PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — Two social services organizations that provide crucial assistance to homeless families and individuals in Aroostook County will soon benefit from a local effort to raise awareness and funds for much-needed operational and security expenses.
On Thursday, March 8, the Hope and Justice Project and Homeless Services of Aroostook will become the recipients of funds raised through the Hope for the Homeless Telethon presented by WAGM-TV and United Way of Aroostook. Both the Hope and Justice Project and Homeless Services of Aroostook provide shelter and access to other local services through their shelters and will use all donations to create an even safer environment for those they serve.
Rebekah Shaw, associate director of the Hope and Justice Project, said that all three of the emergency shelters that the organization operates in Aroostook County — in the Saint John Valley, Caribou, and Houlton — are in need of physical repairs and capital improvements. She and staff members also hope to install security and surveillance systems, something currently lacking at all three shelters.
“We have always taken security measures such as keeping all doors locked, but we want to foster an environment where everyone can come and feel safe,” Shaw said.
In 2017, the Hope and Justice Project served 150 people in their emergency shelters and provided 1,200 clients total in Aroostook County with services such as individual and group support, advocacy and legal representation, and transitional housing. Through the Hope and Justice hotline alone, the organization handled 7,100 calls that same year.
The most common factor that contributes to domestic violence victims becoming homeless is when they flee an abusive relationship and need a safe place to stay while deciding what to do next. Shaw noted that many people who live in the Sister Mary O’Donnell Homeless Shelter in Presque Isle, operated by Homeless Services of Aroostook, also seek out Hope and Justice Project’s services.
“If someone who has experienced abuse comes to the homeless shelter but wants to talk to someone to help with their specific needs, the shelter refers those people to us and we collaborate,” Shaw said.
Stephen Eyler, executive director of Homeless Services of Aroostook also said that he and the Hope and Justice Project often work together to provide as much assistance as possible for victims of domestic violence.
“If they don’t have room at any of their safe houses, then those individuals are referred to us, but while still receiving services from Hope and Justice Project,” Eyler said.
Like at the Hope and Justice Project, safety and security are crucial goals for Homeless Services of Aroostook. Part of the organization’s funds received through the telethon will be used to replace the current surveillance system at the homeless shelter.
“We have a surveillance system but it’s outdated and the camera resolution isn’t clear,” Eyler said. “We’d like to replace that system with current technology and take it with us to a new location whenever that happens. Our first priority is ensuring that all children and families at the shelter feel safe and that the surveillance can go all around the building.”
Other donations will go toward utility costs such as electricity, water and sewer; maintenance, which cost Homeless Services of Aroostook around $22,000 a year; and insurance expenses, that total up to $12,000 a year. The shelter also serves three meals a day to residents at a cost of about $7,000 per year. More than 140,000 meals were provided in 2017. None of the funds raised, according to, Eyler, will go toward administrative expenses.
“We’re a small nonprofit that tries to fill a big role in our community and we’re all grateful for the generosity shown toward us in the community,” Eyler said. “The shelter is the only one in Aroostook County and it’s our job to catch the families and individuals who are falling into homelessness and give them more than just a safe place to sleep at night.”
Those who wish to donate during the Hope for the Homeless Telethon can call WAGM-TV any time from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. on March 8 at (207) 554-5153. There is no limit to donations.
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- The Sister Mary O’Donnell Emergency Shelter, operated by Homeless Services of Aroostook, is located at 745 Central Drive in Presque Isle. Homeless Services of Aroostook is searching for a new building and location to help expand services and give residents a more home-like environment, according to Executive Director Stephen Eyler. (Melissa Lizotte)
