Weekly Outreach Reports – Summer/Fall
Weekly Outreach Report – September 25 & September 26, 2025
This week reminded us why we show up rain or shine,
Thursday, September 25
Matt went out solo—hot chocolate & snacks disappeared fast as our friends braved the rain. The shelter group (7!) had a powerful talk on Desmond Tutu’s words.
Friday, September 26
Michele & Matt gave 10 rides to 3 methadone clinics—transport = treatment access. The team served 113 at the HSC shelter, including many who received clothing, which Karen and her team organizes the last Friday of every month. Fran was back and brought with her a brand sparkling new Bingo set!
The street was steadily busy all afternoon, with 91 of our friends receiving food and beverages, and close to 30 receiving clothing. .
Grateful for visits from Preble Street, veteran housing, Mobile Medical Outreach & Milestone Home Team.
As one volunteer said: “It felt so good to be surrounded by so much love.” 💚
We cannot do what we do without you! If you are interested in supporting future outreach efforts, please check out the links below:
🔹Amazon wish list🔹
🔹 Seasonal needs🔹
🔹Venmo🔹
🔹PayPal🔹
Weekly Outreach Report – September 18 & September 19, 2025
Thursday, September 18
Matt & Fran served 30 friends on the street w/ cereal, milk & lemonade and led our shelter group w/ MLK Jr. quotes. Many on the street shared they’re going multiple days w/out food 💔.
Friday, September 19
107 served on the street, 81 at the shelter, clothing for 31 and 6 clinic transports. Sandwiches (75 by Lisa) vanished in 15 mins—proof of how much consistency means.
We also reunited w/ a dear friend—1 year sober & running a sober house. New faces showed deep hunger, reminding us the need is greater than ever.
Police presence at the lunch site caused stress, but our team stayed strong to support our friends 💚.
Weekly Outreach Report – September 11 & September 12, 2025
Thursday, September 11
Matt and Michele began early with mobile outreach, assisting individuals living in difficult-to-reach places. They helped a friend connect with Milestone Recovery for a phone intake and engaged with over 25 people before heading to the HSC shelter for a discussion group. Maya Angelou’s quote, “People will forget what you said, and forget what you did but they will never forget how you made them feel,” was well-received.
Friday, September 12
Matt started clinic runs at 6 am, joined by Pastor Jeff Logan. They transported 8 people to 3 clinics. At the HSC shelter, they served 75 residents, with Debbie and Zahira leading Bingo. On the street, they served 84 people and provided clothing for 35. Despite the challenges, there were wonderful conversations and laughter, lifting spirits.
The city’s food distribution pilot presents struggles, but each outreach offers opportunities to show love and support. Maya Angelou’s quote, “If we are bold, love strikes away the chains of fear… Yet it is only love that sets us free,” resonates deeply. Thank you to all supporters of this mission.
Weekly Outreach Report – September 4 & September 5, 2025
Thursday, September 4
Matt & Laura led a group at HSC, then offered rides to the food site. 9 transports & 30+ interactions. Some moments were heartbreaking 💔 — reminding us to simply be a loving presence no matter what.
Friday, September 5
Matt & Peggy (Preble Street) started at 6am with methadone clinic rides (4 transports).
Meanwhile, our team served:
111 meals at HSC
88 meals at the food site
32 clothing assists
Several referrals for support services
We remain committed to showing up with consistency, compassion & care. Thank you for standing with us 🙏
Weekly Outreach Report – August 28 & August 29, 2025
Thursday, August 28
Matt & Annie transported 9 neighbors to the food site on Cotton St, comforted someone after an assault, and made 40 contacts (despite the ambulance needing a jump).
Friday, August 29
Matt & Janene made 12 transports to 3 MAT treatment centers (now including Everest). At the shelter, we served 100+ people and gave clothing to 50. On the street, we served 70 and shared clothes with 25+ neighbors.
A highlight: when we arrived at HSC, our team was greeted with cheers and thank-you cards signed by residents and staff. It was a beautiful reminder that showing up is the most important thing.
Another sweet moment: clothing saved in larger sizes was given to a neighbor who had asked earlier—and he immediately shared with a friend sitting beside him.
We’re mindful that some of our most vulnerable friends from our previous outreach location aren’t being seen under the city’s pilot program, and we’re bringing this to their attention.
Grateful always—for this community’s generosity and for our volunteers who never fail to show up. 💙
Weekly Outreach Report – August 21 & August 22, 2025
Thursday, August 21
Our morning began at the HSC, offering encouragement and support. Later, Matt & Fran connected with unhoused neighbors in Deering Oaks Park and provided rides to the Cotton Street food distribution site. Ten neighbors accepted rides, and throughout the day they shared meaningful connection and support with more than 40 individuals.
Friday, August 22
Matt & Kristen provided 10 rides to methadone clinics, part of our 300+ transports since March that help ensure access to life-saving recovery support. At the HSC, 90 individuals received food, and we were able to offer a lot of personal care items / especially full size body powder to those who needed it most—a much-appreciated item in the summer heat.
Later, at Cotton Street, we served 84 neighbors. Every one of the 224 Preble Street meals (beef fried rice!) was shared, along with water, juice, coffee, and lemonade. Folks deeply valued the shaded tables—a chance to eat together in comfort and dignity.
We’re still adjusting to the new food site, but one thing remains constant: our commitment to building relationships and walking alongside our friends in community. 💛
If you follow our outreach reports you may notice that the number of people we support with food, clothing and hygiene items is growing every week. We cannot do what we do without you! If you are interested in supporting future outreach efforts, please check out the links below:
🔹Amazon wish list🔹
🔹 Seasonal needs🔹
🔹Venmo🔹
🔹PayPal🔹
Weekly Outreach Report – August 14 & August 15, 2025
Thursday, 8/14
Annie & Matt led a group at HSC, then hit the streets. While fewer friends wanted to travel to the Cotton St. food spot, we transported 7 and shared good conversation & support.
Friday, 8/15
A full day starting at 6:15am with clinic runs (10 transported), while 133 were served at HSC. At the city’s new food site, we served 94 meals, 40 received clothing, and new tables made meals more comfortable under shade, allowing for conversations & connection.
The new site takes more planning & teamwork, but what never changes is our ❤️ compassion, acceptance, and love for every person we meet.
Thank you to our volunteers & supporters—you make this possible!
Weekly Outreach Report – August 7 & August 8, 2025
THURSDAY 8/7
Started at HSC for our weekly discussion group, then spent the afternoon helping folks reach the new food distribution site on Cotton St. 🚐 Many have been pushed from Bayside to the park, making the mile-long trip tough for those with health challenges. We transported 13 friends there & back. We arrived at the park to calls for help for an unresponsive person — we rendered care until MEDCU arrived.
FRIDAY 8/8
Clinic runs began at 6:15am — Matt & Pastor Jeff from Grace-Street Ministry transported 12 for critical treatment 🙏. Since March, that’s 250 rides! Meanwhile, the crew served 112 at HSC, played bingo, and connected with friends. Big focus: our first City of Portland food distribution pilot at Cotton St., thanks to Preble Street Food Hub. With shade, tables, and plenty of space, we served 91 meals alongside the City Outreach Team & HOME TEAM. Many stayed the full 1.5 hours — sharing hugs, laughs, and great conversation.
Grateful for our volunteers, partners, & YOU for making this work possible every week!
Weekly Outreach Report – July 31 & August 1, 2025
Another meaningful week in the field!
Thursday 7/31:
Matt & Elaine connected with 50 individuals during street outreach, including folks living in the woods who are often cut off from support. They also facilitated a discussion group at the HSC, creating space for reflection and fellowship.
Friday 8/1:
Outreach started early as Matt & Brian from Preble Street Outreach made 16 transports to local methadone clinics—helping friends access critical treatment.
At the HSC Shelter, we served 75 individuals. Though the shelter atmosphere felt tense at times, everyone was THRILLED to see hard-boiled eggs back on the menu—lovingly prepared and peeled by Fran and her husband.
On the street, we connected with 111 people. Lisa’s sandwiches were a hit as always, and Preble Street’s cold pasta salad was quickly scooped up.
We loved visiting with our friend Eve, who is happily housed and about to get a kitten 🐱💚 and were so glad to be joined by several community partners. Friends from Preble Street, Opportunity Alliance, Milestone, City of Portland Harm Reduction, and Spurwink visited our outreach spot. Being in this specific location is very purposeful—it’s exactly where the most critical resources are.
22 individuals received clothing, and many are still asking for blankets and hoodies as summer nights remain chilly. These basic items matter deeply when someone’s backpack has been stolen or all they have is what they’re wearing.
Volunteer Highlight: Athena’s bright smile and kind presence lit up everyone’s day.
As this was our final Friday (for now) under the current outreach structure, we focused on spreading the word about the new daily meal location on Cotton Street, launching next week in collaboration with the City of Portland, Preble Street & Milestone.
Weekly Outreach Report – July 24 & 25, 2025
Thursday, 7/24
Nancy & Matt hit the streets with cereal & lemonade in hand. With the hot, humid weather back, folks were extra thirsty. We made 50 connections, helped one neighbor with medical transport, and led our weekly HSC discussion group.
One friend gave us a napkin note—not a thank you, but a reflection. He said our consistent presence grounds him and gives him something to look forward to every week. 💛
Friday, 7/25
Matt & Annie made 16 methadone clinic runs and helped lead clothing day at the HSC.
152 served at the shelter (50 got clothing)
92 street contacts (33 received clothing)
Huge thanks to our clothing team for prepping bins all week!
One friend in crisis was supported through a mental health challenge today. This reminded us how deeply mental illness impacts our unhoused neighbors. Many are just trying to survive another day while navigating severe mental health challenges—often without proper support.
On some days, it’s just too much—and it’s so important they have people around them to help carry the load. Everyone deserves to feel seen, safe, and supported.
🙏 Thank you to our community for making this care possible.
Weekly Outreach Report – July 17 & 18, 2025
Thursday, July 17
Thursday found Matt and Fran on street outreach, and during the course of the day we reached over 40 individuals, living in the woods, in their cars and on the sidewalks of Portland. We also facilitated an informal discussion group with our friends at the HSC shelter. We love having an extra day to more deeply connect with our friends there.
Friday, July 18
Friday was a beautiful day, with gorgeous blue skies, and much lower humidity. Matt and Kristen transported 15 to area methadone clinics, starting at 6:15 am. The team served 103 at the HSC later in the morning.
The Hope Squad Maine outreach team was then honored to participate in the Bayside Health Fair hosted by Preble Street, alongside The Learning Collaborative, Milestone HOME TEAM, Preble Street and City of Portland Outreach Teams, Greater Portland Health, Spurwink, The Opportunity Alliance, LymeTV.org and others. There was a tie dye station, hair cuts, great music and manicures, along with the fantastic cookout provided by Preble Street Food Hub, and of course the usual goodies we serve each week.
It was a beautiful event, with so many community partners engaging with our friends as one. We served 174 individuals, and enjoyed the feeling of true community that the day created.
Many Fridays out here are so heavy, but this day felt hopeful. Many of us could not help but wonder how amazing it would be if we could all be together like this every week.
There was an overwhelming sense of gratitude for our devoted volunteers; the camaraderie with so many incredible community partners; our generous supporters who make it possible for us to do this work, and most especially, the beautiful relationships with our unhoused friends. The joy felt each week as we see each and every person is hard to adequately describe.
After the event, when most everyone was gone, I took a few moments to catch my breath sitting on the back steps of the ambulance, reflecting on the day, when one of our friends who we have known for several years, going back to the encampments, rode over to me on her bike. She has been through so much in her life… has walked through things I can’t begin to imagine.
We had the most wonderful conversation. Nothing earth shattering, just two soul friends sharing a precious few minutes of connection. Those chats sing in our hearts for weeks. It is what we are here for. It is why we are out here. It is what ensures hope and love overcome the darkness. Thank you one and all for your support. Love to you all!
Weekly Outreach Report – July 10 & 11, 2025
Thursday, July 10
Matt and Nancy headed out early in the morning with cocoa, coffee and cereal. They met with 44 of our brothers and sisters living without shelter. After that they headed to the HSC for Hope Squads small group for more loving connection with the residents there.
Friday, July 11
We welcomed three new team members: Peggy, Julie and Fletcher. We continue to grow !
Shelter total 113 hungry folks greeted us warmly.
Matt with Pastor Jeff as co-pilot transported 14 to the local methadone clinics while the rest of us busied ourselves loving on those at the shelter. We came armed with extras: towels, books, and flip flops. We played BINGO where Everyone wins!
We served an additional 76 people on the street 27 with much needed clothing and 15 with personal care items: powder, bug spray, and wipes.
Everyone was hungry we quickly ran out of food and water at both the shelter and on the street. Hope Squad Maine is grateful for the out pouring of support from the community.
Weekly Outreach Report – July 3 & 4, 2025
We had a very full week of love in action.
Thursday started early with milk, cereal & cocoa, plus a several clinic transports so folks could get meds before the holiday. We made it back just in time for our group session and then hit the streets with snack packs & lemonade —connecting with over 50 neighbors during walking outreach.
We also delivered a wheelchair to a friend being discharged from the hospital—thank you, Spurwink Alltech!
Friday: 89 served at the shelter, 120 on the streets. Sandwiches, cold drinks, and meals from Preble Street were lifesavers in the heat. And of course, watermelon and freeze pops were a festive July 4th treat!
The “final 15” was the hardest—those last minutes when we run out and people still come running, hungry and hoping. We do our best… and we always show up.
Thank you to our amazing community who makes this possible 💙
Read more outreach reports from Hope Squad Maine