NEWS & UPDATES
Our View: Leon Gorman leaves legacy beyond boots
… He lent his support to environmental organizations, land conservation groups that preserved public access to outdoor recreation, and the social service agency Preble Street. He not only donated to build a shelter for homeless teenagers in Portland, but also cooked breakfast in the soup kitchen once a week for 12 years … Read more.
L.L. Bean leader Leon Gorman dies at 80
FREEPORT – L.L. Bean Chairman Emeritus Leon Gorman has died at age 80. Gorman, the grandson of company founder and namesake Leon Leonwood Bean, had cancer and died on Thursday at his home in Yarmouth, according to a statement from the company. Gorman became president of the company in 1967 before retiring in 2001 and
Our View: Homeless Portland campers’ plight symbol of bigger struggle
… Thousands of Mainers have lost access to medical care, including mental health and substance abuse services, because of Medicaid cuts. The DHHS has even eliminated unlimited monthly bus passes for Medicaid recipients, leaving many poor and homeless people without reliable transportation. Without government cooperation, this is a gap that’s tough to fill, despite the
WERU Special: Solving Chronic Homelessness
In Portland, Maine, Preble Street marks the 10th year of its housing-first project, which aims to solve, not simply address, the problem of chronic homelessness. Two staff members at Logan Place help define the housing-first model and explore its effectiveness as a therapeutic intervention, which transforms lives. Logan Place, Preble Street’s first residential housing project,
Free Summer Food Programs Looking to Increase Participation
PORTLAND, Maine – Summer is a time for kids to get a break from school and have some fun. But it’s also a time when hunger can become a problem, as kids don’t have access to school breakfast and lunch programs. Maine has hundreds of summer meal sites where kids can get free lunches throughout
Local Hero – Michelle Lamm, Maine Hunger Initiative
Localvores, meet Michelle Lamm. She’s the Program Manager for the Maine Hunger Initiative, based out of the Preble Street Resource Center. Maine has the 5th highest rate of low food security in the US, and the highest in New England. Michelle works to make sure that kids in need have access to free food throughout
Homeless campsites spreading in Portland
… The increase in homeless encampments is just one example of how desperate some people have become, Yellen said. She points to the loss of federal food stamp benefits to childless adults between the ages of 19 and 49 who don’t have a disability, and Medicaid cuts in Maine that have caused thousands of people
Portland summer meals program feeds students' bodies, minds
PORTLAND – For most students, summer is a time for nice weather, getting outside, and most importantly, no school. But it may also mean a time of struggle for students who rely on the schools for one or two meals a day. Ron Adams, the former food service director for Portland Public Schools, said more
Portland picnic aims to combat food insecurity
PORTLAND, Maine – Deering Oaks park was buzzing Thursday with the playful chatter of about 150 children and their parents, who showed up to enjoy a free collaborative picnic that aimed to nourish bodies and minds and combat a growing problem in Maine: food insecurity. According to several the organizers of the event, including Donna
Free summer lunch program expanded in Portland
PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Many low income families rely on free or reduced cost lunches for their kids during the school year. When the school year ends, those kids are at risk of going hungry. An event was held at Deering Oaks Park to let families know that this year there are 18 locations
Rainout of Taste of the Nation fundraiser costly to Maine anti-hunger programs
… At Portland’s Preble Street Teen Center, the event typically has raised $11,000 to $19,000 for meals, said Elena Schmidt, chief development officer for Preble Street. The total budget for the teen center’s soup kitchen is about $97,000, she said … Read more.
Homeless advocates sit out to raise awareness
PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Homelessness Advocates are using the extra hours of sunlight at this time of year to raise awareness in Portland. Friday marks the 8th annual Longest Day of Homelessness Summer Solstice and advocates and community members are holding the sit out at Post Office Park Many of the advocates have been
