On Monday, August 4, a new 30-day pilot program designed to provide regular and coordinated delivery of mobile meals to the homeless began according to a press release issued by the city of Portland earlier this week.  Part of the mission is to deliver meals “at one designated public site on the Portland peninsula.”  That designated spot is at 28 Cotton Street.  Meals will be served 7 days per week  for approximately 90 minutes (12:30 pm – 2:00 pm).

This pilot project is part of a broader strategy to ensure food access for those in need while also addressing public health, safety and sanitation challenges according to the press release.  Through collaboration between the city and community partners, the project aims to deliver services in a more sustainable, coordinated manner while maintaining the trust and well-being of surrounding neighborhoods.

“Only when people are fed and their basic needs are met can they begin to consider next steps in their lives.  Preble Street is hopeful that this pilot will provide even more regular connection to nutritious meals and lifesaving services for people who are unsheltered and struggling in our community,” said Andrew Bove, vice president of Social Work at Preble Street.  “We all want to see more people sheltered or housed and not forced to live on the streets; food and basic needs are the critical first steps in the process to helping people move forward.”

“What we’re hoping is that folks who are unsheltered are going to be able to get more access to food and not have to go hungry and have a site they can rely on and know that food will be there,” said Joe McNally, Direcdtor of Homeless Services for Milestone Recovery.

The non-profits joining the city of Portland in this pilot program are:  Preble Street, Milestone Recovery and Hope Squad Maine.