General Assistance
Overview
This document from Family Promise provides an excellent overview of General Assistance.
2019 – Notice to Appear Rule
The Governor of Maine announced a new rule about General Assistance (GA) on July 18, 2019. This new rule means that you are eligible for GA if you have:
a Notice to Appear (NTA) from immigration saying you will need to go to immigration court AND
are planning on applying for asylum.
Complete Flyer
DHHS – Communicating with
When to call
If you’ve called DHHS, you’ve noticed that the wait times are crazy (1 to 2 hours). We recommend that you call first thing in the morning, not on a Monday or beginning of the month.
Release Authorization
While it’s not a necessity, if you are willing to contact DHHS on behalf of your mentee (without your mentee being present), you will want and need to fill out the DHHS Authorization to Release Information form. Note: The Authorized Representative Release Form is supposedly only needed if you are going to actually sign documents and approve changes.
Here is the full process for the release authorization:
Fill out the DHHS Authorization to Release Information form. Here is an example of one that was filled out with made-up data.
Email it to farmington.dhhs@maine.gov.
Wait at least 3 days and call DHHS to make sure the form was scanned into your mentee’s file. Sadly, I sent it twice and both times it was completely ignored. Luckily the DHHS person on the phone was nice, apologetic and understanding, so she gave me her email address and I sent it to her while I was on the phone with her. I strongly suggest you ask or beg for their direct email if they fail to read the form into your mentee’s file.
Make a note in your calendar to renew/redo the form annually!
Clothing
St. Luke’s Cathedral
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM -11:00 AM
143 State Street, Portland
Use Park Street Entrance
(207) 772-5434
Salvation Army
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
297 Cumberland Ave., Portland
(207) 774-6304
State Street Church
Open first 3 Wednesday of the month, 1:00-2:30 PM
Closed on the last Wednesday of each month
159 State Street, Portland
(207) 773-8876
St. Vincent’s Cathedral
Fridays, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
Guild Hall – 307 Congress Street
(207) 772-1113
Portland Cathedral
Emergency Assistance Vouchers to be used at Catholic Charity Thrift Stores
(555) 555-1212
Preble Street Resource Center Clothing Closet
Monday and Friday afternoons
Call to get your name on the list and let them know what items you need.
(207) 775-0026
White Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church
Mondays, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
97 Allen Ave., Portland
(207) 797-4414
South Portland Clothing Closet
Church of the Nazarene, 525 Highland Ave,
(207) 767-2127
1st Thursday of the month, 7:30am – 1:00pm
Landry Village Community Center
3rd Thursday of the month, 7:30am -11:00am and 3:00pm – 5:30pm
Several schools have “Clothes Closets”
Winter Tips
Many people may have arrived during COVID and may not have had anyone in their homes to review our best winter practice. It’s important for people to learn how to live in Maine in the winter – both to keep warm as well as understand how to be good tenants. Even if they might currently live in a place where their heat is included – this information will be important for the future. Please share with any New Mainers you might know.
If people have storm windows, they should make sure they are securely closed. Check to make sure top and bottom windows are all the way up and down and then locked because even a small opening creates a draft.
If they don’t lock, they should just make sure they are closed and they can put duct tape if it they feel a draft
If they have any sunlight, they can open the blinds or curtains during the day to get natural heat
If they have baseboard heat, make sure no furniture or other items are blocking the front of the heater because the heat won’t circulate
It is best to place beds on an inside wall and if not possible, as far from the window as possible.
If they have direct vent heat, either a Monitor or Rinnai – remind people that they need to leave all bedroom and bathroom doors open to get heat in all the rooms.
Before getting a space heater, understand they can trip breakers and they also use a LOT of electricity which is usually over the GA budget (or costs a lot of money if not on GA).
Sometimes people need an explanation of how a thermostat works – that the heat cycles on and off. People often complain that their heat isn’t working when it just shuts off when it reaches the set temperature. (though many apartments do not allow tenants the ability to control the temperature, in which case, they are stuck learning to dress for warmly!)
It’s always helpful to give examples of how in cold climates we tend to layer both when outside and inside. If you’re cold, instead of turning up the heat, add layers – especially warm socks and/or slippers. Some Mainers wear long underwear every day in the winter, and many of us sleep in heavy socks!!
Other Tips…
Electric Bill Issues
If your mentee has an electric bill that exceeds the GA limit ($99 at the time of this entry), WTS has a critical needs funds – you can request up to $100 for a one time need.
If your mentee has had their power cut off or their bill has been sent to collections, complain directly to CMP to make sure they’ve done it fairly.
Tips on How to Stay Warm
Many mentees are from much warmer climates and getting used to the cold takes some time and learning how to adapt requires mentoring. We have had to help our mentees learn the “tricks” of staying warm and the economic and environmental benefits of using heat efficiently.
Keeping warm inside the house
Wearing heavy socks, slippers, long sleeves, sweaters and hoodies, leggings under pants, wrapping up in a blanket while watching tv and studying
Cutting drafts by putting a rolled towel or one of those stuffed snake/noodle things at bottom of outside doors
Making sure windows are closed tight and latches sealed (especially important for insulated windows).
Window plastic weatherization
Keeping warm outside the house
Importance of layering, even under winter coats and snow pants
Mittens are often warmer than gloves
Wearing boots – a plastic bread bag over socks inside boot can keep feet dryer and warmer
Wearing 2 pairs of socks under boots
Hats and scarves
Saving on heating money
Make sure they understand that the more heat, the more cost. This case be a problem if they have a “heat included” rental agreement, because they won’t see the effect of cranking the heat all the way up. If they have “heat included” agreement then you should tell them the max temp is 74.
Make sure they understand that the cost of electricity to power the heat and the hot water is expensive vs. the power used for computers or phones.
Read more about rental laws.
Utilities
Electricity
Asylum Seekers & New Customer Accounts at Central Maine Power CMP: 800-750-4000
To set up an account, you’ll need:
Your date of birth, and
The “A” number on the documents you received when you entered the U.S. – OR – your passport number
You are not required to pay a security deposit to open a new customer account.
You are not required to provide two forms of photo I.D
General Assistance is considered a form of income like any other voucher program for asylum seekers (like TANF, SSI, SSDI, etc.) because immigration and federal laws prohibit working for a period of time.
You may need to explain that you are an asylum seeker.
Internet Access
Comcast/Xfinity has a low-cost internet program called Internet Essentials - $9.95/month for WiFi only ( no cable TV).
Spectrum Internet Assist and is available only for adults who can show proof of their child receiving free school meals, or adults over 65 who can show proof of receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SS Disability Income (SSDI). There is no activation fee nor any contracts to sign. Billing begins 3-4 weeks after installation of the Spectrum modem that is provided at no cost and which can be self installed if the apartment is already wired for cable access. A prepayment of $14.99 is required for the first month’s service.
Television Access
To get FREE television reception (i.e., no need to pay for cable), once you have a digital-ready TV (it’d be hard to find one that isn’t), all you need to do is get a digital antenna, such as this one from Amazon ($9.99). You simply hook it up to the coaxial input and use the TV’s menu to do a “channel search” and Bob’s your uncle. There are at least a dozen channels available, including ABC, NBC and CBS.
Read more about rental laws.
Shelters
Family Shelter
54 Chestnut Street
(207) 772-8339
Apartment style shelter for families
Oxford Street Shelter
197 Oxford Street
(207) 761-2072
Adult men and women
Preble Street’s Teen Shelter
343 Cumberland Avenue (day)
38 Preble Street (overnight)
(207) 775-0026
Family Crisis Services Shelter
Read more about rental laws.
Rent Assistance
ProsperityME has a 0% interest program to assist people with first/last/security on a rental.
Problems (Legal)
Pine Tree Legal has a guide for rights for tenants in Maine detailing landlord-tenant laws available here.
Learn about your rights as a tenant in Maine. Find information about eviction, unsafe housing, utilities & more.
OR
Go to our Contact page and ask about our housing issues point of contact.
Housing Programs
New Mainers Tenants’ Association
Orientation and Housing Ambassadors Programs
Avesta
Rental Housing Application (an online fillable PDF file)
Furniture
Furniture Friends
Warehouse Address:
15 Saunders Way
Loading Dock 500 D
Westbrook, ME 04098
207-210-5797
Free, gently used furniture. Families must be referred by a case manager or social service provider. They have requested requested that all referrals from Welcoming the Stranger come through Jill Epstein. Following is the information I will need from you if you want me to make a referral for your mentee:
Mentee’s full name and address including zip code. Mentee’s phone number and whether he/she can receive texts.
If you are planning to coordinate and want Furniture Friends to contact you rather than your mentee I will also need your preferred contact info (cell phone for call or text or preferred email address)
Number of people in the household
Number of people under 18
What items they are looking for and how many of each they need (you can see a list of what donations they accept here)
Do you want the furniture delivered or will you arrange to pick it up at their Westbrook warehouse?
A couple of other things to note-
If you are requesting more than just beds, Furniture Friends will schedule a time to come out to do an assessment of the apartment. Also, if your mentee lives at 132 Bayside, Furniture Friends says they cannot deliver beds there. Those apartments are furnished and they can’t take out, or the client can’t get rid of, something that’s the property of the landlord.
Making it Home
Gently used furniture, appliances, linens and household goods
Neighbors in Need (Closed Facebook Group)
All sorts of items, new. Items move quickly. Mentors post what they need or what they have.
Access
Click here for ways to deal with housing problems (legal)
Portland Housing Authority
14 Baxter Blvd.
207-773-4753
Maine State Housing Authority
353 Water Street, Augusta
207-626-4600
Avesta Housing
307 Cumberland Avenue
207-553-7777
Housing and Employment Center
96 Lancaster Street
207-775-7911
Westbrook Housing Authority
30 Liza Harmon Drive, Westbrook
207-854-9779
South Portland Housing Authority
100 Waterman Drive, Suite 101, South Portland
207-773-4140
Hope Gateway/Hope House
185 High Street
207-899-2435
Soup Kitchens
Free meals for unhoused and low-income youth up to age 21
343 Cumberland Avenue, Portland
207-775-0026
Daily: 8:00am-9:00am, 12:00pm-1:00pm, 6:00pm-7:00pm
Three free meals a day for unhoused and low-income women
190 Valley Street, Portland
207-699-4392
St. Vincent de Paul
307 Congress Street
207-772-1113
Monday –Friday 11:00am-12:30pm
Visit their website for Community Meals schedule.
Pantries
Click here for a searchable map of Maine Food Banks by Good Shepherd
Cape Elizabeth
Judy’s Pantry
United Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Road
2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
Contact: bethowens1@gmail.com
Open to residents of Cape Elizabeth
Cumberland
Community Food Pantry
290 Tuttle Road, back of building
1st, 2nd, and 4th Fridays, 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
Contact: 207-653-0561
Need photo ID and proof of residence in Cumberland, North Yarmouth, New Gloucester, or Pownal
Falmouth
Falmouth Food Pantry
271 Falmouth Road (next to Town Hall)
1st & 3rd Mon. 9:00- 11:00 am, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tues. 9:30-11:30 am., 2nd, 3rd & 4th Thurs. 4:30-6:30 pm.
Contact: 207-632-2687
Proof of residence in Falmouth, Cumberland, Yarmouth, Westbrook, or Portland, available twice a month.
Freeport
Freeport Community Services Food Pantry
53 Depot Street
Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Contact: 207-865-3985
Photo ID and proof of residence for Freeport and Pownal
Gorham
Gorham Ecumenical Food Pantry
299A Main Street
Thursdays 9:00 am – 11:00 am, 2nd & 4th Wednesday 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Proof of residence needed for Gorham residents and Gorham Parish Members
Located in the white building at the right end of the St. Anne’s parking lot.
Portland
First Baptist Church Food Pantry
360 Canco Road
Wednesdays only and for Portland residents only
Newcomers should arrive about 10:30 to sign in, numbers are given 10:45-11:15, food distribution begins at 11:30
Contact: 207-773-3123
Photo ID and proof of residence requested
Jewish Family Services
1342 Congress Street
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm by appt.
Contact: 207-772-1959
Open to residents of Portland, Greater Portland, photo ID required, can come once a month.
Multiple food drop locations in and around Portland, find them on the Good Shepherd Food Bank Map.
Project FEED Food Pantry
202 Woodford Street
Monday – Friday 1:00 -3:00 pm
Contact:207-761-3920
Need referral from social service agency, open to residents of Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Falmouth once every 2 months
Root Cellar
94 Washington Avenue
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Emergency Pantry, East End residents only
Proof of residence required
Sacred Heart Food Pantry
80 Sherman Street
Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30 am
Contact:207-773-7746
Open to residents of Parkside, no documentation required.
Sagamore Food Pantry
21 Popham Street
Tuesdays 9:00-10:00am
Contact: 207-221-8072
Open to anyone, no documentation required
Salvation Army Food Pantry
297 Cumberland Avenue
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Contact:207-774-4172
Open to residents of Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Cumberland, Falmouth, Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, no documentation required. Can come once a month.
St. Vincent’s/Cathedral Guild Hall
307 Congress Street
Monday – Friday 11:00-12:30 pm.
Contact:207-772-1113
St. Luke’s Food Pantry
134 Park Street
Thursdays 9:30 – 11:00 am
Contact:207-772-5434
Open to anyone, photo ID and proof of residence required, can come once a month.
Stroudwater Food Pantry
1520 Westbrook St.
207-772-2193
Sun. 1-3
Provides for individuals and families in Southern Maine. Recipients need to register by showing a Maine drivers license or other id during pantry hours.
Wayside Mobile Food Pantries
Various neighborhood sites, times vary
Contact:207-775-4939
White Memorial Pantry
97 Allen Avenue
Thursdays 8:00 – 9:30 am
Contact:207-776-0867
Open to anyone, photo ID required
Williston-Immanuel
156 High Street
Thursdays, arrive by 10:00 am
Contact: 207-775-2301
Open to anyone, no documentation required
Scarborough
Scarborough Food Pantry
167 Black Point Road
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Contact: Ellen Parenteau 207-883-1672 or 207-883-2342
Open to anyone, no documentation required, can come once a month
South Portland
First Congregational Church UCC Food Pantry
301 Cottage Road
Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (Call ahead)
Contact: 207-799-3361
Open to residents of South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, ID and proof of residence required
The Hub
(neighborhood residents only)
584 Westbrook Street
Wednesdays 1:00 pm (produce), Thursdays 1:00 pm (bread)
Contact: 207-347-4194
South Portland Food Cupboard
130 Thadeus St.
Thursdays 8:30 am – 11:30 am
First Wednesday of every month 5 pm – 7 pm
Contact: Sybil Riemensnider 207-874-0379
Open to anyone, no documentation required, can come once a month
Westbrook
Vineyard Food Pantry
715 Bridgton Road
Fridays 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Contact: Doug Clements 207-854-8339 or 207-650-0495
Open to residents of the Greater Westbrook area, proof of residence needed
Westbrook Community Food Pantry
426 Bridge Street (Westbrook Community Center)
Tuesdays 12:00 – 2:00 pm & 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Contact: Jeanne Reilly 207-854-9105 or call 207-591-8147 to leave message
Open to Westbrook residents, proof of residence needed, can visit twice a month
Windham
Windham Food Pantry
377 Gray Road
Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 4:00 by appointment
Contact: Madeline Roberts 207-892-1931
Open to residents of Windham, proof of residence required, can go once a month.
Yarmouth
Yarmouth Community Food Pantry
116 Main Street
Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & Wednesdays 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Contact: Sue Rowe 207-449-1131 or 207-846-3773
Residents of Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Pownal, and Freeport with proof of residence can come once a week.
Nutrition Programs
WIC (Women, Infants, Children)
WIC is a nutrition program for thousands of Maine families, helping Maine kids to grow up strong and healthy. WIC food benefits are available based on income guidelines and up-to-date nutrition research. This website seeks to serve all Maine families with free nutrition advice, tips for staying healthy, and resources for growing families. Provides supplemental food stamps for families with children under 5
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly and commonly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people living in the United States.
Apply with DHHS online or by visiting their office at 151 Jetport Blvd, Portland, ME 04102. Either online or in person, expect to need a lot of documentation, time and patience!
Asylum seekers are eligible to receive SNAP benefits after they properly file their asylum application.
See the Maine Equal Justice website for more information.
Sun Bucks
Sun Bucks is a summer food supplement program for school-age kids from low-income families. It will be administered through DHHS.
Taxes
BEWARE! There are many fraudulent tax preparers out there. Falling victim to scams or well-intentioned mistakes can be very costly, and potentially harmful to an asylum case.
These are reliable and reputable tax resources, all free:
Ca$hMaine Free Tax Prep for low-income residents, at several locations in Greater Portland (and elsewhere in the state)
In 2024, the Westbrook Community Center will provide free tax help for low-income residents Saturday mornings, February 3-April 6, between 8am-12pm. Advance reservations are required by calling 207.518.8579 - no drop-ins
The IRS has a free online free tax prep service called GetYourRefund. More IRS Free Tax Prep Info
IRS Account - create an online account to access information about filed returns