Weekly Outreach Reports – Winter/Spring
Weekly Outreach Report – March 28, 2025
With our new expanded outreach on Thursdays and adding early morning transports to area methadone clinics on Fridays, in addition to our usual outreach at HSC and on the street, it puts extra demand on our team of volunteers and they have really come through and risen to the challenge.
We also had a handful of volunteers out sick this week, but thankfully others stepped up last minute to fill the gap so things went smoothly.
Early this morning, volunteer Liz and I transported 7 folks to the methadone clinics. It is a great opportunity not just to ensure they access important treatments, but also to have nice conversations on the ride back and forth. Everyone seems to enjoy riding in the ambulance, and we are very happy to get the extra time with them.
We saw over 100 at the HSC and transported 1 resident to a clinic and another to the Portland Recovery Community Center, so they could access recovery resources. Karen had clothes to distribute which always draws a crowd.
We served over 75 on the street this afternoon. The sun was shining, and spirits were high. LOTS of hugs were had, and it was wonderful to hear laughter on a beautiful day.
It is a privilege to serve, and we can never say enough how much we appreciate the support that makes each outreach effort possible.
Much love to all
Matt and the Hope Squad Maine crew
Weekly Outreach Report – March 21, 2025
This week was a bit crazier with a small team, but we made it work! Despite the rain early on, we were relieved to only battle the wind by the time we hit the streets.
We served 95 at the shelter and 79 on the street, with 22 receiving much-needed clothing. Huge thanks for all the donations—we’re currently low on men’s coats and would appreciate any contributions!
The sandwiches, hot meal from Preble Street, hard-boiled eggs from Sandy Hill Farm, and treats & fruit from Wayside were all a big hit!
Shout out to Matt & Grace Brown for providing rides to the methadone clinic—an enormous help for those struggling with transportation. We also gave bus passes to a woman at the shelter who was in tears of gratitude—she’s three days sober and more determined than ever.
One volunteer noticed how, once seated at a table, many of our friends simply fell asleep from exhaustion—a heartbreaking reminder of the daily struggle they face.
Thank you to everyone who made today possible!
Weekly Outreach Report – March 14, 2025
The HSC was quieter this week—hopefully, folks were out enjoying the beautiful day! We still served over 80 neighbors and provided transportation for a resident to a local methadone clinic.
Spirits were high on the streets with the gorgeous weather. We served nearly 90 friends, and over 30 received clothing. While the daytime warmth is welcome, nights remain cold, making blankets and hand warmers essential.
But with the arrival of spring, hope grows—soon, our unhoused neighbors won’t have to fight just to survive the night.
Big thanks to Preble Street for the delicious meatball subs, Lisa for her amazing sandwiches, and Debbie for the sweet treats from Wayside. We’re also grateful to Hannaford in Scarborough, Portland, and South Portland for providing containers, allowing friends to take extra food.
This week was full of hugs, smiles, and laughter—a reminder of the kindness that keeps us going. We’re beyond grateful for your continued support that makes our work possible.
Weekly Outreach Report – March 7, 2025
Busy day on outreach! We served 123 at the shelter and 95 on the street, braving the blustery cold wind.
We were thrilled to have our friend Amber join us—she’s now 13 months sober, and we couldn’t be prouder!
Grateful to our team member, Fran, and Sandy Hills Farm for making sure we had hard-boiled eggs again this week! They’re always a hit!
We also launched a new group at the shelter, creating a safe space in the midst of chaos. One resident shared it would help her feel calm for the rest of the day.
Special thanks to Jill & Laura for organizing clothing in Karen’s absence, and to every volunteer who makes this work possible! You are the heart of Hope Squad Maine! ❤️
Weekly Outreach Report – February 28, 2025
Another busy and blustery outreach day! We served 100+ residents at HSC with food, hot drinks, personal care items, and warm clothing.
Exciting news! We’ll soon be at HSC on Thursdays to host a group and spend more quality time with our friends there.
On the streets, we served 70+ people, distributing warm clothes, blankets, and hand warmers as temps drop. We also shared warming center info to help folks stay safe.
Big update! We’re expanding street outreach and will now assist with transportation to medication-assisted treatment clinics—a huge need in the community. We’re also looking to strengthen partnerships with amazing organizations like Preble Street & Milestone Recovery to maximize impact.
Your support makes this all possible! 💙 Stay tuned for more updates.
Weekly Outreach Report – February 21, 2025
We served nearly 200 unhoused neighbors at the shelter & on the streets! Huge thanks to Debbie for the extra food and a warm welcome to Elaine & Steve. Jackets & hoodies flew off the shelves, though pants were in short supply—winter fatigue is real!
Big shoutout to Josh for helping Matt shovel into our spot at Preble & Oxford. One volunteer received a heartfelt thank-you hug reminder of the power of human touch. 💜
Much love to all our volunteers & supporters!
Weekly Outreach Report – February 14, 2025
Today was bittersweet. We served over 100 residents at HSC & 60 on the street, then honored our dear friend RJ Shepard at a beautiful service. RJ was deeply loved, and we hope his family felt the warmth of this community.
The afternoon was brutally cold, and while we provided food, warm clothes, and hand warmers, it never feels like enough. We carry the memory of RJ, Rob, and so many others with us every day.
Thank you for your support. Much love to you all.
Weekly Outreach Report – February 7, 2025
What a day! We served 106 residents at the shelter and 75 friends on the street. The shelter is near capacity, and we saw so many new faces.
Snow-covered sidewalks made things challenging, but our amazing volunteers and some of our unsheltered friends jumped in to shovel. Thanks to this teamwork, we served hot drinks, hot meals, sandwiches, treats, warming essentials, clothing, and blankets. By the time I could snap a photo, the tables were nearly empty—that’s how busy it was!
One highlight was helping a man who recently became unsheltered. His shoes were falling apart, and we had one pair of boots left—his size. We also shared resources to help him move forward.
Gratitude and kindness were everywhere, even in the snow and cold. Thank you to everyone who makes this possible!
Weekly Outreach Report – January 31, 2025
Another busy outreach day for Hope Squad Maine!
We missed a few volunteers who were under the weather, but we were thrilled to welcome James for his first outreach. He handled it like a pro. Welcome, James.
We served over 90 at the HSC shelter, which is at capacity most nights, and close to 70 on the street. Hot chocolate, sandwiches, cakes, pies, and pastries were a hit in the cold weather.
Warm clothing, blankets, and cold-weather gear were in high demand, and Jill and Kristen worked hard to handle clothing distribution.
We’re so grateful to the Milestone Recovery HOME Team, Opportunity Alliance, and the Harm Reduction Team for being out there with us. We are blessed to work alongside these incredible organizations and are humbled by our amazing volunteers who share so much love and compassion for our unhoused friends.
Weekly Outreach Report – January 24, 2025
Busy outreach day!
We served 100+ at the shelter and 85 on the streets. So much joy connecting with our friends—sharing laughs, hugs, and “I love you’s.”
But the heartbreak is real. Seeing loved ones face freezing temps, full shelters, and no day space is devastating.
We stay focused on what we can do: show up, listen, love, and remind them they matter.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers and supporters for keeping hope alive.
Weekly Outreach Report – January 17, 2025
- Served 170+ individuals
- Distributed warm clothing to nearly 70 (coats, hoodies, hats, gloves, & more!)
- Handed out tons of personal care items
Sloppy Joes (thanks, Preble Street!) + sandwiches, fruit, snacks & desserts were a hit!
Warmer weather lifted spirits during street outreach, and the line for food & hot chocolate felt endless!
Shared news about the warming shelter opening next Mon-Wed during the upcoming frigid nights.
Huge thanks to our amazing volunteers, including Jill, who joined us today and fit right in! Your donations make this possible every week.
Weekly Outreach Report – January 10, 2025
The ambulance was back in action with guest driver Kristen, who handled it like a pro! Outreach went smoothly despite all the germs going around (wash those hands, folks!).
At the HSC, we got some extra help with setup—thank you for your patience as we worked through delays! After breakfast, we organized rides for residents who couldn’t access their SUD treatment. Relapse is a serious risk, and we’re committed to finding solutions to keep folks on their sobriety journey.
Next, Zahira led a lively game of bingo (just one language this time 😉), and we headed to Preble St., where an eager group awaited us. Sandwiches, cakes, pies, fruit, and drinks were gone in no time, and Preble Street’s cheesy potatoes were a hit!
Warm clothing was in high demand with the warming shelter closed. Thanks to YOUR donations, we handed out coats, thermals, gloves, and hats—just in time for a 36° “warm-up” day. But tonight, temps will drop to the low 20s, leaving 150+ people with no shelter.
There’s a lot of talk about who should take responsibility for this crisis—Portland, the State, or neighboring towns? At the heart of it all is empathy. Until we value every human life, people will continue to suffer and die on our streets. This has to change.
Thank you for standing with us and supporting those in need. Together, we can do better.
Weekly Outreach Report – January 3, 2025
First Outreach of 2025!
Smaller crew, big impact! Today we served over 140 friends—70 at the shelter and 70 on the streets. The bitter cold is tough, and it’s only going to get worse, but we’re grateful the overnight warming shelter opens tomorrow through Thursday.
Our volunteers made sure everyone knew about it, while also sharing warm clothing and heartfelt conversations. Seeing these connections reminds us why we do this—it’s about showing our unhoused neighbors they are seen, heard, and valued.
Special shoutout to our newest volunteer, Laura, who jumped right in to help Debbie’s food team. Welcome aboard!
Thank you to everyone who donates, volunteers, or supports us in any way—you’re making a difference every day.
Read more outreach reports from Hope Squad Maine