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Adult Education, GED Programs, and Literacy – What to learn to cook? Or get a GED? Adult Education offers too many programs to possibly list here. If there’s a class you want to take, visit the website and it’s probably there.
WHCA – From help with purchasing a car to LIHEAP assistance, WHCA offers a number of programs.
Penquis – Like WHCA, Penquis offers help with childcare, opening FDAs, and numerous other programs.
Consumer Credit Counseling Services -Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Maine (CCCS of Maine) provides the residents of Maine with financial counseling, debt repayment plans, and consumer education. Through these services, CCCS of Maine has helped thousands of people regain control of their finances and of their lives. They are a community service organization that offers an effective alternative to bankruptcy.
MaineStream Finance – All sorts of information on buying a home, getting out of foreclosure, or starting a business.
Pine Tree Legal – legal assistance for low-income Mainers. No criminal or traffic offenses.
Centre Street Congregational Church – located in Machias. Offers a food pantry, discount clothing options, and various other services if you just give them a call.
Maine Sea Coast Mission – From scholarships and housing repair to senior companions. They are dedicated to helping the community meet a number of needs.
FAME – FAME offers low-interest student loans, grants, and scholarships to Maine students. If you plan to go to college this should be the first stop!
Women, Work, and Community – Build your career, start a business, manage your money, or become a leader in the community. Start here and go far.
Local General Assistance – Nearly every town in Maine offers General Assistance for members of that town. If you aren’t familar with your local town office, or want to know if they offer any assistance you can call 2-1-1 (free) and they will assist you.
Alfond – NextGen – Do you have a baby that was born after January 1, 2009? Harold Alfond has generously donated $500 in the form of a grant so that your child can go to college.
IRS Tax Credits for TY 2009 – There are many new programs available for this tax year. Most apply to low-income families.
Small Business Administration – If you are looking to open a small business, this is a one-stop shop. Everything from formulating business plans to securing that first business loan.
hoMEworks – a site for the first time or even the experienced home buyer. Everything you would need to know to get started.
Helping Hands – A fantastic resource located in Ellsworth which helps qualifying buyers to purchase cars and get low interest loans. Even if you have no down payment or poor credit, they are willing to work with you. This is operated through WHCA.
Help with Health Care – Please call 2-1-1 Maine for a list of hospitals and clinics that accept sliding scale payments. You may also qualify for MaineCare, and DHHS can help you decide if this program is right for you. Give them a call at 561-4100 or toll free at 1 (800)432-7825. There is also a donations only clinic in Ellsworth. Their hours are limited as the one doctor donates his time and hospitals provide the supplies. Call 667-7953 for an appointment.
Visit this link to see the CA$H Coalitions across Maine in the News.
Looking for a way to increase your income? Stop paying to get your taxes prepared, and find out if you qualify for tax credits that you didn’t know you qualified for.
Get your income taxes prepared for free by IRS-certified tax preparers! Once you receive all of your income tax statements (such as W-2’s) dial 2-1-1 and get connected to a tax site near you.
HoMEworks educators and HUD approved Housing Counseling agencies
The HoMEworks goal is to provide a standardized, comprehensive homeownership education program to be delivered by a network of industry professionals in neutral environments throughout Maine. Buyers who have taken the home buying classes are more confident when asking questions and making decisions about homeownership and loan products. Education gives buyers the tools they need to avoid predatory lending and possible foreclosure.
Click on the following links for more HoMEworks information.
Family Development Account Coalition – Matched Savings Program — FDAs
The FDA Program enables low-income families to establish savings accounts that will be used to buy a home, pay for education, or start or expand a small business. Participating families establish a savings account to be used toward their identified goal. These savings will be matched when withdrawn to purchase an approved asset. For a program description: http://womenworkandcommunity.org/?page_id=101
The Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community (WWC), Penquis, and WHCA are three agencies offering the program in the Eastern Maine area.
The Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community are committed to improving the economic lives of Maine women and their families. To help families save to meet their financial goals (including purchasing a home) they offer Family Development Accounts (FDA’s), or “matched savings accounts”. The learn more about FDA’s and whether you are eligible, go to http://womenworkandcommunity.org/?page_id=80.
Penquis serves Penobscot and Piscataquis counties by offering programs to individuals and families in preventing, reducing, and eliminating poverty in their lives. Through various partnerships they engage the community in addressing its economic and social needs. Call them toll-free at 1-800-215-3699. http://www.penquis.org.
Washington Hancock Community Agency is a community action agency dedicated to fighting poverty and helping low-income people in Down East Maine. They offer a wide range of services including heating assistance, transportation, weatherization, small business assistance, tax preparation and more.