Survey of Homeless People Set for End of January

BANGOR – Each year volunteers from around the state take part in an outreach event to survey the number of homeless in Maine. Several local agencies will brave the cold at the end of January in hopes of making a difference in the lives of others. Imagine sleeping in subzero temperatures. for some in the … Read more

Portland considers ‘workforce housing’ project in Bayside

… Preble Street, a nonprofit social services agency, is continuing to work with the city toward building a new shelter with 250 beds and a soup kitchen for the homeless on the site, according to Mark Swann, the nonprofit’s executive director. Swann said he came up with the proposal after the city approached Preble Street … Read more

Preble Street lauded for nonprofit works

…Preble Street earned the top rating of the 43 nonprofit groups in Maine rated by Charity Navigator, with a score of 99.17 out of 100. Preble Street operates with a $9 million budget, running homeless shelters and a food pantry in Portland, as well as various programs to help low-income and mentally ill people…   … Read more

Maine Calling: Maine Veteran Services

A look at some of the many services available to returning service men and women. Guests: Rob Liscord, Veteran Legal Services Outreach Coordinator, Paralegal, Pine Tree Legal Assistance John Ripley, Director, Military & Veterans Services, Easter Seals Maine Phil Allen, Preble Street Veterans Housing Services Coordinator Also, by phone, Peter Ogden with the Maine Bureau … Read more

Homeless improv group focus of 'drama therapy' talk

After a year of field research, the creators of "Off the Cuff," an improv theater group for the homeless, will present their findings at an upcoming college conference. Tommy Waltz, a student at the University of Southern Maine’s School of Social Work, came up with the idea of bringing weekly acting classes to clients of … Read more

Holy Thursday brings foot washing to Portland's Monument Square

Chris Kidder took off his shoes and socks inside Portland’s Preble Street social services center, slipped his tired feet into a plastic tub of warm, soapy water and smiled. Sitting opposite Kidder a few feet away, the Rev. Michael Seavey smiled right back. "Oh my God," said Kidder, 31. "I’m in heaven." He wasn’t the … Read more

Maine housing officials pushing for restored Section 8 vouchers to stem spike in homelessness

BANGOR, Maine – Maine groups that deal with housing and homelessness are joining counterparts across the country, pushing Congress to restore funding for Section 8 vouchers so individuals and families who are homeless or close to it can find a stable place of their own. In last year’s across-the-board $1 trillion federal spending cuts, known … Read more

Portland clinic to provide free legal aid to homeless

PORTLAND – People who are homeless will soon not have to also be lawyer-less. Volunteer attorneys, in partnership with Preble Street, are launching a free legal clinic for homeless individuals. The Maine Homeless Legal Project, announced at a press conference Jan. 9, is expected to be serving clients by April. Lawyers will meet with the … Read more