Weekly Outreach Reports – Spring
Weekly Outreach Report – June 26, 2026
# Served HSC: 97
# Served Cotton St: 108
Thanks to Steve Titcomb for our wonderful report!
“What are pastries and donuts without coffee? We arrived at HSC yesterday to a driving rain. Our friends waited patiently in line after we learned the arrival of coffee, hot cocoa, sandwiches and some pastries were delayed by half an hour. Residents passed out the paper plates, using them as fans as it was very humid.
One of our volunteers took the opportunity to walk through the line, chat with our friends, and learn about job searches and housing needs, even dancing with several residents listening to music playing nearby.
One resident with a leg wound was referred to the clinic for additional care. Another friend looking for an apartment was referred to a case worker. Once the food and drink arrived, the line moved smoothly. More than one of our friends commented, “No problem, The Hope Squad Buffet is worth waiting for”.
Ninety-seven people were served at HSC yesterday. Although the rain had ended by the time we arrived at Cotton St., The Portland Ambassadors had kindly erected tents over our tables which we appreciated once the sun appeared overhead. It was a slow start due to the morning rain, however we served 108 by the time we were done. Many of our friends picked up multiple hot meal bags for their collegues who didn’t come to Cotton St. because of the morning rain.
By the end of outreach, the food provided by The Preble St. Food Security Hub was all but gone. Thank you again to Milestone for delivering the meals and coffee. The Clothing Mall operated by Laura, Karen and Jill was busy as always.
Many thanks to Deb for her continued commitment to providing pastries and sweets that everyone loves. Thanks also to Tony’s Donuts and The Holy Donut for their kind donations which are always well received.
And finally, thank you to all the Hope Squad Maine volunteers who show up week after week and work behind the scenes to make this all possible. We learn every week that we are as much a part of the unhoused community as they are of ours.
Weekly Outreach Report – June 19, 2026
HSC Served: 86
Cotton Street: 146
Clinic Rides: 5
Thank you to our volunteer, Jill, for sharing her thoughts from Friday!
“It was another enthusiastic day of Hope Squad outreach at the Homeless Services Center and on Cotton Street. (The basic needs of homeless folks don’t take a break for federal holidays, alas.) HSC residents greeted us at the door and helped bring in the food and set up the tables. This was our week to offer clothing, but first we offer food and personal care items. A second line starts to form while we’re bringing in the bins and boxes of donated clothing.
Things can get hectic with a small crowd trying to check out what’s available, but we try to keep it orderly and fun–and usually succeed. And then something happens that reminds us that we’re all a community, looking out for each other. One man, who had already picked up a few pieces of clothing that he was really happy about, came back to report that he was missing his glasses, but he had them when he was looking at clothing–had we seen his glasses? No, we hadn’t. We all felt bad.
Then, a little while later, a woman who had picked out some clothing came back to say she had found glasses in her stuff. Did we know anyone who was missing their glasses? YES! We were able to find the man pretty quickly and he was SO happy to get them back.
We hear about people having their stuff taken by other homeless folks, or cleared away by city officials, and that hurts. But this was a reminder that the basic qualities of caring are still with our homeless friends, and they look out for each other way more than we are aware. That’s our community!”
Weekly Outreach Report – June 12, 2026
Today’s weather couldn’t decide – pouring rain one minute, sweltering heat the next. A tough reminder that summer brings its own hardships for our friends living outside.
But the day was full of music, laughter, and connection. Debbie even won at bingo! By the time we hit Cotton Street, food disappeared fast and over half our clothing found new homes.
Today’s biggest needs: shorts, tank tops, hoodies, ball caps, and backpacks (school’s almost out – if you have unused backpacks, we’d love them!)
Huge thanks to Bernstein Shur’s Day of Service team for scrubbing our ambulance to a shine and donating clothing.
And to our amazing volunteers – Laura, Karen, Matt, Zahira, Debbie, Zach, Mike, and Michele – thank you for showing up week after week.
Through rain or heat, this community keeps showing up for each other. 🚐✨
Weekly Outreach Report – June 5 2026
What a week it was! Despite a last-minute location change due to Portland’s half marathon, our volunteers showed up and served 120 friends on the street + 90 at HSC + 9 clinic runs.
A massive shout-out to Elaine for stepping up and covering for Debbie. You were amazing! And to our Volunteer Coordinator Liz for pivoting locations without missing a beat. That’s Hope Squad magic.
One of our HSC friends announced he’s moving into an apartment AND wants to volunteer with us someday. That’s why we do this.
Hydration was key on a warm day. We went through almost all our water. Shorts for men and women are urgently needed as summer arrives! 🩳 We also enjoyed having with us some students from Norway participating in our outreach thanks to UNE!
Weekly Outreach Report – May 29, 2026
Today was a beautiful reminder of why we show up every week, rain or shine. Whether it’s a simple greeting or a long conversation, connection is at the heart of everything we do. One resident shared that their morning began to “sparkle” when we arrived and that says it all.
Our team was busy in the best ways, coordinating clinic transport, playing a little trashcan basketball with shelter staff, and of course, Bingo! Everyone walked away with a prize of their choice. We also heard the wonderful news that two residents have secured housing, and while Hope Squad didn’t get them there directly, we’re so proud to have played a role in connecting them to resources along the way.
Clothing, shoes, blankets, and self-care items were all in high demand, and our friends expressed such sincere gratitude for the chance to choose what they needed. One gentleman was absolutely thrilled to receive a Pink Floyd t-shirt – sometimes it’s the little things.
A huge thank you to Debbie, who puts in countless hours preparing a beautiful spread of baked goods, savory treats, and fresh fruit. And to the Milestones Crew for delivering a hot meal from Preble Street – turkey meatballs, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, vegetables, soup, and rolls. You are all so appreciated.
This work is a constant reminder that we all need to feel seen and heard. Thank you for cheering us on and making this possible. 💙
Weekly Outreach Report – May 22, 2026
This week we served 227 of Portland’s unhoused neighbors – 89 at shelter and 138 on the street.
A gorgeous spring day set the tone for a truly special outreach. Our friends told us (as they often do) how much Hope Squad’s Friday visits mean a reliable, caring constant when so much in their lives is uncertain.
A huge thank you to our UNE volunteers Jayden, Zach, and Jimmy, recent graduates who have shown up week after week with big hearts. Today was their last outreach with us and we are so grateful.
When hot meals ran short, Zach and Matt jumped into action finding snack packs so no one went without. Meanwhile, music was playing in the Clothing Boutique (aka the ambulance ) with a line of friends out the door until well after 2pm!
We were also joined by Adena Bercowicz, MPH, founder of LymeTV, who educated our friends about tick-borne illness and handed out tick removal kits and anti-tick spray. And when a wound needed tending, two of our volunteers, a retired EMT and retired nurse, were right there. Thanks to Athena for assembling a first aid kit that had exactly what was needed!
Weekly Outreach Report – May 15, 2026
HSC: 84 served | Cotton Street: 100 served
This week’s report was beautifully written by volunteer Michele ☮️💙
“Going with the flow doesn’t mean we don’t know where we’re going; rather, it means remaining open to different ways of getting there.”
Today our team paused, revised the plan, took a deep breath, and moved with the current
The energy at the shelter was buzzing as rain poured down yet within that intensity, there was a strong sense of community and camaraderie.
One woman stood out. Incredibly patient amid the chaos, we locked eyes and she was reassured: “With a little patience, I promise you’re going to get everything you need.” Moments later she found the perfect hoodie and the exact jacket she’d been searching for Her smile never left
Down on Cotton Street, everyone stepped into the tent to escape the rain The slower pace became a gift; more time to hear people’s stories A big day for clothing distribution, and the teamwork behind the scenes made all the difference
At the hygiene table, one client sparked a lively discussion about the rising cost of everyday necessities , conversations like that became part of the rhythm of the day.
Today was another reminder of the power of releasing expectations, flowing with ever-changing currents, and leaning into community.
Clinic Run Report – May 8 &9 , 2026
Had a very busy Friday, making 10 transports to 3 different clinics. Although we don’t typically do them on Saturdays, that is a very challenging day for folks to get to the clinics. Most area resources are not operating, and the local buses run on a reduced schedule.
To make matters worse, if someone misses dosing on Saturday, they are not able to get their “take-home” dose for Sunday when the clinics are closed, thereby missing 2 days of dosing which can be dangerous.
This morning I had the opportunity to take two women I am very close to. I always look forward to our conversations when we ride together. As we rode to the clinics, my phone rang and I could see it was my wife, Nancy, calling from South Carolina where she is spending time with her mom
I frantically told my friends, “before I answer , pretend you’re not here. I am supposed to be resting on Saturday and not doing any outreach!” They looked at me grinning, and at the edge of their seats as I hit the answer button and placed it on speaker (with my poor hearing this is the only way I can talk on my phone).
Immediately, Nancy says, “What the heck are you doing in South Portland this morning?” (She has one of those fancy phones with a tracker so she can make sure I don’t get lost). I looked frantically at my friends riding with me and we all just burst into uproarious laughter. I almost had to pull over we were laughing so hard.
It is so wonderful to hear laughter on these special rides. We consider this time we get to spend with them all so sacred. These two friends I have known for years, and they have both been through, and overcome so much. To hear their genuine joy and laughter was so uplifting. I am always inspired by their ability to remain so positive despite everything they have lived through, and continue to experience.
What a blessing to share these moments together each week with all of our friends. Thank you all for your support that makes this all possible.
We love and appreciate you all! Matt.
Weekly Outreach Report – May 1, 2026
HSC: 100 served
Street: 75 served
On Friday , it felt like a different season at the Homeless Services Center. It was warmer and the air seemed lighter somehow. There were fewer people inside; and the food line moved quickly. That gave us volunteers a lot more time to hang out and chat with residents.
A lot of the conversations come down to how much the residents appreciate Hope Squad visits on Friday mornings. I talked for a while with one resident who had been an emergency medical technician for over 10 years. As he put it, “At the end of the week, seeing you folks here on Friday is like putting a bandaid on a wound–it feels good.”
On the Street, we had the usual long line of folks waiting for the hot meals from Preble Street, plus the cocoa, coffee, and Debbie’s baked treats. After heavy rains the days before, people also needed dry and clean clothing. So, as soon as they got through the food line, they formed a clothing line. The position in the clothing line is more competitive, since there’s no way of knowing if what they need will be in stock inside the ambulance or if the person in front of them will get the last pair of sweatpants (which we run out of very quickly).
Speaking of clothing, Hope Squad needs more clothing volunteers! About 3 or 4 of us volunteers show up one morning each week at a church in South Portland, where we bring in bags from the donation bins outside. We add those to the items provided to us by Maine Needs. We sort the clothes into men’s and women’s, figure out the sizes, and fold and label them. Then we put them on the shelves in our basement workspace, ready for the volunteer who comes the next day to load clothing onto the ambulance.
If you have a couple of hours during the day, it’s an easy way to do something that we know helps our homeless neighbors. Contact Karen at (207) 318-1163 If you’re interested in becoming a member of our clothing team.
Weekly Outreach Report – April 24, 2026
13 clinic transports | 120 served at HSC | 111 served at Cotton St
Cotton St meal service is growing every week as the weather turns. We ran out of meals in 35 minutes! We are grateful for our partners at Preble Street for adjusting to meet the growing need.
At the HSC, our friends showed up for us too! Residents brought fresh strawberries with Cool Whip and donated three large containers of juice. When coffee was delayed, 120 residents responded with nothing but kindness. Deb brought an amazing spread, Lisa made exactly 120 sandwiches, and shoutout to The Holy Donut & Tony’s Donuts for the treats everyone loves! Bingo was a hit and the energy in that room was everything. 💚
Thank you to volunteer Laura for this week’s beautiful reflection, to all our dedicated volunteers, and to everyone who supports this mission. Your love keeps us showing up every single week. 🙏
Weekly Outreach Report – April 17, 2026
Behind every number is a story.
🏠 Shelter: 83 served
👕 Shelter Clothing Day
🌟 Cotton St.: 106 served
🚑 Clinic Runs: 6
🤝 Shelter Group: 8
Our intern Jayden said it perfectly,,,
“It wasn’t about the supplies or services; it was about conversation, listening, and being present. Sometimes, simply giving someone your time and attention can make the biggest difference.”
“Someone I talk to every single week shared that they had found housing. The excitement and relief in their voice was unforgettable.”
“One statement that stayed with me. ‘You make my morning better.’ That simple sentence carried so much meaning.”
“Hope isn’t just a word, it’s something we bring to others through presence, conversation, and care.”
We show up every single week because our neighbors deserve to know they are not alone. 🧡
💙 We cannot do this without your support. If you’d like to help us keep showing up for our unhoused community each and every week,please visit: hopesquadmaine.org/donate/ .
Weekly Outreach Report – April 10, 2026
Total Shelter Served: 86
Total Street Served: 109
Clinic Runs: 6
Thurs. Shelter Group: 5
This week’s reflection was written by our wonderful volunteer, Liz S. Enjoy!
“Friday was a beautiful day to be outside in downtown Portland! You might have thought it was 70 degrees with the amount of tee shirts and tank tops, but I’m sure the thermometer didn’t quite hit 50F and windchill was certainly a factor. However, we are Mainers coming out of hibernation and spring was in the air on Spring Street!
Another thing was in the air on Spring street: furries! This weekend was Furcationland (the annual Furry Convention held in Portland each year) and we got a steady flow of animal friends passing by. A Husky even popped in for a Hope Squad Maine group photo!
Aside from the sunshine and furries, another joy from Friday was the reunion of several folks who had received housing in the past weeks. They were excited to come back to visit friends from the Hope Squad for lunch and share about their new homes. One woman told us she’s really enjoyed being able to walk downtown after living farther away in the shelter for the past 18 months. Her first night out, she’d had a celebratory dinner at Luke’s Lobster.
It was my first day on the job of clothing distribution. I think I have a newfound love for personal shopping! The clothing selection was top notch and we were able to put some beautiful outfits together. The current trend seems to be extra large overhead hoodies, bright colored shirts and tight jeans. It’s hard not to feel like Santa Claus when a gentleman approaches looking for size 34 x 34 brown Carhartt jeans and … voila … the exact match appears out of the heartily stuffed ambulance cabinet. Deep bow to all the people that donate clothing and all of our volunteers that sort and then stuff the ambulance!!
As always with Hope Squad, gratitude abounds; its nourishment mutually reciprocal, a beautiful two-way channel of care and love. Happy Spring!”
**********************
We are a grassroots organization that needs your help to continue supporting our unhoused Portland neighbors each and every week. Please consider supporting our efforts at www.hopesquadmaine.org/
Volunteers with Husky friend from Furry Con!
Weekly Outreach Report – April 3, 2026
Clinic runs-Kristen and Paul transported 4 to 4 different clinics
HSC- Deb, Karen, Liz, Zach, Michele, Peggy, Laura and Jayden served 97
Cotton St- Deb, Karen, Zach, Laura, Athena, Dennis, Nancy and Matt served 80
This weeks outreach reflection is by our wonderful volunteer Athena:
Today I was reunited with an old friend, Jason. We met when we were trying to get sober in the early 2000’s. We were both struggling to stay clean. Over the years we lost touch. I got sober and he struggled. I worried about him when I saw him. He lived on the streets for a while, and when the encampment he called home got “cleaned” out, he lost what was, for him, his home. He continued to use until he reached his bottom.
The reason he was at Cotton St. today was not because he needed food or clothes or because he was unhoused — it was because he is now sober and working in peer support, walking alongside the same population he once was part of. He has housing and a job! When he was in the encampment he came into contact with Hope Squad Maine. It came around full circle. People can and do recover.
Thank you one and all for all you do to support our mission to ensure our unhoused friends know they are seen, heard and that they matter.
And a special thank you to Courtney Bass and Rochelle Gagnon and Milestone Recovery for picking up the meals from Preble Street food hub for us. Love you guys!
***
Read more outreach reports from Hope Squad Maine