The Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center meals program and daytime resource space will close at the end of the month while its parent organization seeks funding.
Maine Mental Health Connections on Tuesday said the organization’s board of directors determined the closure necessary “to protect MMHC’s remaining services and ensure long-term organizational sustainability.”
Last year, MMHC lost the state funding it had relied on since 2016 to operate The Together Place Peer Run Recovery Center, located at 2 Second St. in Bangor, where it offers a safe daytime space for homeless and vulnerable residents and low-cost meals to 20 to 50 people a day, according to the organization.
Shea Mullaney, president of the MMHC board, said the temporary closure “protects our core services while we work toward the sustainable funding needed to reopen the day space on stronger footing.”
Together Place is the flagship program of Maine Mental Health Connections, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.
MMHC is seeking immediate bridge funding from individuals, businesses, foundations and other partners to ensure that the program “remains here for years to come,” Mullaney said.
Founded in 1981, the Together Place aims to provide mental health and substance use recovery resources, usually led by people with first-hand experience. These peer-run recovery groups focus on everything from coping with depression and anxiety to anger management.
The program serves anywhere from 300 to 500 people every month and offers support to many of the city’s most vulnerable residents. The Together Place’s resources became especially important following the closure last year the Health Equity Alliance, which also offered support for those experiencing homelessness, substance use disorder and other challenges.
The day space and diner will be suspended starting July 31 at 4 p.m.
Donations may be made at togetherplace.org. Individuals and organizations interested in providing financial support or discussing a partnership should contact Joseph Hartel at 207-745-7638 or joseph@togetherplace.org.
