The John T. Gorman Foundation has awarded $200,000 to two of Maine’s leading organizations addressing food insecurity and homelessness, providing critical support at a time when many families face rising costs and economic uncertainty.
The Foundation awarded a $100,000 grant to Good Shepherd Food Bank and a $100,000 grant to Preble Street, recognizing the essential role both organizations play in helping Maine families access food and shelter.
“Access to nutritious food and stable housing are fundamental building blocks for healthy children, thriving families, and strong communities,” Nicole Witherbee, president & CEO of the John T. Gorman Foundation, said. “As many Maine families navigate rising costs with fewer available resources, organizations like Good Shepherd Food Bank and Preble Street are providing essential support. We are proud to bolster their work and help ensure that more Mainers can access the food and shelter they need to thrive.”
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge for Maine families. About one in five Maine children live in food-insecure households – the highest rate in New England. Housing costs also continue to place increasing pressure on families, contributing to ongoing risks of housing instability and homelessness.
Good Shepherd Food Bank will use the funding to support its statewide network of food assistance programs. The organization distributed nearly 49 million pounds of food through 600 partner agencies across Maine last year, helping provide an estimated 40 million meals to Maine residents.
The grant to Preble Street will support the organization’s efforts to provide shelter access, housing services, and nutritious meals for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Each year, Preble Street helps nearly 11,000 homeless or housing-insecure youth and families and provides permanent housing opportunities along with services and basic needs that connect people directly to stable housing and long-term security.
In addition to these grants, the Foundation will distribute another $1 million later this summer through its 2026 Direct Services Grant Program to nonprofits across Maine addressing food insecurity and housing instability. These investments reflect the Foundation’s commitment to helping organizations meet the most urgent needs facing Maine children and families.
The John T. Gorman Foundation is a private foundation based in Portland, Maine, with a mission to make Maine a more equitable place where all children and families can thrive. This focus reflects the recognition of our founder Tom Gorman that his personal success and achievement were largely derived from the support provided to him by his family and community, as well as his desire to provide those with fewer advantages and opportunities to succeed.
For more information, visit www.jtgfoundation.org.