“These programs serve as success stories where some of our most vulnerable are given the hand up they need to move beyond a survival-based existence focused on the next bathroom break, meal, or long cold night to live healthier, happier, and more productive lives.” – Mike Sauschuck, Commissioner for the Department of Public Safety At … Read more
In these last days of the current Maine legislative session, we have a final opportunity to push for funding for two critical bills that would support people experiencing unsheltered homelessness and substance use disorder. LD1781: An Act to Establish the Homeless Substance Use Disorder Service Program Rooted in harm reduction and low-barrier access principles, the 2-year … Read more
Preble Street, a nonprofit human service agency serving people throughout Maine, is taking a ‘NO’ position on Question A, the June 13 ballot initiative in the city of Portland that would eliminate limits on rent increases upon new tenancy. The law currently caps rent increases at 5% upon new tenancy. In 2022 and 2022, Portland … Read more
The chalk writing on the doors near the Bayside Trail says, “I’m so ignorant to think we’d make it out of this thing TOGETHER…or alive.” The hearts surrounding the message give hope, but the ‘or alive’ just scratches the surface of the despair we all feel knowing that there is no ready, short-term solution for … Read more
Maine is on the verge of enacting LD 2: An Act to Address Maine’s Housing Crisis. This legislation sponsored by Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross will provide funding for the 24-hour-a-day supportive services that make Site-based Housing First a successful solution for people with complex needs experiencing chronic homelessness. Site-based Housing First is needed for our … Read more
The people who have been living at the Bayside Trail encampment deserve dignity and safety. No one should have to sleep outside in Maine or in unsafe or unhealthy conditions. Everyone should have access to toilets and safe drinking water and a roof over their heads. Preble Street will continue to work with the City … Read more
As caseworkers on the frontlines work with clients to get their lives on track, the Preble Street Advocacy team, our many community partners, and individuals in our programs have been busy testifying for legislation that would greatly impact our community’s ability to address the hunger and homelessness crises in our state. Here is an update … Read more
No one should have to live outside, but that is what is happening to an unprecedented number of Mainers right now. In Portland, the Parks Department recently counted 102 tents set up by people experiencing homelessness — a new record for the area. The encampment on the Bayside Trail is a visual representation of the fact … Read more
The encampment on the Bayside Trail is a visual representation of the fact that we are in the midst of a homelessness crisis, a crisis that is occurring all across Maine, not just here in Portland. It is absolutely devastating that so many people are left living outside and unsheltered due to a massive shortage … Read more
This coming Tuesday, April 4, the Housing Committee will hold a public hearing on LD 2: An Act to Address Maine’s Housing Crisis. This legislation sponsored by Speaker Rachel Talbot Ross will provide funding for the 24-hour-a-day supportive services that make Site-based Housing First a successful solution for people with complex needs experiencing chronic homelessness. … Read more
