Community Resources to Assist During Coronavirus Outbreak
Please note that these resources are for information purposes only and are subject to change
ALL NEEDS
211 Maine – Connects people who need financial or other assistance as a result of lost wages from event cancellations, business closure and quarantines with services and resources in their local communities.
CONTACT:
Call 2-1-1 from any phone in Maine
Call 207-874-2211 or text your zip code to 898-211
Visit 211maine.org (or click here)
Emergency Aid for Families - A program run by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to help children and their families with some emergencies including food supplement, health care, and cash assistance.
CONTACT:
To apply online, click here
To apply in person, click here for a list of regional offices
For FAQs, click here
FOOD RESOURCES
Public schools are providing food for children (18 & under); go to your town or school website for more information
Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Maine are providing “grab-and-go” dinner to any person 18 or under; Monday-Friday 4-5pm; for more information, click here
Food pantries can be found in most towns – find the one closest to you on the websites below. Remember to call first since hours may have changed.
Statewide list
Cumberland County list
York County list
Good Shepherd Partner list
HEATING & UTILITY ASSISTANCE
State regulators have issues an order directing all utilities that provide electricity, natural gas and water to refrain from any disconnecting customers until further notice. This applies to both residential and commercial customers who may suffer financial hardships during the virus outbreak.
These are some resources to assist in paying for utilities if you are struggling:
Summit Natural Gas – for information on energy assistance, click here
Opportunity Alliance – For more information, click here
York Community Action Program – For more information, click here
Local town/city general assistance funds are available for residents – call your local office for details
Churches and other faith organizations often serve members and other local people in need
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE RESOURCES
Mainers Together –A community support fund to be used to help Mainers whose households are facing economic crisis due to employers closing or needing to stay home from work to care for children while schools are closed.
CONTACT: Click here to apply
Easter Seals Military & Veterans Services – Free confidential support designed to meet the unique needs of Veterans, Military Members and their families including emergency financial assistance and mental health issues.
CONTACT:
Call 207-828-0754 x1004
Email MVSreferrals@easterseals.org
Visit their website
MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
The uncertainty of times like these can cause anxiety and stress for many people. The following resources may be helpful in coping with a range of mental health challenges brought on by or exaggerated by the Coronavirus outbreak.
Maine Crisis Hotline - Free, confidential help is available 24/7. Crises call specialists are responding to crisis calls and supporting Mainers.
CONTACT:
Call or text 888-568-1112 for assistance
For more information, click here
National Alliance of Mental Illness (NAMI) Maine – Our state’s and the nation’s largest grassroots support, education and advocacy organization committed to the issue of mental illness.
CONTACT:
Call (800) 464-5767 or email info@namimaine.org
Click here for specific information about helping people with mental illness cope with the Coronavirus
Click here for more information
Optum Emotional Support Help Line - Professionally trained mental health staff are available 24/7 to support people who may be suffering from fear or stress due to the Coronavirus. The service is free of charge and open to anyone.
CONTACT: 866-342-6892
Alzheimer’s Association of Maine – Tips for caregivers in coping with the Coronavirus outbreak here
UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Maine Bureau of Unemployment Compensation – provides temporary employer-funded benefits to eligible individuals while they seek re-employment.
CONTACT:
For the information about changes in the program due to the Coronavirus, visit here.
Claims can be filed 24/7 online here or by calling 1-800-593-7660.
HELPING OTHERS
DONATE
Mainers Together – A community support fund to be used to help Mainers whose households are facing economic crisis due to employers closing or needing to stay home from work to care for children while schools are closed.
Greater Portland COVID-19 Community Relief Fund - Led by the United Way of Greater Portland, this fund will help ensure people receive the support they need without falling into homelessness or financial crisis.
Full Plates, Full Potential Emergency Fund - to help schools pay for increased meals, packaging breakfast and lunch meals, transporting the food to eligible sites and more.
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES
We Are Maine Strong – Led by Portland Radio Group, this site provides opportunities to “support local businesses today so they can keep their doors open tomorrow”
Pay It Forward Maine – Led by the Greater Portland Chamber of Commerce, this site provides opportunities to purchase gift cards from local businesses
Lists of Restaurants and Markets offering take-out, delivery or drive-thru service
VOLUNTEER SAFELY
If you have extra time and you are looking for a way to help your neighbors in need, many local non-profit and community organizations need help to serve people across Southern Maine—both financially and from volunteers.
Red Cross – blood donations have fallen off dramatically and giving is safe; to learn more, click here
Food Pantries—reach out to local food pantries in your community to see if they need donations to help keep the shelves stocked to volunteer help with serving clients.
Southern Maine Agency on Aging—Meals on Wheels drivers are needed; for more information, click here
Catholic Charities Maine—telephone older adults for well-being checks from your own home; for more information, click here
Preble Street—volunteers are needed to serve meals to homeless; for more information, click here