Michael Smith presents Mission Led by Love Services to City Council for support

The Portsmouth City Council convened on July 8, 2025, to address various community issues and initiatives. The meeting began with Councilman Dodson raising a question regarding ranked choice voting, referencing its recent application in a major election. He inquired about available data on its impact, to which a council member responded affirmatively, stating that data could be obtained.

Following this discussion, the council welcomed Michael Smith, a first-time speaker at the council meeting. Smith introduced himself and his organization, Mission Led by Love Services, which he founded out of personal experience with the challenges of accessing community support services. He shared his frustrations with existing outreach programs, highlighting issues such as long waiting lists and arbitrary selection processes for assistance.

Smith expressed his commitment to helping others in similar situations, noting his plans to distribute 4,000 bottles of water to the homeless during the hot summer months. He emphasized his proactive approach, having registered his nonprofit and sought funding through platforms like GoFundMe. Smith requested guidance on applying for state grants to further his mission.

In response to Smith's presentation, council members acknowledged his courage and dedication. They assured him that resources were available within the city to assist him and encouraged him to connect with representatives present at the meeting for further support.

The meeting concluded with a sense of community engagement, as council members expressed their commitment to supporting local entrepreneurs and addressing the needs of vulnerable populations in Portsmouth.