Hope Squad Maine Outreach Report 5/24/24 by Nancy Brown
It was a great day at the shelter & then later on the streets. We served over 160 unhoused (thanks to our new clicker counter)!
I’m just in awe of how much we are able to provide our friends in need – we have amazing community partners, donors & volunteers that make ALL this happen. So much love and compassion is out there in our community & that gives us all hope for better days for our friends experiencing homelessness.
We love our new connections with our shelter friends & are so grateful to still be connected with our unsheltered friends from former encampments. The numbers are growing substantially on the streets & we worry about how isolated they are…
But overall, we were able to provide a listening ear, smiles & hugs, TONS of food, treats, hydration, clothing, personal care items & most importantly, that consistent presence EVERY Friday that so many look forward to!
Thanks to our volunteer, Christina, we were able to offer THE PERFECT summer treat – popsicles & fudgsicles! We were all excited to welcome warmer days & sunshine!!!
Thanks to our many supporters out there! You inspire us to keep doing what we do. You make it all possible! 
During our outreach on Friday, I had a deeply moving experience. I spent over an hour with an unhoused young woman, the age of one of my own children, who has endured a very difficult life in foster care and has faced significant trauma & mental health issues. Inside the ambulance, I provided her with personal care products, resources, food, and clothing. She shared her story with me, and I was struck by her determination to get sober so she can reunite with her young child. Her resilience and hope amidst such challenges were truly inspiring.
During our time together, she told me she was an artist and does many different things, but she specifically drew a few “one-line drawings” for me. It was incredibly moving to see the joy in her eyes as she shared her artwork. Her talent and passion were a beautiful reminder of the potential and creativity that exists within everyone, no matter their circumstances.
This encounter was a powerful reminder of how fortunate I am that my children haven’t had to carry the heavy burden of childhood trauma, in and out of foster care homes, etc. It also highlighted how incredibly tough it is for young adults today to navigate the world, especially with financial & mental health issues.
I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities and stability my family enjoys. This experience has strengthened my resolve to continue supporting those who are struggling, and I hope it encourages others to offer hope and support to those who need it most, however you chose to do it.
Hope Squad Maine outreach report for 5/31/24 by Matt Brown
Crew: Deb, Fran, Jake, Lucy, Julie, Kristen, Christina, Ali and Matt
It was a busy day once again both at HSC and on the street. We had a HUGE amount of food- everything from sandwiches and meals to fruit all kinds of delicious snacks and sweets. A special bonus was bagels from Wayside.
EVERYTHING was gobbled up quickly.
Despite the gorgeous weather, the HSC was still pretty busy, especially the initial rush when we arrive. This is a special time, when familiar faces come up for a hug, smile, hot chocolate and conversation. We treasure each moment.
Fran was back for bingo, and thanks to Deb, there were many wonderful prizes.
A couple we have come to know shared the happy news that they were moving out of the shelter and into an apartment that day and it was a gift to share in their excitement. Slowly by slowly, some folks ARE getting housed, which is so hopeful.
The beautiful weather meant there were lots of folks outside, and our several hours spent on the street were quite busy. We had tons of cake (thank you Julie for cutting ALL that cake), all kinds of drinks, and of course sandwiches and the Preble Street meal. A huge surprise was several dozen hard boiled eggs from a farm (thank you Fran!). We also gave out lots of clothes, personal care products and blankets and backpacks.
A couple was referred to Milestone Recovery detox ( there is availability at the new facility at 10 Andover Rd, so call 207-775-4790 x 2 if in need); someone who was in need of rest and medical attention was monitored then brought safely to the Learning Collaborative for care, and another one of our friends who was ill was walked to Greater Portland Health.
We are proud to work closely with many area outreach partners every day we are out here, and we work hard to let folks know where the resources are, should they express a desire for help.
Overall it was a very good day…. There were so many connecting moments; tons of hugs, smiles and laughs. It is such a privilege to spent quality time with our friends out here. We remain ever grateful for our devoted team of volunteers and each and every one of you who support our mission.
Hope Squad Maine Outreach Report 6/7/24
By Christin Leddy, Outreach Volunteer
Crew: Nancy, Kristen, Karen, Lucy, Zahira, Janene, Julie, Christina and Matt.
Today was an incredibly busy day for our team! We started our day at the Homeless Services Center, serving over 80 people. It was clear that everyone was hungry, and many enjoyed playing bingo. We offered a variety of fruits, pastries, oatmeal, hot cocoa, coffee, PB & Js, and snack items for them to take away. We were also grateful to be able to serve fresh eggs (thanks to Sturgeon Creek Farm) which everyone thoroughly enjoys. After the Homeless Services Center, our large crew moved on to our street outreach on Preble Street, where we met and served over 70 people. In total, we connected with more than 150 individuals today. We spoke with quite a few who are very frustrated and tired of living outside. One woman on the street who was incredibly sad said, “I’m so tired of this. I just want to be off the streets.”
On a more positive note, we were delighted to learn that one of our friends we’ve been working with for over a year is going into treatment, and another just got housing. We all felt like celebrating! The community was especially grateful for the delicious homemade macaroni and cheese, salad from Preble Street, cheesecake, snack packs, and a wide assortment of drinks, including coffee and hot cocoa. Everyone seemed to really need clothing as well. At one point in the day, I looked over and saw several of our volunteers all connecting with folks- listening, offering words of encouragement, a smile or hug. Seeing those connections makes all of the hard work that goes into each outreach day so worthwhile.
While Matt and Nancy enjoyed some well deserved time off, the team carried on with lots of joy and enthusiasm!
Our morning at the HSC was full of smiles, in part due to the beautiful spread of fresh fruit, homemade muffins, coffee, assorted teas, and of course, plenty of hot chocolate. It’s a welcome change from cold cereal, and we learned that watermelon is a favorite.
We also had the honor to be approached by a resident who expressed that they’re ready to enter a detox program. That level of trust is something that we work hard to foster, and we’re so proud of our friend for making tough choices! (We weren’t able to secure a bed today, so we’ll keep trying. If you know of availability, feel free to message me directly!!!)
Once we reached Preble St. the humidity had really set in, so drinks went very quickly! All of our offerings of food, especially the cakes, were appreciated, but for many of our unhoused neighbors the real “treat” is to see a friendly face and be greeted by their name. To be welcomed to our table, both literally and figuratively. Our community is truly a beautiful, vivid, and diverse one, and our homeless neighbors are no exception.
Thanks to all of you who follow and support our efforts!
Hope Squad Out
Weekly Hope Squad Maine outreach report for Friday, 6/21/24 by Matt Brown
Volunteer crew: Fran, Zahira, Karen, Lucy, Kristen, Christina, Deb, Julie, Matt
First and foremost we are incredibly grateful to Karen and our crew of volunteers who kept the ship afloat last week when we were away. They didn’t skip a beat and it is so great to know the work can carry on seamlessly without us. What a gift!
This was a super busy day. We served 204 of our friends today, 86 at the shelter and a whopping 118 on the streets. We have been trying to keep close tabs on this, and we see a trend- The numbers of folks living outside is increasing steadily each week. This is not a good thing because the current city policy is to immediately remove any tents (as long as there is any bed availability at the HSC shelter) and potentially charge folks, thereby forcing them to simply lay out on sidewalks, in alleys, doorways, behind dumpsters, wherever they can find a spot. This is dangerous because it results in some being in isolated areas. With the potency and deadliness of the current drug supply, this is a recipe for disaster.
Today was a story of contrasts: it was wonderful to connect with our friends. Long conversations were had, smiles even a few laughs. We were blessed with so many great food items: from sandwiches lovingly made by Zahira; bagels and so many other goodies collected from Wayside by Deb; the usual wonderful items from Preble Street food hub, as well as many others brought by our volunteers. And of course lots of water to help battle the humid conditions.
At the same time, it was evident quite a few folks were not doing well. Many who we know well appeared quite ill, and it can be so heartbreaking to see people we love so much struggling just to get through the day. They have endured blistering heat on top of all the usual challenges of a day lived on the streets of Portland.
At one point, a huge crash was heard and several of us raced around the block til we found the source, a car crash At Lancaster and Elm. We rendered aid then returned to our outreach efforts.
As always, the team focuses on each individual interaction. Each moment we are privileged to share with our friends is truly sacred. We do our very best to really see and hear them, reinforce in every possible way how much they are loved and how much they truly matter.
Hugs on the street are probably my favorite. A dear friend of mine who has lived out here a while, taught me that a “15 second hug has a positive effect on your mental health.” In those 15 seconds, so much can be communicated- care, concern, unconditional positive regard and love. What a beautiful lesson for me, for all of us.
Our gratitude to be able to do what we do is profound. We humbly thank each and every one of you and love you all
Peace,
Matt and the Hope Squad Maine team
Weekly Outreach Notes – June 28, 2024 by Nancy Brown
Weekly Outreach Notes – July 5, 2024 by Nancy Brown
Weekly Outreach Report – July 12, 2024
Today was HOT🥵, but that just means our friends need us even more, so our crew of volunteers headed out (with every cooler we collectively own). Matt and Nancy had the day off, which means that our supplies were ferried around in a small army of hatchbacks. Rembering who has what, and where, can get crazy so we definitely appreciate the ambulance on days like this, but we’re always determined to make this work happen!
At the HSC the mood seemed lighter than in recent weeks. A few of us got a tour of the incredible flower and vegetable garden that residents planned, planted, and have been tending. I snacked on string beans, sampled the sweetest carrot ever, and taught my friends that nasturtiums are delicious as well as beautiful! 😋
After our supply pick up at Preble St. we put on our sunblock and set up for our unsheltered folks. It was quieter than usual on the street, no doubt due to the dangerous heat, but we still greeted lots of familiar faces and every cooler was filled with ice cold drinks for them.
There were laughs, hugs, and pleasant chatter going on everywhere I turned, but I couldn’t stop thinking about the people who we *hadn’t* seen. Some of our friends are very ill. Others are facing impossibly heartbreaking ordeals. When we don’t see them, it’s honestly so much harder than sitting with them in their pain. I hope they know they’re always welcome, no matter what burden they’re carrying.
Our team reflected this week on some of the challenges that *we* face during Outreach, and realized that for most of us the hardest part of the day is the end. It’s so hard to walk away…to go home and shower, put on fresh clothes, maybe have a rest, knowing that the people we care about can’t do the same. We also know that we can’t pour from empty cups, so we’ll prepare for next week and carry our friends in our hearts until we’re with them again.
Weekly Outreach Report – July 19, 2024
Despite a tough week and a possible ambulance failure, our team adapted quickly. Thanks to Kristen Tyson and Karen Packhem, we continued our outreach using a van.
At the shelter, volunteers spent over an hour helping a young woman in crisis. On the streets, many are struggling with isolation and illness due to frequent police relocations.
We provided much-needed food, drinks, and care to those in need. Our hearts break seeing people suffer, but we strive to bring hope and love to everyone we meet.
Weekly Outreach Report – July 26, 2024
by Matt Brown, Founder
This week, we were reminded how blessed we are to have a devoted volunteer crew. Despite losing our ambulance, our team filled their own vehicles with essential supplies to ensure our friends received everything they needed.
We were also joined by our eldest daughter Liz and her husband Dave, visiting from Australia.
At the shelter, we encountered a long line of residents seeking food, drinks, and resources. Our volunteers provided crisis services, supported a resident through detox, and made meaningful connections.
On the street, Preble Street’s meal, cold drinks, sandwiches, fresh fruit, and sweet treats were appreciated. Many smiles, hugs, and conversations were shared.
The deep connections and trust built over the past 18 months are evident. This consistency is only possible because of our incredible outreach team and your support.
We are immensely grateful to be out here every week, loving and caring for our unhoused friends. Thank you for your financial, physical, and emotional support. Together, we carry on and have faith another ambulance will come our way.
#hopesquadmaine #homelessoutreach
Weekly Outreach Report – August 2, 2024
by Matt Brown, Founder
We said our final goodbyes to our ambulance yesterday, which was a heartbreaker. Despite this setback, we continued our mission, thanks to so many.
We served about 100 people at the shelter and 80+ on the streets. The cold drinks with electrolyte packets and food were very appreciated in the humid heat.
Our amazing volunteers go above and beyond every week. Today, they stayed with an individual experiencing domestic violence, providing resources and ensuring their safety. It’s vital to know that almost 57% of homeless women report domestic violence as the immediate cause of their homelessness, and over 90% have experienced severe physical or sexual abuse. We are always ready to support anyone in need.
Everyone loved the Preble Street meal of cold pasta salad with chicken, and the bagels with cream cheese were very popular. The dehydration on the streets was severe, so we were happy to help. We made 9 referrals to local resources, including crisis services, case management, and medical detox. The wonderful conversations we had throughout the afternoon remind us of what it’s all about – treasuring these relationships.
Thanks to all the community support that makes this possible. Much of the food, including fresh fruit, was provided by @waysidefoodprograms and @preblestreet. The 100+ sandwiches were assembled by our wonderful volunteer, Lisa!
Weekly Outreach Report – August 9, 2024
by Christina Leddy, Outreach Volunteer
Despite the ambulance still being out, our team hit the streets this rainy Friday morning, mourning the loss of two beloved community members, Brett and J.D.
Fresh fruit was a hit at the shelter, but it’s clear the residents deserve more than cold cereal every morning. The shelter mood is tense, and the streets are no better—constant rain and police crackdowns make survival harder than ever.
But a smile, a hug, and a slice of cake can change someone’s day. We set up a dining table on the sidewalk today, offering more than food—offering solidarity. We stand with our friends, rain or shine. Your support means the world.
Weekly Outreach Report – August 16, 2024
by Matt Brown, Founder
Friends served:
HSC: 74
Street Outreach: 81
Total: 155
It was a quieter day, with fewer people at HSC and on the streets, likely due to increased policing in Bayside.
We welcomed our new volunteer, Meg, who joined us at HSC for the first time. However, it was bittersweet as we also said goodbye to Lucy, one of our longest-serving volunteers. Lucy has been with us from the beginning, bringing calm, compassion, and fierce advocacy to our outreach. Her ability to connect and earn trust has touched countless lives. Lucy, we’ll miss you deeply, but we know you’ll be with us whenever you can. Thank you for everything!
Weekly Outreach Report – August 23, 2024
by Matt Brown, Founder
Total served: 172
HSC: 95
Street: 77
This week, we welcomed new volunteer Jill! Thanks to Northgate Starbucks, we surprised our friends at the Homeless Services Center with breakfast sandwiches, alongside our usual food, drinks, and supplies. Many residents expressed concerns about shelter conditions and safety, and we listened with love and concern.
The street was quieter, with the unhoused now more dispersed. We’re worried about what winter might bring, but we’re grateful for the deep connections we’ve built over the past 2 years.
Thank you to everyone who supports our mission.
Weekly Outreach Report – September 6, 2024
by Matt Brown, Founder
• Total Friends Served: 166
• HSC: 91
• Street: 75
• Referrals: 3
We had an amazing volunteer crew for our first outreach with Hope Squad 2! 🚑 Spirits were high as we welcomed our “new” ambulance, a 2016 Ford F450 crew cab. The new cab allows us to chat between stops and will provide warmth for many in the winter months ahead.
Grateful for the incredible support that made this possible!
Special thanks to Lisa for the bologna sandwiches and @waysidefoodprograms for the treats. A lively day with great conversations and hope in the air!
Thank you for your love and support!
Weekly Outreach Report – September 13, 2024
by Nancy Brown, Co-founder
Today felt a little quieter on the streets, but we were still able to connect with many in need. With a smaller team of just 6, we made our way through the shelter and streets, serving 93 people at the shelter and 82 on the streets. Many were very hungry, and many needed help finding local resources—we made 11 referrals today.
At the shelter, we saw many new faces, but also some familiar ones who seemed to be struggling more than usual. It’s heartbreaking to see how many people are in need of someone to talk to or simply don’t know about the medical care available in the same building. We’re grateful we could be there to offer support and help make those connections.
We were able to share sandwiches, snacks, farm-fresh eggs, and treats thanks to the generosity of Wayside & the community. Having the ambulance made distributing blankets and clothing a lot smoother too!
We were also happy to welcome Kathleen Dobson, a long-time supporter, who joined us on the streets for the first time. Her presence was a bright spot in the day.
Thank you to everyone in the community who has donated and made today’s outreach possible. Your kindness allows us to continue this work.