Weekly Outreach Reports – Fall / Winter
Weekly Outreach Report – December 27, 2024
A bitterly cold morning greeted us on Friday as we headed to the HSC, where we met an even longer line than usual. While some folks smiled as we served hot chocolate, others were clearly struggling. The holidays can be tough for our unhoused friends, so we focused on offering friendship and support.
Preble Street brightened the day with their lobster mac and cheese, ice cream & a huge box of chocolates! And a surprise pizza party from a generous community member, lifted spirits even more.
As night fell and temps dropped to 22°, there was no warming shelter. We can’t stress enough the need for a permanent seasonal shelter. Thank you to everyone who made Friday a little brighter for our unhoused friends.
Weekly Outreach Report – December 20, 2024
• Shelter: 89 served
• Street Outreach: 45 served
It was bitterly cold today, but our volunteers were amazing, handing out food, hot drinks, coats, gloves, hats, and hand warmers. Still, the cold was unrelenting.
One of our longtime friends shared his struggles with us. He had layered seven hoodies and a coat, and we added another coat, yet he still couldn’t stop shaking. When we offered him a warm seat in our vehicle his response was heartbreaking: “What’s the point? I’m just going to get cold all over again. All I do is walk and walk all day long, and I’m so tired.” It was so difficult seeing him walk away.
While fewer people were on the streets, likely hunkered down, conditions were brutal, especially with snow in the forecast. The shelter offered warmth, but with the hot water out, hot drinks were gone in no time.
Our holiday gift bags brought some joy, and the bus passes were a huge hit!
It’s hard to imagine what our unsheltered friends endure each night. Thank goodness the warming shelter will open this weekend as temps drop even lower.
Thank you to everyone who made today’s outreach possible. Your kindness means the world. 🌍💙
Weekly Outreach Report – December 13, 2024
Today, we served approximately 175 individuals between the shelter and on the street.
Those at the shelter were incredibly polite and expressed heartfelt gratitude for our weekly visits. It’s clear they look forward to seeing us. The hot cocoa and marshmallows we brought added a little warmth and comfort to an otherwise cold day, and everyone was so appreciative. We did notice many new faces and served more people there than usual, suggesting it’s at capacity. This aligns with reports from other outreach groups unable to secure beds for those in need.
On the streets, the bitter cold was inescapable. While the temperature was 31°F, 15 mph winds made it feel much colder. Many were visibly freezing, and it’s hard to imagine how anyone can endure these conditions all day and night. The hand warmers and warm clothing we distributed were desperately needed and deeply appreciated, as were the hot chocolate, hot meal, sandwiches & treats!
As always, it’s a privilege to serve, but leaving today was particularly hard, knowing so many are bracing for another freezing night. We’re grateful to have learned that the warming shelter will be open tonight, though it’s a shame this information wasn’t available earlier—we could have shared it with the 75+ people we met on the streets. 😞
Weekly Outreach Report – December 6, 2024
Total served: 172
• HSC shelter: 95
• Street outreach: 72
Today’s outreach was marked by bitter cold and wicked wind. While many found safety inside the shelter, others braved the streets with limited indoor options available. The lack of a dedicated day space for unsheltered neighbors in Portland leaves many wandering in harsh weather—a gap that has only grown since the closures of Preble Street Resource Center and Wayside Soup Kitchen.
Despite the challenges, we were met with gratitude from those we served. Warm hugs, heartfelt conversations, and the unwavering dedication of our volunteers remind us why we’re here. It’s heartbreaking to see so many struggling to stay warm without access to a warming center. We remain committed to showing up, rain or shine, or freezing cold temperatures because consistency matters.
Weekly Outreach Report – November 29, 2024
Today was busy and humbling. We served around 80 people at the HSC and another 80 on the streets, making 8 referrals along the way. While we didn’t take many photos, the moments will stay with me—like giving a freezing young woman a warm jacket or hearing, “I can always depend on you guys to be here.”
Thanks to your support, we handed out plenty of food, hot cocoa, and warm blankets. On such a cold day, especially after a wet Thanksgiving, hats and gloves made a big difference. I’m so grateful for this community. Everyone I spoke with shared how they had a Thanksgiving meal—whether at the shelter, on the streets, or in transitional housing. Your kindness makes this work possible. Thank you for helping us show love and care to our neighbors.
Weekly Outreach Report – November 23, 2024
Total individuals served: 180
• HSC Shelter: 81
• Street Outreach: 99
Welcome to our new volunteer, Mary-Kathryn! We were thrilled to have a new team member join their first outreach this week. She’s already been helping behind the scenes, and we’re so grateful! It was a busy day! Hot cocoa was a hit—we couldn’t keep up! At the shelter, the energy was high with games and conversations. On the street, over 80 friends came by in the first hour, and the “dining room” was buzzing with activity.
Shelter Update: Beds are full most nights, and with colder weather, more people are staying outside. We are deeply concerned about the warming center policy (15°F or 10+ inches of snow). This is inadequate for Maine’s harsh winters, where life-threatening exposure can occur at much higher temps. Other centers in Maine are open nightly regardless of weather—our unhoused neighbors deserve the same care and safety.
We’ll keep showing up and doing our part to help, with the amazing support of this community. Thank you for standing with us!
Weekly Outreach Report – November 15, 2024
• Total individuals served: 201
• Homeless Services Center: 109
• Street outreach: 92
• Referrals: 8
• Spurwink Services: 2
• Greater Portland Health: 1
• Milestone Recovery Detox: 1
• Preble Street Outreach: 1
• Hope Acts: 3
This week, despite challenges, ended with hope. Friday brought sunshine, a mild breeze, and abundant warmth. Over 200 individuals were served, and our “dining room” overflowed with connection, laughter, and care. We are reminded of John O’Donohue’s idea of the Anam Cara—a soul friend who provides understanding and belonging. Yesterday, we witnessed this love in action, not only giving it but receiving it from our beautiful community. Here’s to friendship, belonging, and the light we share on this journey together.
Weekly Outreach Report – November 8, 2024
Total individuals served: 174
This Friday was busy, and the chill in the air reminded us that winter is near. As we connected with friends at the shelter and on the streets, we saw how urgently folks are in need of cold-weather essentials: blankets, hoodies, socks, thermals, winter coats, hand warmers, and sleeping bags. Hot cocoa was our most popular item all day, warming hands and spirits alike. It took me back to past winters, sharing cups of hot cocoa through tent doors in freezing temperatures.
The shelter is filling up each night, and with temps dropping into the 30s, staying warm is critical. Please consider donating winter gear to Hope Squad Maine or any outreach teams out here—like Preble Street, Spurwink, The Learning Collaborative, and Milestone Recovery.
Thank you all for your support, which makes this work possible. Let’s keep our unhoused friends close in our hearts.
Weekly Outreach Report – November 1, 2024
Today’s outreach was full of warmth and connection! We welcomed Jackie McCurry to the team and were joined by our longtime friend Amber —so glad to have you both! Debbie put together Halloween 🎃 👻treats and donated beautiful jewelry, while a community member provided extra bags of candy, which everyone loved. Seeing so many seniors living unhoused really struck me today; their resilience and strength inspire us to keep showing up. Special thanks to our volunteer, Christina, for stepping in to drive someone directly to the shelter last minute. It was a great day, and we’re honored to serve.
Weekly Outreach Report – October 25, 2024
Today, we served 193 people between the Homeless Services Center and on the streets. What stood out most was how seamlessly our team worked together—each person using their unique talents to meet our friends’ needs with care and compassion. It’s a reminder that even the smallest interaction can make a big difference for someone struggling. We had a wonderful variety of food: pastries and fruit for the shelter from Wayside, warm meals from Preble Street, and sandwiches, fruit, and cakes for the streets. The clothing station was also busy, helping 39 people layer up with warm clothes and blankets.
A huge thank you to our volunteers, not just those on the frontlines but also everyone working behind the scenes—stocking the ambulance, organizing supplies, and preparing for outreach. We couldn’t do this without you! Together, we’re creating a space where everyone feels welcomed and valued.
Weekly Outreach Report – October 18, 2024
Though the number of people served was lower this week, we were glad to offer warm clothing, blankets, food, drinks, and personal care items. The “dining room” was full all afternoon! A truly special moment at the HSC shelter today: 13 residents moved into new homes! And we were so happy to learn that the HSC staff were helping with their move! 🙌 Seeing two U-Hauls packed with furniture for them was so heartwarming. Huge thanks to Christina Iris for helping several residents move.
We also reconnected with a few friends we hadn’t seen in a while, and seeing them healthy brought tears of joy. These friendships mean the world to us.
“There is nothing on this earth more to be prized than true friendship.” — Thomas Aquinas Thank you for your ongoing support and love. Together, we walk this journey.
Weekly Outreach Report – October 11, 2024
Friends served: 148
HSC: 72
Street outreach: 76
A volunteer crew of 10 served at the HSC and on the street. Hot chocolate and coffee were hits as usual—especially when folks “Mocha-tized” them with marshmallows! 🍫☕️ Candy apples were a special surprise treat. Matt stepped in as our Bingo caller but couldn’t quite fill Fran’s shoes 😂. Lots of clothes and resources were distributed, and connections made. On the street, it was quieter than usual, but the “dining room” remained popular as friends shared meals and conversation. Our volunteers provided wound care and emotional support, making meaningful connections. Much love to our volunteers and supporters for helping us serve every week!
Weekly Outreach Report – October 4, 2024
This week, Hope Squad Maine served 131 people, including 65 at HSC and 66 on the streets. We saw fewer people than usual, which left us concerned for those we didn’t see as colder weather sets in. Despite the quieter turnout, Pastor Jeff from Grace-Street Ministry visited, and we had meaningful conversations at our “dining room table,” offering a sense of dignity and care to those present. The day was a reminder to stay focused on the people in front of us and the power of love in action.
Read more outreach reports from Hope Squad Maine