STORIES

Ben’s Story

A month before turning 18, Ben arrived at Preble Street after having stayed at multiple foster homes and youth shelters. Over the course of the spring and summer, Teen Services staff — along with collaborative partners — provided Ben the structure and stability he desperately wanted and needed. Ben gained employment and was accepted into a residential program in northern Maine where he lives now.

During his most recent call to the Teen Center, Ben reported to staff and other youth that he loves his new program and home, and expressed excitement about having his own room and making new friends.

Ben is one of many youth in whose story we are privileged to play a part.

Back to all stories

Brian’s story

Brian Hester is a proud Marine Corps Veteran. If you ask, he’ll tell you he “loved every minute” of his two-and-a-half years of service with the Marines. But, like many Veterans in Maine and all over the U.S., Brian cycled in and out homelessness after leaving the armed forces, battling addiction and a substance use

Read More »

Peter’s Story

Peter was homeless for eight months, sleeping on the street and in different shelters in Augusta and Lewiston. He’s an Air Force Veteran, originally from Madawaska, Maine, who lost housing when his landlord increased his rent with only a month’s notice. “I had an apartment for seven years. New landlord bought it and told me

Read More »

Ron’s Story

“I’ll say it 1000 times over, the VA saved my life,” shares Ron. Ron is a former U.S. Marine. He currently lives at a residential facility in Lewiston, Maine, operated by Veteran’s Inc., a nonprofit that provides support services to Veterans and Veteran families across New England. They are a trusted partner of Preble Street, working

Read More »