Helpful Maine Programs and Websites
Maine has its own page because…you guessed it! I live in Maine. This means that I know more about programs here than in other states.
I am not saying, by adding this information here, that everyone who is having it rough should rush out and sign up for welfare. It is so hard to get off welfare when you are on it. Exhaust all other avenues first. If you only need childcare and gas money, don’t sign up for everything else.
Visit again as it may take some time for me to get all of the information posted.
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Seeks to eliminate poverty and homelessness. Find out about how you may qualify. Helping families in need.
The Salvation Army
65 S Park St, Bangor, ME: 207-941-2990
585 Broadway, Bangor, ME: 207-941-2993
The Holy Family Thrift Shop (Holy Family Parish Church)
9:00 AM to 1:00 PM Wednesdays and Thursdays, 9:00 AM- 3:00 PM Fridays. Carroll Street, Old Town (White house behind the church.)
They have clothing, toys, books, baby and household needs at very reasonable prices. You can also bring in items you no longer need at these times.
Crossroads Resource Center and Thrift Shop
Open 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM at 2 Wood St., Old Town, 827-1298
Here they sell food at good costs to help the low-income family. Be sure to bring proof of income. They also provide other services to help those in need, including a thrift shop.
This is a non profit energy company that has helped many people. As far as I can tell, it deals with oil, gas, electricity and even prescription drugs. Check them out!
This site offers assistance, home rehab, grant programs, conservation tips and more. The assistance includes emergency fuel assistance, etc.
This is where you go for Food Stamps, MaineCare, TANF, Child Support, Aspire and other programs that may be of help to you.
Check out their site for information concerning childcare vouchers, heating assistance, housing and more. If you are a childcare provider, you may also be able to get partial reimbursements on the food that you serve the children while they are in your home. I do this, and I am not even licensed.
I loved this program. You do not have to pay any of it back, and even if you are not on welfare you may very well qualify. The vouchers are for food that you need when you are pregnant, as well as for infants and children: Milk, formula, peanut butter, cereal and more.
I love this store! We shop the one in Bangor. It is big, has changing rooms, and has great buys on clothing, some of which are even brand new. They also sell toys, books, household items and more.
This is a very helpful place that has a soup kitchen, a food bank, a food pantry, help with childcare when people are getting back on their feet, and a place for men and women in transition to stay.
Provides free legal services to low-income people.
Does more than just help people buy homes.
Freecycle & Craigslist
Freecycle is a yahoo group. They have locations throughout the country. Sign up for some close to you. Here people give away things that are too good to throw away and they don’t need any more in order to keep from taking them to the landfill. You can find household items, furniture, clothing, books even homeschool supplies and materials. In some you can also do a wanted for something you may need.
Craigslist. This has places throughout the country. They have mostly things for sale, but they are cheaper sometimes than in the stores.
~ Contributed by Natalie Manfull from Acworth, Georgia ~
Other Information:
Your town may also have a program set up for you to get emergency money for rent, electricity and food. Possibly other programs if you lost everything in a fire.
You do not need to be a member of a church to get help with food, or to shop in their thrift store.
