Weekly Outreach Reports – Fall/Winter
Weekly Outreach Report – December 4 & 5, 2025
Thursday:
30 interactions & HSC discussion group
Friday:
- Early AM transports – 7
- HSC – 118 served
- Street meals – 81 served
“Be a lamp, or a lifeboat, or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal.” – Rumi
“We create a space that’s safe, where people are seen, so they can be cherished.” – Gregory Boyle
Walking the streets, greeting neighbors one-on-one, offering hot cocoa, blankets, and snacks. Each connection is a chance to say: We see you, we value you, you belong.
Volunteer Athena:
“Today we connected in a way that felt real, with no barriers…We were equals. We were 2 humans trying to survive. PERIOD.”
THANK YOU to volunteers & supporters for helping us Keep Hope Rolling 💚
Weekly Outreach Report – November 27 & 28, 2025
Thursday (Thanksgiving):
Michele & Matt drove through Portland bringing hot cocoa, cereal, and connection to 35 neighbors. Later, they hosted an open discussion group at the shelter.
Friday:
- 137 served at the shelter
- 136+ reached on the street
- Volunteers: Nancy, Matt, Debbie, Fran, Susanna, Steve, Elaine, Mike, AJ & Jill
In just six hours, we connected with 275+ unhoused neighbors. The holiday made it an incredibly busy week.
With clinics closed, Matt took the ambulance out at dawn to bring cocoa, sandwiches & snack packs to 25+ people waking up cold and hungry. These early morning moments matter.
At the shelter, we served cocoa, coffee, fruit, oatmeal, pastries & special Thanksgiving treat bags. The line never stopped. Hot chocolate was the #1 request!
We also offered hygiene items, played Bingo (everyone wins!), and spent time in many one-on-one conversations.
The street was cold and crowded. We ran out of hot meals in an hour, and every sandwich, snack, blanket & warm layer was needed.
The holiday season evokes a range of feelings, including nostalgia, gratitude and sometimes sadness. For those without family or social connections, this time of year can be especially challenging and isolating.
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. We are privileged to provide these connections as we receive so much love in return.💛
Weekly Outreach Report – November 20 & 21, 2025
Thursday:
- Fran and Matt
- Street outreach interactions- 66
- HSC discussion group- 8
- Karen, Susanna, Fran, Debbie, Jill, Janene, Mike, Michele, Dennis and Matt
- Clinic transports- 9 (Kristen, Matt)
- HSC- 90 served
- Street-105 served
“A hug is ALWAYS the right size”
Winnie the Pooh
Sometimes, half in jest, I suggest we should change our name to the “Hug Squad.” I see our volunteers, upon catching sight of one of our friends, race up to hug them, so often. Nothing moves my heart more than seeing so many hugs being delivered.
Hugs can communicate so much, without the need for words:
Acceptance, Kinship, Belonging, Connection, Tenderness, Love
A moment that is seared into my memory from a few years ago… A woman I had come to know outside was wailing loudly, saying, “Please, someone, I need human touch, I feel so alone.” A co-worker and I hugged her, then she disappeared back onto the streets. Within weeks, she was dead.
I reflected on that moment, realizing that so many outside must get to a point where they develop an inner voice that convinces them they do not matter to anyone; that they are outside of belonging, unworthy of love, and utterly alone.
Since that day, I have made it a point to hug anyone out here who is open to it. And to hold on tight. Life is so fleeting, so fragile. The life expectancy for someone who is chronically homeless is 42-52 years, 20-30 years less than the general public. Think about that for a second. Homelessness robs our friends of 2 to 3 decades of life.
So each time we see them, may be the last. This makes each hug so meaningful. Every moment we can communicate our connection and love is so precious.
I was reminded again of it Thursday during street outreach. Another young lady I know came running up, crying. She had a severe infection; she told me someone had attempted to assault her the night before; she told me how cold she was, and how she didn’t think she could go on.
I felt so utterly powerless. Words escaped me, so I reached out and we hugged, and she held on for dear life. I searched for the right words, but could only look her in the eye and say “I love you” and keep hugging. As she started to walk away, she ran up for another hug and said, “thank you, you just gave me a little hope,” and then walked away.
In those moments when the needs are so acute, so numerous, and feel so unsolvable, we try to remember the power in a hug and all it means.
Yes, we serve food, drinks, give out clothing, make referrals…. All great stuff. Important stuff. But communicating kinship, love and cherished belonging is our most important mission. And a hug can do so much.
Thank you one and all for your support for our unhoused friends and for our mission.
Weekly Outreach Report – November 13 & 14, 2025
Thursday:
- Street Interactions: 40
- HSC Group: 9 (our largest yet!)
- Transports: 2
Friday:
- Clinic Transports: 12 (with Pastor Jeff from Grace-Street Ministry)
- HSC: 96 served
- Street: 94 served
This week reminded us of our true mission: to show every neighbor we meet that they are seen, loved, and deeply valued. 💛
We reunited with a friend we feared we’d lost, sharing tears and hugs right in the middle of Preble Street. Moments like this show why unconditional love matters so much. No judgment. No conditions. Just belonging, healing, and hope. ✨
Thank you for helping us keep showing up. 💚
Weekly Outreach Report – November 6 & 7, 2025
Thursday, 11.6
Targeted street outreach and HSC Shelter outreach, 60 individual interactions
As Annie and I traveled on foot around Portland on Thursday, we were overjoyed to see some friends we hadn’t seen in a while. That moment of re-connection is so powerful. Yes they are happy to put their hands around a hot cocoa on a cold morning after a long night. They love having a bowl of their favorite cereal on the sidewalk when they often haven’t eaten in many hours.
That moment of re-connection is so much more. It is a powerful reminder that we belong to each other- always. Our friendships run deep, our gratitude overflows, our love for each and every one grows with every moment we are privileged to spend together.
Friday, 11.7
- HSC- 117 served
- Street- 101 served
- Clinic Transports- 10
- Individuals receiving clothing-29
We were blessed to have Nancy’s brother Hank and his wife Laura alongside us today. 
A furry friend spent time in the ambulance!
“The most important number is ONE”
We track numbers. Numbers of people we serve. We do this to share with you how many people are in need of supports, andit also helps us track trends and to ensure we always have enough food, clothes and other supplies we may need from week to week.
It is important to know that to us, the truly important number is always ONE. Specifically that ONE person we encounter, in ONE moment in time. Although we may use the word “served,” it is also critical to say that rather then “us serving them,” it is a mutual relationship. We see ourselves as accompanying our friends, walking side-by-side with them in true kinship and cherished belonging.
Thank you to one and all that make this mission possible.
Weekly Outreach Report – October 30 & 31, 2025
Thursday, 10.30
We welcomed our new intern, Peyton from Scarborough High School, who got a real glimpse of life on the streets and the heart behind what we do. We connected with about 15 of our unhoused neighbors, sharing hot cocoa and cereal — simple things that brought big smiles on a chilly morning.
Friday, 10.31 Halloween!
A powerful day on the streets of Portland!
- Morning: 8 transports, 20 street interactions
- Shelter: 111 served at HSC
- Street: 118 served + 40 received clothing
As we finished clinic runs, I drove under the 295 overpass—where several of our friends huddled beneath soaked blankets after a long, cold night. Their hands wrapped around hot cocoa, eyes filled with fatigue and courage. 💔☕
Early mornings reveal so much about what our unhoused neighbors endure—and remind us why we show up, week after week.
We’re deeply grateful for your support that allows us to serve with compassion and consistency. We belong to each other. 💚
Weekly Outreach Report – October 24, 2025
Friday, 10.24
- Served 137 at the shelter. Over 50 shelter guests received clothing.
- Connected with 141 on the street providing food, drink, hygiene items, clothing and connections to resources.
- Transported 8 individuals to three methadone clinics.
Friday’s outreach was extremely busy. We connected with almost 280 individuals in six hours. We welcomed a new outreach volunteer, AJ, who jumped in to help without missing a beat!
It was clothing day at the shelter which is a highlight for our volunteers as well as the recipients! One woman was able to find three pieces of clothing to make an outfit. She came back looking amazing in the outfit, said, “look what you’ve done for me!” and thanked a volunteer with a heartfelt hug!
Downtown, the need was overwhelming. We ran out of hot meals, fruit and snacks quickly, but thanks to our “just in case” PB&J stash we kept serving until every last bite was gone. Sadly, there were still a few that went without.
By the end of the day, we were all exhausted but at the same time, joyful that we had the opportunity and the means to provide sustenance, warmth and love for so many who are battling every day just to survive.
Because of you, we have the privilege of making a positive difference, and of experiencing the subsequent joy! We love and appreciate you all! The numbers keep rising, and it’s clear the crisis isn’t going away. But neither are we.
Weekly Outreach Report – October 16 & 17, 2025
Friday, 10.17
Highlights from this week:
We were proud to serve 119 on the street today, as well as another 75 at the HSC shelter.
1. Methadone clinic transports:
Early in 2025 we were asked if we would consider responding to a critical need in the community to assist individuals in need of transport to the local methadone clinics on Friday mornings. Although the increased costs for insurance and fuel were significant, we jumped at the chance to make an impact.
We passed a milestone of 400 rides provided since late March of this year, when Kristen and I transported 12 individuals to and/or from the 3 area methadone clinics this morning! That would NEVER be possible without significant support. Peggy Lynch from Preble Street outreach and Paster Jeff Logan from Grace-Street Ministry have accompanied us on the clinic runs every month, as well as numerous Hope Squad Maine volunteers. Your generosity has helped us handle the cost increases associated with making the transports, That support has made an immediate, direct and significant impact.
One of the folks who rides with us every week reflected that “I love getting rides to the clinic with you guys because it is like we have a little community… we get to spend that time together- talk, learn more about each other, laugh and joke around.” We feel the same way. We consider that time in the ambulance, riding together, to be so precious. We have so many of YOU to thank for helping us make those moments possible.
2. Community partner collaboration:
Today’s street outreach and meal service on Cotton Street highlighted the advantages of having a predictable daily meal spot that affords space for community partners to connect with unsheltered folks in need of supports. We had visits from:
Preble Street Outreach Team, Preble Street Veteran Housing Svcs, Milestone Home Team, Milestone Housing Navigation, Grace-Street Ministry, Mobile Medical Outreach, U.S. Veterans Administration outreach, City of Portland Outreach Team
and Portland Downtown (assisted with set up and break down)
Having many community partners on site was incredibly productive. A veteran we know well who has been struggling outside for a long time, sat with his case worker to fill out important housing paperwork. This brought home the significant benefits to our friends of regular collaboration between outreach providers.
We are so grateful to all of the dedicated outreach personnel from so many incredible organizations that work tirelessly to support the ever-increasing number of unsheltered in our community.
Weekly Outreach Report – October 9 & 10, 2025
Thursday, 10.9
Since March, we’ve been blessed to add Thursdays — a day focused on targeted street outreach to connect with our most vulnerable neighbors.
On Thursdays, we walk the streets, woods, and bridges — offering a warm drink, a listening ear, and open hearts. Each hug, each “we love ya,” reminds our friends they are seen, heard, valued, and loved.
This week, we met with over 40 friends, shared laughter and hugs, and visited a dear friend in the hospital who’s recovering beautifully. 💚
Friday, 10.10
Friday brought our usual full day of care:
9 transported to methadone clinics
1 warmed and connected to medical supports
200+ meals served between HSC and the street
We’re endlessly grateful for your love and support that makes this work possible.
Weekly Outreach Report – October 2 & 3, 2025
Thursday, 10.2
Thursday was short due to our board meeting & Matt’s dental woes, but we still connected with friends at HSC for our weekly discussion — this week’s theme: inspirational sports quotes! We also helped a veteran connect directly with Preble Street’s Veteran Housing Services — love those warm hand-offs!
Friday, 10.3
Early Friday morning Matt and Peggy Lynch from Preble Street Outreach hit the streets to transport folks to area methadone clinics. It was a very busy morning, and we transported 11 to 3 different clinics on 5 clinic runs.
Meanwhile, the rest of the team (Debbie, Karen, Kristen, Mike, Annie, Elaine) was busy serving food, hot cocoa and other treats to 108 residents of the HSC shelter. Debbie led a very lively and ever-growing group of Bingo players as well.
On the street, the team, joined by Athena, Steve and Matt, served 100 unsheltered folks lunch (made by Preble Street Food hub), complete with hot and cold beverages, snacks and goodies from Wayside, and 34 people received clothing. One of our volunteers who is a nurse, removed stitches for one of our friends.
We also made 6 referrals to area treatment providers, and had visits from Portland Fire’s Mobile Medical Outreach, Milestone Recovery HOME team and City of Portland Public Health. These community partner contacts are so valuable, and allow for better connections for our friends out here. In fact, a doctor who was outreaching with a city health worker was able to chat with someone who was feeling ill from an infection.
Read more outreach reports from Hope Squad Maine