Maine Employment
Maine Affordable Rentals
Maine Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
German Maine Emergency Services
MAINE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Maine Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

NEW HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RELATED MATERIALS ARE NOW LOCATED ON OUR NEW “MAINE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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Maine Head Start
Managing Agency Maine http://www.maine.gov
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For enrollment information, contact the program nearest you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
You can visit the Maine Office of Child Care and Head Start: http://maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ec/occhs/
You may also contact the Maine Department of Human Services by calling: (207) 624-5866

Posted 04-08-12

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Maine Weatherization Assistance Program

Managing Agency Maine http://www.maine.gov

Program Description
The Maine State Housing Authority operates the Weatherization and Central Heating Improvement Programs (CHIP) to finance energy related repairs for low income homeowners and renters. The programs are run through Maine’s Community Action Program (CAP) agencies. The Weatherization program finances improvements that increase the energy efficiency of the home – such things as insulation, weatherstripping, and in some cases safety related repairs or more general improvements.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $24,909 if one person lives in the household; $33,511 if two people live in the household; $42,113 if three people live in the household; $50,715 if four people live in the household; $59,317 if five people live in the household; $67,919 if six people live in the household; $76,521 if seven people live in the household; or $85,123 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $8,602 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply, contact the CAP agency nearest you:

http://www.mainehousing.org/Charts/cap-agencies?PageCMD=3

Or, you may call (207) 624-5708.

Program Contact Information

For more information on the program please visit:http://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/Energy/EnergyDetail?ProgramID=49

Updated 09-08-11

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Maine Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Managing Agency Maine http://www.maine.gov

Program Description
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (commonly called LIHEAP or HEAP) provides money to low income homeowners and renters to help pay heating costs. Eleven Community Action Programs distribute the funds throughout Maine, in most cases directly to the fuel vendors. The program is not intended to pay for all heating costs, but to assist in paying the heating bills.
LIHEAP is Federally funded through the Department of Health and Human Services. The Federal government establishes funding levels annually. LIHEAP is targeted to low and very low income Maine homeowners and renters.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Maine, you must need financial assistance for home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $24,909 if one person lives in the household; $33,511 if two people live in the household; $42,113 if three people live in the household; $50,715 if four people live in the household; $59,317 if five people live in the household; $67,919 if six people live in the household; $76,521 if seven people live in the household; $85,123 if eight people live in the household; and $93,725 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $8,602 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
Contact your local Community Action Program (CAP) agency to apply:

http://www.mainehousing.org/Charts/cap-agencies?PageCMD=3

Program Contact Information

Please visit the Maine LIHEAP website for more information:http://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/Energy/EnergyDetail?ProgramID=37

Public inquires can be made toll-free at: 1-800-452-4668

Also, you may contact MSHA’s Energy and Housing Services division at: 207-624-5708
jchoate@mainehousing.org

Updated 09-08-11

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Maine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Managing Agency Maine http://www.maine.gov

Program Description
SNAP provides food assistance benefits that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. The amount of food assistance benefits each household receives is based on the Thrifty Food Plan, the model diet plan the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) uses to project the cost of food for one month for different household sizes. Under SNAP rules, resources- such as bank accounts, cash real estate, personal property, vehicles, and so forth- are considered in determining whether a household is eligible to get SNAP. Some resources are counted toward the allowable limit and some are not. The SNAP worker will explain which are counted. The resources of people who get public assistance, SSI, and, in some locations, general assistance is not counted toward the limit.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $14,079 if one person lives in the household; $18,941 if two people live in the household; $23,803 if three people live in the household; $28,665 if four people live in the household; $33,527 if five people live in the household; $38,389 if six people live in the household; $43,251 if seven people live in the household; or $48,113 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $4,862 for each additional person in the home.
All households may have up to $2,000 worth of countable resources and still be eligible. Households may have up to $3,000 and still be eligible if at least one member is age 60 or older. Most households must have income at or below certain dollar limits before and after deductions are allowed. However, households in which all members are getting public assistance or SSI (or, in some locations, general assistance) do not have to meet the income eligibility tests.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for this program, download and fill out an application:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/snap/APP-01-07.pdf.

Next, return the application to your local DHHS Office via email or fax, or in person. To locate your nearest DHHS Office, visit:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/DHSaddresses.htm.

Return your application as soon as possible. If you qualify, benefits start from the date you turn in your application. Additionally, if you qualify, you can receive SNAP benefits within 30 days.

Program Contact Information

For more information, visit:http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/services/snap/index.html

Updated 07-28-2011

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Maine Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

Managing Agency Maine http://www.maine.gov

Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant,
breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully
eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have
certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum
woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and,
(2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members
who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply, set up an appointment at the WIC clinic closest to you:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/wic/locator.shtml

Program Contact Information

For more information on Maine WIC, please visit:http://www.state.me.us/dhs/wic/

Please see the following website for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

If you have questions about the WIC program call the Maine WIC program office toll-free at: 800-437-9300

TTY users call: 800-438-5514

posted 06-21-11

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TEC-Assist helps people find and donate gently used manual wheelchairs, tub seats, safety accessories, portable wheelchair ramps and other assistive equipment to facilitate independent living and a better quality of life. Borrowers must become members by filling out an application form. Members have access to a range of TEC services that include receiving a technology needs assessment and working with a case manager.

For more information visit https://www.disability.gov/state/maine/technology.

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NERRC is one of six Regional Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Center provides special education technical assistance to help state education agencies improve their systems of early intervention, special education and transition services for children with disabilities. Find more resources for parents and educators in your state.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/maine/education

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Program Description
The School Breakfast and Lunch Programs make nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free meals available to school children each
school day. Over 92,000 schools offer lunches at school, and nearly 70,000 schools offer breakfast at school nationwide. School
breakfasts and lunches must meet the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and Federal nutrition standards. Some schools offer
afterschool snacks to children in the school’s afterschool care programs.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for
each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://www.maine.gov/education/eddir/schcontact.htm

Program Contact Information
For additional information about the programs please visit the Maine Child Nutrition Services office web site at:

http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/index.htm

You can contact the Child Nutrition Services office to speak with a State representative about the programs.
207-624-6842

Managing Agency
Maine

http://www.maine.gov

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Program Description
The Food Stamp Program provides food stamps that help low income households buy the food they need for good health. The
amount of food stamps each household receives is based on the Thrifty Food Plan…the model diet plan the U.S. Department of
Agriculture (USDA) uses to project the cost of food for one month for different household sizes. Under food stamp rules, resources–
such as bank accounts, cash real estate, personal property, vehicles, and so forth–are considered in determining whether a
household is eligible to get food stamps. Some resources are counted toward the allowable limit and some are not. The food stamp
worker will explain which are counted. The resources of people who get public assistance, SSI, and, in some locations, general
assistance is not counted toward the limit. All households may have up to $2,000 worth of countable resources and still be eligible.
Households may have up to $3,000 and still be eligible if at least one member is age 60 or older. Most households must have income
at or below certain dollar limits before and after deductions are allowed. However, households in which all members are getting
public assistance or SSI (or, in some locations, general assistance) do not have to meet the income eligibility tests.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with
a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and
checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a
disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than
$13,284 if one person lives in the household; $17,808 if two people live in the household; $22,332 if three people live in the
household; $26,856 if four people live in the household; $31,380 if five people live in the household; $35,904 if six people live in the
household; $40,428 if seven people live in the household; or $44,952 if more than seven people live in the household.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To apply for Food Stamps, download an application from the Bureau of Family Independence web site:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/snap/index.html

You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader to view the application. The reader can also be downloaded from the Bureau of Family
Independence web site.

You may also request an application from your local Food Stamp Office. You can request an application in person, by phone, or
someone else can get one for you. To find the office nearest you, visit our website at:

http://www.state.me.us/dhs/DHSaddresses.htm

Once completed return your application as soon as possible. If you qualify, benefits start from the date you turn in your application.
Also if you qualify, you can receive food stamps within 30 days.
For more information, visit our web site at:

http://www.state.me.us/dhs/

Managing Agency
Maine

http://www.maine.gov

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Program Description
Just as learning does not end when school lets out, neither does a child’s need for good nutrition. The Maine Summer Food Service
Program (SFSP) provides free, nutritious meals and snacks to help children in low-income areas get the nutrition they need to learn,
play and grow throughout the summer months when they are out of school.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, your household’s annual income before
taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household;$26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three
people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six
people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Summer Food Service program, contact the site nearest you by clicking below and looking under “Looking for a
Summer Food Service Program site?”:

http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/sfsp.htm

Program Contact Information
You can obtain additional information about Maine SFSP by visiting:

http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/sfsp.htm

You also may call the Maine Child Nutrition Services office at 207-624-6842 to speak with a customer service representative about
SFSP.

Managing Agency
Maine

http://www.maine.gov

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Program Description
MaineCare provides free or low-cost health insurance for families with children and pregnant women.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Maine, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance
(including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, or pregnant, and you must have an annual household
income before taxes of less than $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if
four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if
seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,500 if more than eight people live in the
household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may
have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
Applications can be found here:

http://mainegov-images.informe.org/dhhs/OIAS/public-assistance/pdf/On-Line-CubCare-Application.pdf

Once completed, mail or fax in your application and supporting documentation to the nearest Department of Health and Human
Services office. Locate your nearest DHHS office here:

https://portalxw.bisoex.state.me.us/dhhs-apps/office_finder/index.asp

To get more information or help filling out an application, please call the Department of Human Services toll-free at:
877-543-7669

You may also call the Covering Kids and Teens Help Line toll-free and TDD/TTY at:
800-965-7476

Program Contact Information
For more information on MainCare, please visit our web site at:

http://www.state.me.us/dhhs/OIAS/services/cubcare/CubCare.htm

Managing Agency
Maine

http://www.maine.gov

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program provides milk to children in schools, childcare institutions, and eligible camps that do not participate in
other Federal child nutrition meal service programs. Schools that participate in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast
Programs, can participate in the Special Milk Program for half-day kindergarten and pre-kindergarten children who do not have
access to a school meals program. The program reimburses schools and institutions for the milk they serve. In 2001, nearly 7,000
schools and residential childcare institutions participated, along with 1,300 summer camps and 562 non-residential childcare
institutions.
General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Maine, your household’s
annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in the
household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the
household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live
in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:

http://www.maine.gov/education/sfs/milk.htm

Program Contact Information
For more information visit:

http://www.maine.gov/education/

You also may call the Child Nutrition Services office to speak with a customer service representative about the Maine Special Milk
program at:
207-624-6842

Managing Agency
Maine

http://www.maine.gov

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Program Description
Maine TANF is financial assistance to keep children in their homes while the family is temporarily unable to support themselves.
While receiving assistance, parents or caretaker relatives work on an employment plan to become self-supporting.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Maine, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19
years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed
(working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
To download an application for TANF, click here:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/public-assistance/APP-01-07.pdf

To locate your local Bureau of Family Independence regional office and ask about TANF, please go to:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/offices/index.html

Managing Agency
Maine

http://www.maine.gov

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Maine MaineCare
MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a “Federal/State” program, which provides assistance to people with limited resources.
Specifically, MaineCare can help eligible Maine residents with their health care payments.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Maine, a US national, citizen, permanent resident,
or legal alien, in need of health care/insurance assistance, whose financial situation would be characterized as low income or very
low income. You must also be either pregnant, a parent or relative caretaker of a dependent child(ren) under age 19, blind, have a
disability or a family member in your household with a disability, or be 65 years of age or older.

Application Process
For more information, see the Program Contact Information below.

Program Contact Information
MaineCare (formerly Medicaid) is a “Federal/State” program which provides assistance to people with limited resources.
Specifically, MaineCare can help eligible Maine resident with their health care payments.

For more information on MaineCare and to print an application please visit:

http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/OIAS/public-assistance/index.html

You may call to ask about MaineCare toll-free at:
800-321-5557

TTY users should dial:
800-423-4331

Managing Agency
Maine

http://www.maine.gov

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