STORIES

Jojo’s Story

JoJo became a tenant of Florence House after living in both the emergency shelter and safe haven housing in the building.

“You have a place to go, you have people to talk to, you have the support of the staff. It’s a lot safer than being out in the streets… you’re really supported here.”

Coming from a physically and emotionally abusive family situation, she had not known stability or safety for much of her life, making the transition to independent living quarters more challenging. Florence House has offered JoJo a safe place to call home with the support she needed to overcome her painful past, get medical treatment, keep appointments, and take care of her body and mind.

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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

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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

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Austin’s Story

When he first shared his story in the fall of 2022, Austin was spending his nights at the Preble Street Joe Kreisler Teen Shelter or outside on the streets. But for the past six months, Austin has been living in a one-bedroom apartment in Portland with a roommate and working as much as possible at

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