BANGOR, Maine — The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter has been helping people experiencing homelessness for more than three decades.
The shelter's Intake and Diversion Program also aims to support people who are on the verge of homelessness.
Maria Horodeski, the shelter's Intake and Diversion coordinator, knows the importance of having resources available during difficult times.
"I once experienced homelessness," Horodeski said. "I want to be the person I wish I had when I was going through that."
Horodeski's mission is to connect individuals nearing homelessness to resources.
Under Horodeski's leadership, the shelter's Intake and Diversion Program helped eight people on the verge of experiencing homelessness last month.
"That's eight people that didn't enter into our facility, and we don't have eight beds right now, so if they're entering in the bed that are full now, the other folks would not have been able to get in through the door,” Boyd Kronholm, executive director at Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, said.
The program helps individuals avoid using shelter services by helping to provide options like assisting with rent, moving expenses, or utility bills.
"Oftentimes it keeps people in their house so they don't have that trauma being evicted and being on the street or staying at congregate, and oftentimes people don't know where to go," Kronholm said.
The program helped more than 50 individuals last year and over 100 since it started in 2021.
"There'd be more people on the streets if diversion wasn't a thing," Horodeski said.
For Horodeski who spearheaded the program, it brings her joy to know the work she is doing is helping people stay on their feet.
"It really touches my heart when I’m able to divert a family with children from experience homelessness," Horodeski said.
The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter is open 365 days a year providing overnight shelter to individuals experiencing homelessness.
You can support the shelter by dropping off your donation at their location on 263 Main St. in Bangor or by going to their website.