Preble Street will take over operations of a Bangor homeless shelter
Preble Street, the social service nonprofit that's headquartered in Portland but assists Mainers statewide, announced Tuesday it will take over operations of Hope House, a 56-bed emergency shelter in Bangor.
The low-barrier facility is the only shelter in Greater Bangor for people experiencing homelessness and who also have a substance use disorder or complex mental health challenge, according to a news release. Last year, Hope House served more than 300 people, with over one-third entering the shelter from places not meant for human habitation.
But Hope House has faced closure since last fall, when Penobscot Community Health Center said it would soon no longer be able to run the shelter.
Preble Street will begin operating Hope House in February 2025, with the help of $7.5 million in funding for low-barrier shelters included in this year's supplemental state budget.
“Thanks to the support from Gov. [Janet] Mills and the Maine Legislature, low-barrier shelters will receive funding over the next three years to support their services," said Mark Swann, executive director of Preble Street. "This funding allows Preble Street to be able to take on this responsibility, in support of the city of Bangor, Bangor’s health care and social service agencies, and the vulnerable Mainers in need of shelter.
"We will continue to fill in the budget gaps with the private support from community members and other funders that help us keep the doors open."
With Preble Street bringing its expertise to shelter operations, Penobscot Community Health Center can focus on improving access to health care through its clinic at the site, the two nonprofits said in the news release.
The health center will also continue operating the 48 transitional housing units located in the same building as the shelter and clinic, at 179 Corporate Drive.
“PCHC is deeply grateful for the prioritization by our local and state officials of this much-needed funding for low barrier shelters,” said Lori Dwyer, president and CEO of Penobscot Community Health Center. “The funding makes this partnership with Preble Street possible and ensures the Hope House shelter will remain open.
“This is certainly a win for the health and well-being of those who seek shelter services at the Hope House, and for our community. PCHC is optimistic about the benefits that will be brought to our community through its partnership with Preble Street, a strong social service agency with a long history of serving the most vulnerable."
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