Weekly Outreach Reports – Winter/Spring
Weekly Outreach Report – March 27, 2026
Overview:
Clinic Runs- 5 transported
HSC outreach- 114 served
Cotton Street outreach-108 served
“People experiencing homelessness deserve to experience the type of love that goes to battle alongside them, not against them.” Love Beyond Walls
Friday’s Outreach was a busy one, both at HSC and Cotton Street. We served 114 at HSC and 108 at Cotton Street. Although recent cutbacks and increased demand have challenged our ability to secure adequate food provisions (especially pastries, cookies and the like), we served almost everyone present yesterday at both HSC and Cotton Street. Michelle brought stacks of notebooks to HSC which resulted in a virtual stampede!
Clothing demand remains high. We started with 5 full bins of men’s and women’s coats at Cotton St. and distributed all of them. Several of our friends expressed gratitude that we still provide warm clothing with the weather remaining cold, and several women were ecstatic to find outfits that they loved. Two of our friends who’ve been living outside, unsheltered all winter were excited to report they were approved for housing and expect to be inside soon.
We are often struck by how often our friends express their appreciation for what Hope Squad brings them. During Bingo at HSC yesterday, one of our friends said “We love Fridays and the Hope Squad, not just for the food you offer us, but more importantly because you bring us hope.” Some days we truly receive more than we give.
Weekly Outreach Report – March 20, 2026
Totals served:
HSC 78
Street 99
Clinic Runs 4, Thank you, Kristen & Paul!
Everyone has a story. Everyone is carrying something. And it’s a powerful reminder of both our resilience and the fragility of life – and how much the little things matter. That perspective showed up in so many ways during outreach this week.
We handed out simple plastic soap holders. One woman shared she’s getting an apartment soon and asked for one. When someone asked why she couldn’t just keep the soap in the shower, she explained there are no shelves – she’d have to keep it on the floor. A small moment, but a meaningful reminder not to make assumptions – and of her resourcefulness in making things work.
We also brought notebooks, and it was striking how many people were genuinely excited to receive one – to journal, to draw, to have a place for their thoughts. Something so simple, yet so meaningful.
As one volunteer was leaving the shelter, two of our friends sitting outside shared that our weekly visits give them hope. They especially treasure the notes tucked into the sandwiches – saving them in notebooks to revisit when they need encouragement.
Winter is hard. Depression runs deep. Warmth and meals aren’t always guaranteed. But one thing is: every Friday, rain or shine, Hope Squad shows up. And those hugs, that consistency, that presence – it matters more than we can fully know.
Now… we just wait for winter to finally let go.
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Every week, more unhoused neighbors find hope through our outreach – and every donation makes that possible. If you’d like to help us keep showing up, you can give via www.hopesquadmaine.org/donate
Weekly Outreach Report – March 13, 2026
What a day. Our incredible volunteer team – Matt, Karen, Kristen, Janene, Jayden, Debbie, Laura, Mackenzie, Meghan, Mike, Zach, Zahira, and Liz – showed up with full hearts and full trunks.
> 11 neighbors transported to clinics from the street, Elena’s Way shelter, and the morning warming center.
> 86 shelter residents served at HSC on Riverside Street – sandwiches, hot cocoa, personal care items, and a spirited game of Bingo that reminded us all how much we need to laugh together.
> 75 unsheltered neighbors connected with during street outreach on Cotton St. – warm meals, clothing, and kindness.
It is both a joy and a sorrow to be among our unhoused friends. To witness beauty and suffering side by side. Our volunteers somehow manage to be both tough and tender at the same time, and we are so grateful for every one of them. 🧡
Weekly Outreach Report – March 6, 2026
This week we were thrilled to welcome UNE Intern Jayden to the team! We served over 100 shelter residents with sandwiches, muffins, pastries, fruit, oatmeal, coffee, and cocoa — and the line stretched all the way to the back door before we even began!
Our volunteer Peggy touched everyone’s hearts when she used American Sign Language to offer coffee and cocoa to a deaf resident. His smile and signed “Thank you” said it all. 🤟❤️ Our shirts say “We see you. We hear you. You matter.” — and sometimes the hearing happens in the heart.
Bingo was a blast this week with a packed table of men and women alike! Prizes included personal care items, coloring books, and the surprise hit — stuffed animals and an elephant hand puppet! 🐘🥰 No stereotypes here!
On the Street, we reached 81 neighbors with meals, coats, hoodies, socks, and boots. As one newer volunteer beautifully put it — “This is the highlight of my week.”
We’re deeply grateful for your support that allows us to serve with compassion and consistency. 💚Thank you for being part of this special community!
Weekly Outreach Report – February 26 & 27, 2026
Thursday:
We connected with 25 unsheltered neighbors across the city with hot cocoa, cereal, and snack packs. We also began weekly transportation for an individual with mobility challenges to a required probation appointment — grateful for strong community partnerships. Another meaningful discussion group at HSC, too!
Friday:
Clinic runs started at 6:30 am — 9 transported to 3 area clinics, plus 1 to HSC. At the shelter, we served 95 residents, played bingo, and responded to a medical emergency alongside the incredible crew from the Portland Fire Department
Over 80 neighbors joined us at Cotton Street for a meal and connection under sunny skies. Winter isn’t done yet, but hope is strong.
It truly takes a village. Thank you for standing with us 💚
Weekly Outreach Report – February 20, 2026
Today was quieter than usual — about 75 neighbors served at both the shelter and the street for a total of 150. It was also our monthly Clothing Day at the shelter!
Along with pastries, coffee & hot chocolate, fruit, sandwiches, personal care items, and BINGO! – we brought donated clothing, shoes, and coats to share.
Clothing Day at the shelter is always a mix of practical needs and pure joy.
A cozy white onesie? “YES!”
A full-body Wookie suit? Even better! (And yes — it was a perfect fit.)
A coat laid over a chair? Snapped up immediately. One new shelter resident asked quietly, “Is there anything left?” We had to say no — but we’ll be back next week with food, and next month with clothing. We always come back…EVERY FRIDAY!
On the street, clothing can mean survival – replacing wet clothes or the only outfit someone has left. But it’s more than that. It’s eye contact. It’s choice. It’s dignity. It’s being seen.
Thank you to everyone who donates clothing, blankets, personal care items, shoes, boots, and funds to fill the gaps. You are part of every smile, every moment of relief, every bit of hope.
Weekly Outreach Report – February 12 & 13, 2026
Thursday
Zach, Elaine & Matt
• Street: 15 interactions, 2 transports
• HSC: 15 interactions, including 5 in our weekly discussion group
Friday
Steve, Elaine, Karen, Zahira, Kristen, Fran, Debbie, Mike, Jill, Laura, Liz, Mackenzie & Matt
• Early AM clinic runs: 8 transports to 3 clinics + 1 transport for a mom to visit her daughter
• HSC shelter outreach: 115 served, 1 transported to PRCC for recovery supports
• Cotton Street meal service: 75 served, clothing distributed to 25+ individuals
This week reminded us how powerful community truly is. From connecting someone freezing on Congress Street to immediate help through the Preble Street Learning Collaborative, to multiple clinic transports and recovery connections through PRCC, we saw compassion in action. 💛
Cotton Street felt almost festive- sunny skies, warm meals, clothing, and real connection. Weeks like this remind us: we belong to each other. 🌤️💚
“Community… grows from the knowledge that we are alive, not for ourselves, but for one another.”
– Henri Nouwen ✨
Weekly Outreach Report – February 5 & 6, 2026
Thursday:
Mackenzie, Liz and Matt encountered over 30 folks throughout the morning on the streets, then headed to the HSC shelter for our usual weekly discussion group..The cereal and hot cocoa were a welcome start to the day for many. One of our old friends gave us a very thorough review of the cocoa on the sidewalk, which had us all laughing so hard. Laughter is such good medicine for our unhoused friends, and us as well.
At the shelter, we discussed the topic of friendship. One of the quotes we were reading said, “May you learn to be a good friend to yourself,” which generated a wonderful discussion on how we can all be a good friend to ourselves, so we can then be a better friend to others.
We truly treasure the deep friendships we have with so many both in the shelters and on the streets. Each moment we get to spend together is such a gift.
Friday:
Early AM clinic runs: 9 transported to 3 clinics
HSC Shelter Outreach: 135 served
Cotton Street Outreach: 79 served
“You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have.” – Bob Marley
It was bitterly cold today – a powerful reminder of how fragile life can be for those living in shelters or on the streets. ❄️
At HSC, volunteers calmly assisted a young woman in severe pain on the roadway. Without judgment, socks were placed on her bare feet, warmth was provided, and she was gently escorted inside for care. Deep thanks to Kristen for leading that effort and to every volunteer who meets people exactly where they are.
Inside the shelter, 135+ people were served and enjoyed food, bingo, and community.
At Cotton Street, our friends were already waiting for hot meals, hugs, and connection. The mood was full of gratitude – and plenty of Patriots talk.
Warm clothing and essential supplies were distributed all morning, with at least 37 people clothed and many more receiving hats, gloves, socks, neck warmers, scarves, and hygiene supplies.
Despite frozen fingers, the energy was uplifting, and the day was a reminder of what consistent compassion looks like in action.
Weekly Outreach Report – January 29 & 30, 2026
Thursday
Matt and new volunteer Meghan hit the streets early, serving hot cocoa and cereal to 30+ unsheltered neighbors.
We also responded to urgent transport needs—connecting friends to recovery resources and helping one head to detox in Bangor. Being able to act in the moment makes all the difference.
At HSC, our weekly group centered on Courage—a word that truly reflects the daily strength of our unhoused friends.
Friday
Early AM clinic runs: 9 transports to 3 clinics, including a mom reunited with her daughter
HSC: 98 served + Bingo (stuffed animals were a BIG hit )
Cotton Street: 79 served on a sunny but bitterly cold afternoon, with warm clothing and gear distributed
Quote of the week:
“Create a place that’s safe, where people are seen, so they can be cherished – because THAT is what is healing.”
– Father Gregory Boyle
One friend said it best:
“I get food, clothes, and treats – but the best thing I get is friendship.”
That’s why we do this. Relationships are the heart of our work
Endless gratitude to our volunteers and supporters who show up no matter the weather. Please hold our friends in your thoughts as they navigate this brutal winter ❄️
Weekly Outreach Report – January 22 & 23, 2026
Thursday
Elaine, Matt, and Nancy headed out early for street outreach before making their way to the shelter for our usual group. We reached 30 of our unsheltered friends over the course of the day.
Outreach was challenging at first. The city had relocated many people, and it took some time to find where folks had landed. Once we did, the response was warm and grateful — neighbors were happy to receive hot cocoa and cereal, small comforts that made a cold morning feel less harsh.
We approached a small group eating pizza, and in a lighthearted way commented on them having pizza for breakfast. The conversation quickly shifted when one shared that the pizza had come from a Circle K trash can. She smiled, shrugged, and said, “Well, somebody’s gotta eat. It’s super good!”
What made an impression was the reality of the situation along with how matter-of-fact she was about it. What also mattered was that she felt comfortable enough to say it out loud. There was no embarrassment, no defensiveness — just honesty. In that moment, it was clear she felt safe, not judged, not shamed, just met where she was.
Friday
Busy, beautiful day in the community.
Early AM clinic runs: 9 neighbors transported to methadone clinics, recovery services, the Learning Collaborative, and family visitation.
HSC Shelter: 91 residents served with food, bingo, and monthly clothing distribution. One moment that stayed with us: “Thank you for reminding me I matter.” 💚
Cotton Street Outreach: Hot meals, cocoa & coffee for 73 unhoused neighbors, plus clothing, blankets, hats, gloves & care items for nearly 30.
✨ Volunteer reflection from Liz (first time on Cotton Street):
There was cocoa chaos, whipped-cream mustaches, gingerbread mocha love, sugar-fueled seagulls, megaphone comedy, surprise snowfall, pink mirrored snow goggles, and so much laughter. What she didn’t expect? How much joy lives in this space — housed and unhoused, laughing together.
Welcome to the squad, Liz 💚
This winter has been bitter cold, but the warmth from this community keeps us going. Thank you to every volunteer, donor, and supporter — we couldn’t do this without you.
Weekly Outreach Report – January 15 & 16, 2026
Thursday:
Volunteers-Matt, Elaine & Zach
Street outreach -30 interactions w/ Dino bytes cereal and hot cocoa!
HSC/shelter outreach -15 No one was interested in group, so we floated around and connected with folks one-on-one.
Friday:
Volunteers- Matt, Elaine, Steve, Laura, Zahira, Debbie, Susanna, Jill, Zach, Michele, Dennis, Annie. Rae & Kristen
AM clinic runs: 14 transports. Matt & Kristen. Kristen had a little cafe going in the back with coffee!
HSC/shelter outreach: 103 individuals served
Street outreach: 77 individuals served
Clothing distribution: 25 individuals.
Friday’s outreach was a whirlwind! The shelter is at capacity, which means the sandwiches, cocoa and sweet treats disappeared quickly!
Everybody-Wins-Bingo led by Debbie and Zahira, was a highlight of the morning with many new players joining in the fun! Debbie found beanie babies at Goodwill which were popular prizes. One of our regular Bingo players was missing because she received a grant that allowed her to go back to school!
The street was cold and windy. Emotions ran high amongst our unsheltered neighbors as the realities of spending another frigid night outside set in. Warm jackets, waterproof gloves, blankets and hand warmers were in high demand.
A friend who we haven’t seen in quite a while stopped by to say hello and to let us know that the reason we haven’t seen him is because he is in a sober living house outside of Portland! Getting good news like this is such a treat!
Our volunteer team did an amazing job of braving the cold and doing everything they could to help brighten the day of every individual present.
Our community partners rocked it! Preble Street Veteran Housing Services came by twice immediately after Matt called to connect two unsheltered veterans with support services. The Portland Mobile Medical Unit stopped by both the shelter and street outreach to check on people. The Milestone Recovery HOME team showed up in full force to lend support and connection. The City of Portland, Maine outreach team is always there to support us in any way possible.
One-on-one connection with our unhoused friends is the most important part of our outreach, as it fosters a sense of belonging and hope for those that feel hopeless.
Thank you for making it possible for us to fulfill our mission… to see those that are invisible; to hear those that have no voice, and to reinforce the infinite value and worth of each person we meet. ❤
Weekly Outreach Report – January 8 & 9, 2026
This week reminded us why presence matters.
On Thursday, during street outreach, we unexpectedly reunited with a friend we hadn’t seen in over a year. Seeing her healthy, hopeful, and smiling after such a long journey filled our hearts with tears of pure joy and renewed hope. 💕✨
Friday brought sunshine, busy outreach, and a warm welcome to our new intern from UNE, Jayden, who fit right into the Hope Squad family. Together, we served meals, resources & connection with so many of our friends.
Grateful beyond words for our team and everyone who makes this work possible. 💙
Weekly Outreach Report – January 1 & 2, 2026
Thursday
25 street interactions
1 transport to Maine Med Emergency Dept
We kicked off the new year without much change to our usual routine and doing what we love: connecting with people.
On New Year’s Day, Matt hit the streets of Portland solo in the early AM, and was able to connect with 25 people. He transported one of our friends to MMC ED for care and stayed with them for much of the day. Due to this there was no HSC group held.
Friday
Clinic Transports: 7 people to 3 area methadone clinics
HSC: 114 served
Street: 76 served
30 individuals received clothing
At the HSC several volunteers served food, hot cocoa, and connected with the individuals staying there. Many “Happy New Year’s” were shared. Just as we checked in on people asking “how are you?” and “how are things going?”, our friends checked in on us asking “are things going ok?”, “are you good?”, and “how have you been?”. These questions were asked not as a standard, empty greeting, but with genuine curiosity and care. It’s beautiful to see this kind of mutuality. We wrapped up our time at the HSC with candy and games of bingo!
After the HSC, we went downtown where we shared a hot meal provided by Preble St, Pb&j’s, bananas, an array of pastries, and other sweet goodies. Supplies were provided: hand warmers, warm layers, coats, and items to aide in warmth on these brutally cold nights.
One individual shared feelings of being unheard, discarded, and unvalued by the wider community. They continued to share how meaningful affirmations can be in providing hope and supporting people with recovery from SUD. We hope to not only provide meals, clothing, rides, supplies to our friends, but to show them we care deeply for them. This interaction reminded me of when I first heard Matt discuss his dream for the Hope Squad “We see you. We hear you. You matter”.
Our friends expressed gratitude and appreciation and so we pass that along to all of you. We thank each one of our volunteers, each one of you who contribute to Hope Squad, and each one of you who follow and root us for being in support of our mission.
Read more outreach reports from Hope Squad Maine