Portland and South Portland, the state, and service providers come together to implement a strong and professional outreach effort to the people and families staying at the Days Inn, Comfort Inn, Howard Johnson, and Casco Bay Hotels in South Portland. This includes connecting people to resources they need like food, healthcare, and permanent housing.

Preble Street and other service providers, including Spurwink and Greater Portland Health, have put together a plan to collectively meet basic needs, establish supports, and provide empowerment and care for this very vulnerable group of people. This plan is intended to reduce community impacts, enhance the delivery of services to individuals being provided temporary shelter in hotels, affirm and clarify operating procedures, and identify collaborative partners.

Through social work best practices, supportive on-site services, and comprehensive planning, we can promote the health and wellness of the people staying at these hotels and reduce impacts on the surrounding community.