“There are days it can feel like we’re alone in this work, it’s nice to come together like this and remember that we’re not.”– Conference on Homelessness attendee Last week, over 200 political, social services, business, and faith leaders from across the state of Maine came together for the first-ever Preble Street Conference on Homelessness. … Read more
“I friggin’ love it here!” – Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter client On a Tuesday in early October, the first guests entered the long-awaited Elena’s Way Wellness Shelter. They were greeted by a wide-open space filled with natural light, soothing colors and art on the walls, and their very own bed. Preble Street caseworkers gave them … Read more
By Sam Chamberlain (he/him), Managing Director of Preble Street Quarantine Shelters Note: With funding from MaineHousing, Preble Street operated a Quarantine & Isolation (Q&I) Shelter in Scarborough from May 2020 through March 31, 2022. Because of decreased need, the state consolidated this service to Lewiston as of April 1, 2022. As social workers — and … Read more
BY MARK SWANN SPECIAL TO THE PRESS HERALD Doing anti-poverty work is tough and has become even more challenging as the pandemic has led to unprecedented economic instability, social isolation and increased polarization in society. The mission of Preble Street has always been to care for people who have nowhere else to turn and to … Read more
“In my time working here, I’ve been able to provide people with many things. I’ve given people vouchers, I’ve helped people move into apartments, I’ve helped somebody repair their vehicle. I’ve provided all of these material things. But time and time again, when people talk to me about what was most important to them, it’s been … Read more
We are thrilled to share that Preble Street Executive Director, Mark Swann, has been named a Nonprofit Business Leader of the year by MaineBiz! In his 30 years as our leader, he has helped the agency grow from two employees working in Portland to nearly 300 employees and 1000 volunteers working all over the state … Read more
Preble Street stands in solidarity with the hundreds of thousands of people displaced from their homes in Ukraine. This global crisis stands in direct opposition to the work that Preble Street does to eradicate homelessness, housing, hunger, and poverty, in Portland, Maine. War of any kind destroys housing and leads to food insecurity and hunger, … Read more
Ending hunger in Maine, housing for youth and Veterans, providing hope… The latest edition of Curbside is out! Read it here.
Thank you to everyone who joined us on the Winter Solstice to honor the lives of the 51 people in Portland’s homeless community who died this year. Learn more at preblestreet.org/vigil. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5wfq12bEWhg Solstice vigil honors lives lost in homeless communityBy Rachel Ohm, Portland Press HeraldOn Tuesday night, the crowd lit candles and marched together to … Read more
Monday, November 15 was a bittersweet day — it marked the last day of meal preparation at the Preble Street Central Kitchen. The Central Kitchen (also known for many years as the Resource Center Soup Kitchen) served millions of meals in its 28 years and played a vital role in the community for clients, staff, … Read more
