Sister Mary O’Donnell Family Shelter
When a family is facing homelessness, the fear is immediate and overwhelming. Parents worry about where their children will sleep. They worry about staying together. They worry about what comes next.
The Sister Mary O’Donnell Family Shelter is a high-barrier emergency shelter for families in Aroostook County designed to provide safety, structure, and stability during crisis. Located in Presque Isle, this family homeless shelter in Aroostook offers a secure, drug- and alcohol-free environment where parents and children can remain together while working toward permanent housing.
We are a family-oriented emergency shelter for families, serving approximately one hundred individuals each year, including around thirty children. Families stay together under one roof. We do not separate parents from their children.
Residents receive three daily meals, towels, bedding, laundry access, and shower facilities. Beyond these essentials, our shelter operates with clear expectations and structured guidelines designed to maintain peace, safety, and stability for everyone in the building.
Because children live here, our policies are intentional. Curfews, sobriety requirements, and behavioral expectations help ensure that every family experiences a calm, respectful environment. This structure is not about punishment. It is about protection — especially for the youngest residents who need routine and security most.
If you are asking, “Does the Presque Isle homeless shelter accept children?” — the answer is yes. Families are at the heart of this program.
More Than Emergency Housing for Women and Children in Aroostook
Families receive far more than a bed.
Each household is paired with a Case Manager or a Navigator who works directly with parents to create a personalized plan of action. This includes:
- Housing navigation to secure permanent housing
- Assistance obtaining identification and benefits
- Coordination with local schools to maintain educational stability
- Referrals to employment and workforce resources
- Connections to healthcare, counseling, and community partners
Our goal is not simply to provide temporary shelter, but to help families build a clear path forward. Progress is monitored together, and accountability is shared. We walk alongside parents as they take the next steps toward independence.
This is what makes the Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter more than an emergency housing program in Aroostook County — it is a place to stabilize, regroup, and rebuild.
A Legacy of Compassion
The shelter carries the name of Sister Mary O’Donnell, whose compassion and commitment to the people of this region led to the creation of the first emergency shelter in Aroostook County in 1984. Her belief was simple: no one in this community should be without a safe place to sleep.
That legacy continues today. Every family who walks through our doors is treated with dignity and respect. Every child is welcomed with care. Every parent is met with understanding, not judgment.
Sister Mary O’Donnell, RSM
November 8, 1911 – December 7, 1997
Founder
Sr. Mary O’Donnell, in response to the needs of homeless men, women, and children of Aroostook County, organized a group of citizens to establish and incorporate the Temporary Shelter for the Homeless in 1984.
She was the driving force in locating a building, securing private funds, and then finding volunteers to renovate the Chapel, donated by NMTC.
In late 1984, Sr. Mary’s dream of a shelter for the homeless was realized when the facility finally opened its doors and became a refuge for those who, for whatever reason, were in need of a temporary home.
Sr. Mary continued, through the years, to serve as a Life Time Member of the Board of Directors and to support the Shelter’s mission of helping the homeless.
She was dedicated to helping those less fortunate and tireless in her efforts to make certain the needs of the homeless were met.
Sr. Mary will be remembered and greatly missed by everyone whose lives she touched.
How to Access the Family Shelter
If you are wondering, “Where can homeless families stay in Aroostook County?” — start here.
Families seeking emergency shelter in Presque Isle should contact us directly to discuss availability and admission requirements. Because this is a high-barrier shelter, we maintain structured guidelines to ensure the safety and stability of all residents.
Our team will explain the intake process, review expectations, and determine the best next step for your family’s situation.
FAQS
Meet Michael
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can families stay?
Length of stay varies based on individual circumstances and progress toward housing goals. Our focus is helping families transition into stable, permanent housing as quickly and safely as possible.
Do we have to be from Aroostook County?
Our primary service area is Aroostook County, but each situation is reviewed individually.
Will we receive help finding permanent housing?
Yes. Housing navigation and case management are core components of the program. Families receive support throughout their stay and guidance toward long-term solutions.
Stay Together. Move Forward.
If you are facing homelessness, you do not have to face it alone.
The Sister Mary O’Donnell Family Shelter exists to provide a safe, warm place for your entire family — and a clear path toward stability.