NEWS & UPDATES
Our View: Homelessness not just Portland’s problem
…Consider this calculation: One night this winter, 282 people lined up at the Oxford Street Shelter in hopes of getting one of 142 thin, foam rubber mats to sleep on. Of the unlucky, 75 were able to sleep on the floor of the Preble Street soup kitchen. The rest spent the night sitting up in
A hot button 30 years in the making: Aid to Portland’s homeless
…"The state has not lived up to its responsibility to help people with severe mental illness," said Mark Swann, the executive director of Preble Street, a Portland nonprofit that provides assistance to the homeless. Some also point to the state’s successful efforts to trim the number of people who receive health coverage through MaineCare, the
Portland Officials Defend Handling of General Assistance Funds
PORTLAND, Maine – Elected officials and homeless advocates held a news conference in Portland this morning to defend the city’s administration of General Assistance funds. A recent state audit accused the city of mismanaging GA funds, after finding that more than a dozen residents at one of the city’s homeless shelters had more than $20,000
Portland leaders fire back at LePage claims of aid mismanagement
PORTLAND, Maine – Portland Democrats and social services leaders came out swinging Friday morning, saying a recent state audit claiming the city mismanages its General Assistance program is part of a "coordinated attack" on the liberal city by Maine’s conservative governor and his administration. State Sen. Justin Alfond, D-Portland, led a news conference outside the
City knew some shelter users had thousands in the bank, state says
… "No one is staying in the shelters or languishing in the streets for years at a time to save money," said Mark Swann, executive director of Preble Street, a nonprofit that provides assistance to the homeless. "Shelters are not places people want to stay at if they have choices." Swann said the state is
DHHS audit prompts talks among social workers, city council
PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — Social workers are defending Portland’s homeless shelter programs, after the Department of Health and Human Services released an audit of Portland’s welfare program. The audit, obtained by NEWS CENTER after a Freedom of Information Request, cited several violations. The state claims Portland is not taking income or resources into account
Homeless, with Money in the Bank: Advocates Weigh in on Audit Fracas
PORTLAND, Maine – Homeless advocates and health professionals in Portland are accusing state officials of using mentally ill homeless people as political pawns. This follows an audit by the Department of Health and Human Services that heavily criticized the city after finding several residents of a homeless shelter had significant amounts of money in the
Students "Score"
While the Patriots racked up points on the way to their fourth Super Bowl victory, the youth ministry program at Good Shepherd Parish was busy scoring donations to benefit two local organizations. On Super Bowl Weekend, high school youth and other parishioners, wearing football jerseys to draw attention, stood at the entrances of parish churches
Preview: Maine Restaurant Week
(NEWS CENTER) — It’s been a long, tough winter for many restaurants across Maine. Next week, is “Maine Restaurant Week”, an annual effort to boost business and offer some great deals at some favorite dining spots throughout the state. Jim Britt sits down with Jackie for a preview of that and some special events happening
We should return the favor to our veterans, expand health coverage
While millions of Americans have health insurance coverage through the Affordable Care Act, Maine’s uninsured rate is increasing. Far too many still can’t afford coverage, go without needed medical care and face financial ruin if struck by unexpected illness. One large uninsured group is veterans. Brave men and women who defended our country and fought
For needy in Maine with dental concerns, reasons to smile
… Community Dental is also working with Portland Community Health Center and the Preble Street social services agency to provide dental cleanings and other services, with a long-term goal of expanding capacity at those locations as well. "We have a mission. We have a vision to provide all Maine people with access to good-quality dental
Arundel couple collects, donates winter socks to teen center
ARUNDEL – It was a raw, cold night when Kirstan and Charlie Watson went to the Preble Street Teen Center in Portland to drop off donated coats. On such a cold night, the Arundel couple was struck by the homeless youth at the center. "These are young people, children really, who are surviving living on
