11/14/2025
A Huge Day of Hope and Progress at Bangor’s Hope House!
On Wednesday, November 12th, Penobscot Community Health Care proudly joined our incredible partners at Preble Street to break ground on transformational expansions at the Hope House Health & Living Center — a milestone moment that marks a brighter, stronger future for our entire community. Thanks to extraordinary support from the City of Bangor and Penobscot County through ARPA funds, we are moving forward with major expansions to both our shelter and transitional housing programs, ensuring we can meet the growing needs of our neighbors experiencing homelessness.
What’s Coming by End of 2026:
SHELTER EXPANSION: More than 4,000 sq. ft. of new space, increasing capacity from 56 to 68 beds plus four flex beds, and expanding kitchen and dining areas, restrooms, and showers.
TRANSITIONAL HOUSING GROWTH: Construction of a new wing with 18 units (bedrooms) — resulting in a net gain of 4 additional units after relocating 14 existing units into the new space. This shift makes room for enlarged and improved common areas, a new entrance, and greatly enhanced counseling and support space for our housing team and navigators.
ENHANCED SUPPORT SERVICES: Renovated staff areas with increased space for the housing team, peer support navigators, wellness navigator, and triage/diversion staff — enabling more comprehensive, coordinated care, all in one location.
As our CEO Lori Dwyer shared, this project “will allow us not only to serve more people, but to serve them more effectively.” With expanded facilities and improved program areas, we are working toward a future where homelessness is brief, rare, and non-recurring.
💛 Thank you to the City of Bangor, Penobscot County, Preble Street, Nickerson & O’Day, our dedicated staff, and every community member who champions this mission. Your support makes days like this possible. Together, we are building more than walls — we’re building opportunity, stability, and a future where every person has a safe place to call home.
