- Basic Needs
- Home Buying and Home Ownership
- Jobs Skills & Training
- Money Management
- Small Business
- Tax Credits & Information
Maintaining Your Home
Maine’s Home Repair Network and the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Program
Maine’s Home Repair Network provides help to low-income homeowners you cannot afford necessary home repairs. In cases where home repair is not feasible, home replacement may be an option.
To learn more: http://www.mainehousing.org/PROGRAMSHomeRepair.aspx?ProgramID=33
USDA-RD Home Repair Programs — USDA – Rural Development offices offer 504 Loan/Grant Home Repair program funds.
Section 504 Direct Loan Program — Loans are made at 1 percent interest rate to repair, improve, or modernize modest single family homes in rural areas for low income homeowners.
Section 504 Grant Program — For homeowners 62 years old or older who cannot repay a loan, grant funds are available to remove health or safety hazards, or remodel dwellings to make them accessible to household members with disabilities.
For more information: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/me/SFH/sfh.htm
Building Materials Exchange
The Building Materials Exchange’s goal is “to keep people in their homes” through the use and reuse of good quality building materials. For information: http://www.mainebme.org/public/
Habitat for Humanity ReStore
The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a discount retail outlet open to the public that sells new and lightly used building materials. For information: http://www.habitat7rivers.org/restore/index.php
Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine
Habitat for Humanity/7 Rivers Maine is the local affiliate of Habitat for Humanity. They coordinate donations of funds and materials with volunteer labor to do home repairs or weatherization for qualifying families. For information: http://www.habitat7rivers.org/
Home Equity Conversion Mortgages for Seniors
Reverse mortgages are increasing in popularity with seniors who have equity in their homes and want to supplement their income. The only reverse mortgage insured by the U.S. Federal Government is called a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage or HECM, and is only available through an FHA approved lender.
To learn more: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/sfh/hecm/hecmhome.cfm
Federal Tax Credits for Consumer Energy Efficiency
If you purchase an energy-efficient product or renewable energy system for your home, you may be eligible for a federal tax credit. At this website you will find an overview of the federal tax credits for energy efficiency.
Tax Coalition Volunteers Help Return More Than $750,000 to the Local Economy
The Midcoast Maine Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CA$H) coalition had another record-breaking tax season, helping 443 taxpayers file federal and state income taxes that resulted in about $763,000 worth of federal and state refunds going back to the local economy.
Struggling families get free tax prep help from Midcoast CA$H
Families struggling to make ends meet shouldn’t have to pay to get their tax refund and, in Maine, they don’t – thanks to the Midcoast Creating Assets Savings, and Hope (CA$H) Coalition. Midcoast CA$H offers free tax preparation from Jan. 22-April 14, 2012 to anyone who earned less than $50,000 in 2011 (combined income).
Call 207-319-1390 to make an appointment starting Jan. 9, 2012. Or 207-373-1140, ext. 206 for more details.
Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund “Circuit Breaker” Program
Maine’s Circuit Breaker program allows eligible Maine residents to receive a partial refund of property taxes and/or rent paid on their primary residence. For more information: http://www.maine.gov/revenue/taxrelief/tnr.htm
Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community/WWC
WWC provides training, advocacy and assistance in four program areas: Building a Career; Starting a Business; Managing your Money; and Becoming a Leader. For more information go to: http://www.womenworkandcommunity.org/