NEWS & UPDATES
Maine Calling: Homelessness
Who are the homeless in Maine and how are they being helped? How many people in our state does homelessness affect, and what practical steps can be taken to help? Maine Calling host Jennifer Rooks was joined by Tom McLaughlin, research professor at University of New England, Mark R. Swann, MSPA, Executive Director of Preble
NAACP Portland Branch's MLK Jr. holiday observance events
In 2014, the NAACP celebrates 50 years in the state of Maine. The NAACP Portland Branch is joining the Center for African Heritage, City of Portland, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England, Homeless Voices for Justice/Preble Street, The Opportunity Alliance, Portland Housing Authority, Portland Public Schools, and University of New England in celebrating the Martin
Dozens of lawyers join forces with judges to provide free legal help to Portland-area homeless
PORTLAND, Maine – Local political leaders, advocates for homeless people, attorneys and judges gathered in Portland on Thursday afternoon to launch a free legal clinic to serve the area’s homeless population. "Every day, we see people who would or could get out of the homeless shelters if they could just get clear of these lingering
Support being sought for new legal clinic
A group of New Orleans judges went to a soup kitchen in February 2002 to help serve a meal, and among them was Judge Jay Zainey, of the U.S. District Court. Zainey served the patrons a meal but still left feeling empty. He thought he could do more for the city’s homeless individuals."We as lawyers
Portland to start legal aid service for homeless
U.S. District Judge Jay Zainey, who launched the first Homeless Experience Legal Protection program in New Orleans, told a roomful of idealistic lawyers in Portland on Thursday that they cannot change the world. But they can use their skills to change a homeless person’s world, and the satisfaction that comes from that is priceless. Legal
Maine Homeless Legal Clinic starts in Portland
PORTLAND, Maine (NEWS CENTER) — When you think about how to end homelessness, finding a few good lawyers probably isn’t the first idea that comes to mind. But the lawyers, judges and advocates for the homeless behind the Maine Homeless Legal Clinic believe legal assistance may be all some clients need to get back on
Maine Voices: Preble Street far from ready to declare victory in the war on poverty
PORTLAND – Wednesday marked the 50th anniversary of President Lyndon Johnson’s seminal "War on Poverty" remarks in his State of the Union address. Inspired by the civil rights movement, galvanized by the assassination of President Kennedy, LBJ’s words were passionate, lofty and aspirational. The War on Poverty, he said, "will not be a short or
‘No one should pass away unrecognized'
Rebecca Dennison’s voice broke as she said her friend’s name, "Mary Lou." "Mary Lou passed away recently. I’m missing her so much," Dennison told the roughly 200 people gathered Friday night in Monument Square for Portland’s annual vigil to remember the homeless people who died during the year. "She was frail and sassy at the
More snow and bitter cold, and it’s not over
Tuesday’s cold, and the forecast for more snow, sent social service outreach workers into the woods and alleys of Portland, looking to convince vulnerable people to seek shelter from the elements. Peggy Lynch, outreach coordinator for Preble Street, and Bill Burns, the coordinator of the social service agency’s adult day shelter, trudged through deep snow
Protesters Rally in Portland to Oppose DHHS Move
For the second time this month, protestors gathered at state offices in downtown Portland to voice their opposition to the LePage administration’s plans to move DHHS offices to a site in South Portland. A couple of dozen advocates braved near-zero temperatures to make their point. Thomas Ptacek is with Homeless Voices for Justice, which organized
Plan to move Maine DHHS office draws protests, possible lawsuit
Homeless advocates gathered Tuesday morning at the current DHHS building on Marginal Way in Portland to protest the state’s decision to move the agency’s Cumberland County offices to a proposed 82,600-square-foot building in South Portland near the Portland International Jetport. "A lot of people who access these services get here by foot," said Jim Devine,
Sleeping out in bone-chilling cold: Maine's homeless struggle to cope
As Mainers get ready for another night of snow and freezing temperatures, there are some who are sleeping without a roof over their heads – people like 35-year old Matt Coffey. Coffey camps out in a wooded area somewhere in greater Portland – he doesn’t want to disclose the exact location for fear of being
