Emergency Shelter
A place to come in.
A place to move forward.
When you have nowhere else to go, this is a place to start again. Warmth, safety, and a path toward what comes next.
A safe place to land, regroup, and take the next step
Milestone’s Emergency Shelter serves men who are actively unhoused and struggling with substance use.
We provide immediate basics like a warm place to sleep, a hot meal, showers, and laundry, in a setting grounded in dignity, safety, and respect.
If you are trying to figure out what comes next, shelter can be the first step. You do not need to have everything solved. You just need a safe place to start.
Emergency Shelter (Men’s Only)
65 India St., Portland, Maine
Shelter Director: Joe McNally
What We Provide
A Safe Place to Sleep
A clean bed for the night in a secure, barrier-free shelter.
Hot Meals
A daily hot meal served onsite.
Showers
Private showers available every day.
Laundry
Access to laundry facilities.
Next Step Support
Staff are here to help you explore options when you are ready.
Who We Serve
Eligibility
- Men who are actively unhoused and need emergency shelter
- Individuals must be able to safely participate in a shared shelter environment
Why Only Men
- This shelter is licensed as a men’s facility and the building layout is designed for one population. We have one set of bathrooms and showers, and we are not configured to safely serve all genders in this space.
What "Wet Shelter" Means
A clearer way to understand it:
This is a low-barrier shelter for people impacted by substance use
We do not require sobriety as a condition of entry
What it does not mean:
We do not allow drugs or alcohol to be consumed onsite
We do not allow dealing, unsafe behavior, or disruption
People may arrive having used before coming in, and people may use after leaving. The goal is to maintain a predictable environment where safety and stability are possible for everyone.
Hours, Check-in, & Capacity
36 beds
Plan to arrive for check-in around 3:00 pm when possible. Check-in time can vary depending on staffing and activity.
Guests typically exit between 6:30 am and 7:00 am to allow staff to clean and reset the space.
We will do our best to connect you with other options and support.
Rules & Expectations
Key expectations include:
No violence or threats toward staff or other guests
No sexual or physical contact between guests
Drug dealing is not allowed
Respect for staff, guests, and shared space at all times
Belongings:
Bring as little as possible; space is limited
Backpacks may be stored behind a locked fence
Milestone is not responsible for lost or stolen items
Prohibited items:
Weapons or items that could be used as weapons
Drug paraphernalia, drugs, and alcohol are not allowed inside the building
Connections to Other Milestone Services
Shelter is part of Milestone’s continuum of care.
When someone is ready, staff can help connect them to the next step.
Detox
If a guest requests detox, staff will help start the process and coordinate logistics.
Housing Navigator
Some shelter guests may qualify for housing navigation support through Milestone’s Housing Navigator program, coordinated through the community’s coordinated entry process.
Housing Navigator: Kirk Carlsen
Phone: 207-775-4790
Rules & Expectations
Who can stay at Milestone’s Emergency Shelter?
The shelter serves men who are actively unhoused and struggling with substance use and who can safely participate in a shared shelter environment.
Why is the shelter men only?
The shelter is licensed as a men’s facility and the building layout includes one set of bathrooms and showers and two dorms. The space is not configured to safely serve all genders.
What does “wet shelter” mean?
It means sobriety is not required for entry. We serve people who are impacted by substance use and meet them where they are.
Does “wet shelter” mean people can use drugs or alcohol inside?
No. Drugs and alcohol may not be consumed on site. Wet shelter refers to low-barrier access, not on-site use.
When should I arrive for the best chance of getting a bed?
Arriving around 1:30 pm gives you the best chance for overnight placement, when possible. Check-in timing can vary depending on shelter activity and staffing.
What happens in the morning?
Guests are typically asked to leave around 6:30 am for a brief period of cleaning. If leaving would be unsafe, staff will assess and may allow someone to stay.
What happens if the shelter is full?
If we reach capacity, staff work to refer someone to the most appropriate option available based on need and safety.
What should I bring?
Bring as little as possible. Storage is limited. Backpacks are stored securely behind a locked fence and returned when you leave.
Are belongings searched?
Backpacks are stored securely and are not searched.
What items are not allowed inside?
Weapons (or items that could be used as weapons), ammunition, drug paraphernalia, drugs, and alcohol are not allowed inside the building.
What services are available beyond a bed?
How do I reach the shelter?
Call 207-775-4790 or visit 65 India St., Portland.