PORTLAND, Maine — Volunteers in Portland held a community outreach day to support the city's unhoused community as the fall temperatures move in.
Outreach volunteers served about 100 people on the corner of Oxford and Preble Streets Saturday afternoon, passing out donated blankets, hygiene products, backpacks, food, and more.
"This is why we love doing it: because we see the smiles on peoples' faces and we know that they're just happy that somebody cares," Shay Dufour, the lead organizer and an advocate for the unhoused community, said. "We all care, but to really show it and to say 'Hey, we're here for you guys. Whatever you need. We're gonna help you.' That's what it's about."
Dufour was unhoused on and off for 20 years, she said. After finding housing four years ago, she said it's her mission to help people still experiencing homelessness, many of whom are her friends.
"The first thing I said was 'I'm going to make sure that I help people that are in my situation that I was once in and help them to understand that they too can become sober or they can get the help they need for mental health," Dufour said.
Organizers also held a vigil for some of the unhoused people who have recently passed away, including Brett Staples.
"We have one main purpose to show love and support in our unhoused community," Dufour said.