For as long as I’ve known Roger Goodoak of the Maine Homeless Veteran’s Alliance, I’ve been inspired by his generosity and dedication to helping those less fortunate in the greater Portland area.

Goodoak handing out free pizza and water to people outside the Oxford Street Shelter on the Fourth of July in 2015. Photo- Chris Shorr, BDN.
Portland has a lot of social service agencies that take care of many of the needs of the marginalized people in our community, but no matter how many shelters, soup kitchens, detox units, or any other type of agency that we might have, there will always be needs that aren’t met.
Goodoak, along with many other volunteers across the region, play an enormous role in filling that gap, which is why I will continue to commit regular space on this blog page for MHVA updates and stories.
On Monday, Goodoak posted a status update on Facebook to the MHVA page that began with the line “who are the homeless and why do I help them.”
The post serves a reminder to anyone out there who might feel as if their past is keeping them from pursuing their goals, becoming contributing members of their community, or simply looking for survival tools like water, blankets, or dry socks.
Quite simply, the MHVA is here to keep people safe and cared for. If you or anyone you know is struggling and feels as if there is nowhere else to go for help, please reach out to Goodoak. You’re exactly who he’s here for.