OUR STORY
It all started with compassion…and an old ambulance.
Hope Squad Maine delivers supplies, resources, and most importantly, humanity
In November 2022, Founder, Matt Brown, purchased an old ambulance with a simple idea: a safe, warm place to listen, provide support, and offer resources to Portland, Maine’s unhoused community. What began with hot cocoa and blankets quickly grew as the need became clear. His wife, Nancy, soon joined as a co-founder, bringing her calm, loving presence and helping turn the vision into the volunteer-driven outreach it is today.
Meet Matt & Nancy
Matt served 26 years in law enforcement and now works as a peer support worker at Spurwink’s Living Room Crisis Center. Nancy, after raising their three children and running several home businesses, manages all operations. Together, they’ve been married 37 years, leading a team dedicated to consistent, compassionate outreach in Portland.
Today, 40+ volunteers serve over 250 neighbors weekly, providing:
• Meals, snacks, and beverages
• A mobile clothing closet
• Transports to treatment, shelters, and appointments
• A reliable presence every week, rain or shine
Beyond resources, our work is about relationships, acceptance, and hope. Our neighbors see and feel that support every week: a familiar face, a hug, or just being truly seen.
We celebrate every step toward health, healing, and connection, knowing that small acts of care can make a lasting difference.
