Portland-based organization, Preble Street, is set to take over operations of Hope House in Bangor on Feb. 1, 2025, saving the only low-barrier shelter that many vulnerable people rely on each night. The announcement of the takeover came before the Bangor City Council, with both organizations expressing their plans for the handover.
Hope House was facing a $1 million shortfall this year and was at risk of closing if a new owner couldn’t be found by PCHC’s deadline. The potential closure would have left many residents without shelter, potentially leading to incarceration or hospitalization.
Preble Street is the only organization that offered to take on the shelter, emphasizing the critical need to keep shelters in the state open. The state’s funding of $7.5 million over three years for low-barrier shelters was a game-changer, ensuring each shelter, including Hope House, will receive $500,000 annually.
Despite Preble Street taking over operations, PCHC will oversee the renovation and expansion of the building to increase the shelter’s capacity to hold at least 66 people. The project, which is expected to begin next year, will be funded in part by the $2.77 million in pandemic relief money given by the city council.
The partnership between Preble Street and PCHC has been welcomed by the City Council, stating the importance of the services provided by Hope House. With the new state funding and additional private donations, the shelter’s daily operations are expected to be financially sustainable in the coming years.
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