About Us

What We Are

Friendship House is an organization committed to helping men seeking to overcome their addictions,

mainly by providing guidance, encouragement, and a family atmosphere. We accomplish this by

staffing our house with loving, compassionate, individuals who understand addiction and live with the

guests. Herb Blake is our Executive Director. Friendship House is governed by a volunteer Board of

Directors, committed to providing the best home possible.

Mission Statement

To express the love of God through Christ to the poor and disadvantaged, by providing a safe home

where hope and healing are extended to those who are broken spiritually, emotionally or physically.

History

Friendship House was founded by the late Louise and Claude Montgomery. In 1985, at age 70,

Louise and her prayer partner Alison Kelley, felt that God was directing them to open Friendship

House. Through several miracles, she and her husband purchased a home on Brackett Street in

Portland, renovated it, and opened it to the cities' homeless population. Through transition,

experience and prayer, the home eventually became a haven for men who were recovering from

addictions. In 2003, after struggling to keep up with an increase in demand, Friendship House was

blessed with the opportunity to move into a larger home located in South Portland, Maine.