Are you a Mainer barely getting by? We want to hear from you.
Maine Residents Urged to Share Their Financial Struggles in New Survey
Portland, Maine — The Portland Press Herald is calling on Mainers across the state to complete a new survey designed to document the everyday financial challenges that residents face. The survey, which is anonymous by default, will capture how families are coping with rising costs for housing, food, utilities, and other essential expenses.
Staff writer Gillian Graham, who reports on social services for the paper, said the survey seeks “a clearer picture of the day‑to‑day decisions people make to keep their homes afloat.” Graham can be reached at gillian.graham@pressherald.com. Respondents may opt to share their contact details if they wish to speak directly with a reporter about their experiences.
The survey comes amid a growing number of Mainers who find themselves either below the federal poverty line or just above it—an economic position that often leaves households scrambling to make ends meet. As inflation drives up the cost of food, gas, housing and health care, even families that previously managed comfortably are now experiencing new financial strain.
“Across the state, including our rural communities, many people are feeling the squeeze,” Graham explained. “We’re looking to understand exactly what that looks like on the ground.” The paper’s coverage has highlighted how limited access to resources and support programs can make it difficult for residents to secure the help they need.
The survey is open to all Maine residents. Participants can fill it out online at the Press Herald website. The paper notes that responses will remain anonymous unless a participant chooses to provide contact information for follow‑up.
The Portland Press Herald will use the data to produce a series of stories that shed light on the everyday financial hurdles Mainers face, from food insecurity and rising gas prices to housing instability and health‑care costs. By documenting these challenges, the paper hopes to spur conversations about policy and community support that could ease the burden on the state’s most vulnerable families.
