A Portland-based program that transitions unhoused people to permanent housing is now offering its services to Lewiston and Auburn.
Preble Street’s Rapid Rehousing Program helps individuals and families experiencing homelessness gain and retain housing.
“We not only provide housing navigation, but we also provide financial support based on what someone is identifying with what they need,” said Leanne Pomeroy, director of Preble Street’s Rapid Rehousing Program. “Once we get them into housing, we make sure they have everything they need or identify what they need. We then sit down with them and see what their goals might be in terms of a future for themselves.”
Created in 2020, the organization says it recently received $2 million in funding from the federal government for some of its programs and to expand its rapid rehousing program to Androscoggin County.
Preble Street has been making a significant difference in taking care of the homeless, Pomeroy said. Since 2020, she says caseworkers at Preble Street have housed more than 100 previously homeless individuals.
“We’re outreaching, we’re getting in front of folks and figuring out has been some challenges and where has the system not met them,” said Pomeroy.
Community Concepts homeless outreach coordinator Kevin Boilard of Community Concepts works with the homeless in Auburn. Boilard says it’s exciting to see Preble Street’s program finally come to Lewiston-Auburn.
“One of my biggest frustrations in identifying homelessness was having trouble with transitional and housing the individuals,” said Boilard. “With Preble Street here, it brings that strength to the community. It helps give these individuals a roof over their heads.”
The goal for Preble Street is to put at least 30 households and 35 individuals into housing across Lewiston and Auburn.
Pomeroy says she hopes to replicate the success they’ve seen in Portland.
“Hopefully for years to come, we’ll be able to show that this is a resource that is effective and build upon it and expand it,” said Pomeroy.
