Volunteers with the The Midcoast Maine Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CA$H) coalition are offering free assistance with the Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund Application, known as the “Circuit Breaker” program through October of this year and then again during the 2011 tax season.

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The Midcoast Maine Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope (CA$H) coalition has wrapped up another record-breaking tax season, helping 330 taxpayers file federal and state income taxes that resulted in more than $600,000 worth of refunds going back to the local economy.

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Maine Residents Property Tax and Rent Refund “Circuit Breaker” Program Read more

Use the following free local and national resources to make the most of your money Read more

HoMEworks provides homeownership education Read more

Get connected to programs and services in Greater Portland that can help you make the most of your money.

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/

Maine CareerCenters

Maine CareerCenters provide information on job hunting, training opportunities and/or services available to veterans, young people and persons with disabilities: http://www.mainecareercenter.com/

University College/UMS System

University College uses the Web, interactive television (ITV) and other options to bring classes to your home and community, so you won’t have to commute to campus. To view degree programs available off-campus, and all other related information go to: http://www.learn.maine.edu/

Southern Maine Community College/SMCC

Southern Maine Community College offers programs in business, health, education, the arts, trades, and the natural and social sciences.  For more information: http://www.smccme.edu/

Southern New Hampshire University/SNHU

Southern New Hampshire University/SNHU offers more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs on location at several continuing education centers; and online through one of New England’s largest distance education programs.  For more information: http://www.snhu.edu/

Pine Tree Legal/Low Income Taxpayer Clinic (LITC)

Pine Tree Legal’s LITC helps clients deal with questions and problems with the Internal Revenue Service. Their services are free.  For contact information go to: http://www.ptla.org/taxpayer/taxpayer.htm

Classes and Access to Start-Up Funds

Coastal Enterprises, Inc. (CEI)

CEI provides financing and business counseling support to start-up microenterprises and expanding/job-creating small businesses through the Small Business Development Centers at CEI and the organization’s Women’s Business Center.  For information about all of CEI’s financial and business education programs go to: http://www.ceimaine.org/

Women, Work and Community

WWC can help you build skills, gain confidence, and develop the networks.  For information on classes and funding options go to: http://womenworkandcommunity.org/?page_id=18

Family Development Account Coalition – Matched Savings Program — FDAs

The FDA Program enables low-income families to establish matched savings accounts which can be used to establish a business.  For a program description: http://womenworkandcommunity.org/?page_id=101

The Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community (WWC) and Midcoast Maine Community Action are the two agencies offering the program in the Sagadahoc/Lincoln County area.

The Maine Centers for Women, Work and Community 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.

Midcoast Maine Community Action also offers FDAs.  To learn more about their FDA program: http://www.midcoastmainecommunityaction.org/

Emergency Shelter

Tedford Housing

Tedford Housing provides shelter, housing and services to those in need. For contact information: http://tedfordhousing.org/

2-1-1

The 2-1-1 Maine Resource Directory includes program and service information as well intake procedures, eligibility requirements, and other vital information. To access the Directory go to: http://www.211maine.org/about.asp.  To speak to a 2-1-1 Operator any time any day, simply dial 2-1-1.

Homeless shelters in Maine

For a comprehensive listing of the homeless shelters in Maine go to: http://www.maine.gov/education/homeless_ed/shelters.htm

General Assistance

General Assistance (GA) is a program run by every town to help residents with emergency needs.  In an emergency, you can apply by phone.  For more information about the General Assistance Program go to: http://www.ptla.org/ga.htm

Emergency Food Assistance

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention

Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program offers food assistance to individuals and families.  For more information: http://www.mchpp.org/

Food pantries in Maine

To locate food pantries across the State of Maine go to: http://www.maine.gov/agriculture/co/tefap/countysearch.html

Fuel/Utility Assistance

LIHEAP

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides money to help low-income homeowners and renters pay for heating costs.  For more information, including contact info, go to: http://www.mainehousing.org/PROGRAMSLiheap.aspx?ProgramID=37

Low Income Assistance Plan at Maine Housing

If you receive residential electric service from an electric utility and you are not living in government subsidized housing, you may be eligible for assistance with your electric bills from your electric utility’s Low Income Assistance Plan at Maine Housing.  For information: Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP).

Appliance Replacement Program at Maine Housing

If you pay your own electric bill, you may be eligible for a new, energy-efficient refrigerator from MaineHousing’s Appliance Replacement Program.  For information: Appliance Replacement Program.

Central Heating Improvement Program at Maine Housing

If your heating system is in need of repair or replacement, you may qualify for the Central Heating Improvement Program at Maine Housing.  For information: Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP).