UNE’s Meg Webster and Tom McLaughlin author 'Portland Phoenix' cover story

Meg Webster, student support specialist in the School of Social Work, and Tom McLaughlin, M.S.W., Ph.D., professor in the School of Social Work, have written a feature story for the ‘Portland Phoenix.’

Titled “The Shared Spaces of Ernest and Mike,” the cover story investigates the concept of shared spaces and whether common settings create bonds. Webster and McLaughlin spoke with Ernest and Mike, two men who have become friends while living at the YMCA in Portland.

Webster and McLaughlin write, “While there are many differences between them, both Ernest and Mike share a love of life and a joy to be living in Portland.” They go on to describe the hardships faced by Ernest and Mike and the circumstances that led them to live at the YMCA.   

“Both know the importance of friendship, connection and even the honor of sharing a space together. Portland is a richer place because Ernest and Mike live here.”

Read the article in the Portland Phoenix.

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