How to get or give help in Maine for housing, heating, food and more
Maine’s Community Network Offers a Broad Range of Support Services
In towns and cities across Maine, a network of nonprofits, churches, and community groups is stepping in to meet basic needs for residents facing hardship. From food pantries to heating assistance, the state’s support system is extensive, though it relies on donations, volunteer work and local participation to keep it running.
1. 211: One‑Stop Contact for Local Services
The free, 24‑hour number 211 can be dialed or accessed online at 211Maine.org. The service connects callers to state‑wide assistance programs, shelters, transportation, and more. It is a first line of help for anyone looking for immediate or long‑term support.
2. General Assistance for Rent and Utilities
Town and city halls across Maine provide “General Assistance” to residents who qualify for help with rent, utilities and other expenses. Applicants must check with the local municipal office in the town where they live to find application forms and eligibility criteria.
3. “Be There for Me” – A Parent‑Caregiver Resource
The Be There for Me website (bethereforme.org) aggregates a variety of services for parents and caregivers, including housing, transportation, childcare and supplies. A searchable database makes it easier to locate help in a specific county or town.
4. Food and Nutrition Support
Food Pantries & Meal Programs: Hundreds of food banks and meal services operate throughout the state. The Maine Food Access Map is an interactive online tool that helps residents find the nearest pantry or meal program.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Applicants can find local Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) offices or call 855‑797‑4357 to apply. Online applications are also available at mymaineconnection.gov.
Commodity Supplemental Food Program: This federal program supplies food boxes to low‑income seniors 60 and older. Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry lists local distribution agencies on its website.
Good Shepherd Food Bank: Based in Auburn, the nonprofit distributes food to more than 600 partner programs statewide. Monetary donations are accepted through their website.
5. Housing, Heating, and Shelter
Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): HEAP helps homeowners and renters pay heating costs. Applications are handled by local Community Action Agencies and can be completed online or in person at mainehousing.org.
Wood Banks: Nearly two dozen wood banks operate across Maine—including in Cumberland, Freeport, Bethel, Kennebec County, Buxton, Waldo County, and the Midcoast—to provide free or low‑cost firewood to households in need. More information is available on the Maine Wood Banks website.
Emergency Shelters: Eleven counties host shelters for people experiencing homelessness. Contact details and a directory are available through MaineHousing. Homeless individuals in Portland can reach a 24/7 hotline at 207‑761‑2072; veterans at risk may call 800‑377‑5709.
Eviction Prevention Program: This program can cover past‑due rent for eligible families and offer assistance for up to a year. Information is available through MaineHousing.
6. Legal Aid and Healthcare
Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides free civil legal help to qualifying low‑income Mainers, including assistance with evictions and family matters. The organization can be reached at 207‑942‑8322 or via its website.
Maine Medical Association Clinics: A list of free or low‑cost medical and dental clinics for uninsured patients can be found at mainephysicians.org.
Maine Mobile Health Program: Mobile clinics offer medical and behavioral health services on a sliding‑scale basis to farmworkers and other residents. Call 207‑622‑9252 or visit mainemobile.org for details.
7. Household Items and Diaper Banks
Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston operates a diaper bank that distributes a 50‑pack of diapers each month. Contact information is available on the center’s website or by calling 207‑782‑5700.
Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services in Portland runs a diaper bank that distributes diapers twice a month. The organization also operates an essentials pantry that supplies household items not covered by SNAP. Contact 207‑772‑1959 for participation.
Furniture Friends in Westbrook collects gently used furniture for individuals in need and accepts donations of furniture and money. Details can be found on the Furniture Friends website.
Maine Needs in Portland accepts clothing, household items, diapers and monetary donations. The nonprofit works through case managers and social workers to meet specific community needs, and is currently raising funds to provide diapers to 8,500 babies. For guidelines and donation options, visit maineneeds.org.
8. How Residents Can Offer Support
Donations: Many programs accept monetary contributions or gently used items. Direct donors to the organization’s website for specific instructions.
Volunteering: Local food pantries frequently need volunteers to help sort, pack, and distribute food. Reach out to the pantry in your community for volunteer opportunities.
Sharing Resources: If you know of additional assistance programs, email [email protected] to help keep the community resource list up to date.
Maine’s system of community support is robust, but it depends on the generosity of residents and volunteers. By reaching out—whether to receive help or to give it—Maine’s residents can help keep their neighbors safe, warm, and nourished.
