Community Resources

Food Resources

Community Meal Program
Most Holy Trinity Church
Main St., Saco
207-282-3321
Free evening meals served Monday and Thursday at 5pm

Bon Appétit Meal Program
2nd Congregational Church
19 Crescent St., Biddeford
207-283-0380
Free evening meals
Monday – Friday  5:00 pm

Biddeford Food Pantry
162 Elm St, Biddeford
207-282-4771
Monthly pantry with breads, produce, and other items

Salvation Army
2 Sixth St., Old Orchard Beach,
207-934-4381
Emergency and monthly food pantry
No Residential restrictions
Have winter coats in late fall

In a Pinch: non food pantry
35 South Street, Biddeford
Monthly non food pantry
2nd and 4th Tuesday of month 4 – 7 pm

Eat Well  Program
University of Maine Cooperative Extension, York County Extension Office Springvale, Maine 04083
207 324-2814 or 1-800 287-1535

For those eligible to receive food stamps: education in cooking, budgeting and planning meals.  Your choice of one-on-one visits in your home, small group classes or Eat Well by Mail Course 

Saco Food Pantry
67 Ocean Park Rd, Saco
207-468-1305
Monthly pantry
Monday – Friday 9 – 11 am

Jean Davis Memorial Food Pantry
United Methodist Church, Corner of Fountain and Washington Ave.
207-934-5553
Monthly pantry that serves OOB residents only.
Monday and Wednesday 9 – 11 am

Seeds of Hope NC
35 South Street
Biddeford, Maine 04005
283-1783
Open Tue-Fri, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Small amount of donated food and non-food items for extreme emergency situations.

Children and Family

CareLink
Any parent wishing to find quality child care in the York County
(207) 324-0735 or 888-917-1100 Offers a voucher program to assist income eligible families. Parents must either be working or in school. Qualifying families pay no more than 10% of their income for childcare. 

St. Louis Child Development Center
229 Pool St.
PO Box 645
Biddeford, ME  04005
Phone: 282-3790 Fax: 282-1694
Mon.-Fri.  6:30AM-5:30PM
Vouchers Accepted
Affordable Quality Child Care/School Readiness Skills

STRONG Fathers
YCCAC
6 Spruce Street
Sanford, ME 04072
Offers programs to fathers and father figures in the Biddeford area and through out York County.
1-1 mentoring, support groups, skills classes and workshops.        Jeff Hodgdon, Community Educator, (207) 459-2917 or 1-800-965-5762 x 2917
Brian Clark, Program Mananager,       (207) 459-2976  or 1-800-965-5762 x 2976

Joyful Harvest N.C.
Free afterschool programs
Limited Clothing and School Supplies pantry
34 Water St., Biddeford
207-286-9105

Child Protective Hotline
1-800-452-1999

WIC

357 Elm St, Biddeford
283-2402

Nutrition education, coupons for nutritious foods, health screenings, breastfeeding support, farmer's market coupons.

Parent Resource Center: Information & Referral Services, Parenting classes and support groups, assistance with toys or books, assistance with infant care items strollers, bathtubs etc www.parentresourcecenter.info and or call 324-1371

Healthy Families:
Home visits, support, referrals, education, developmental play group; first time parents in community served by Southern Maine Medical Center and Goodall Hospital.   490-7706 

Southern Maine Parent Awareness: helps families expand opportunities and enhance the quality of life of their children and young adults with disabilities. 324-2337

Child Abuse Prevention Council- a community-based nonprofit organization committed to the prevention of child abuse and neglect in all its forms throughout the county.   985-5975

Head Start Biddeford
284-4869
School Readiness

Open Hands Open Hearts
67 Ocean Park Rd, Saco
207-468-1305
Tues. 5-7pm; Thurs. 9-11; Sat. 9-12

Children’s clothing and birthday gifts

Health Centers

Visiting Nurse Services
Adult and new mother care
284-4566

Planned Parenthood
GYN Health care for women
282-6620

Community Dental
57 Bara Rd, Suite 3, Biddeford
Take MaineCare and sliding fee
282-1305

York County
Community Health Care
32 Patriot Lane and 123A Emery St., Sanford
207-490-6900
Clinics Offer medical, dental, and mental health services to York County residents of all ages, Accepts: MaineCare, Medicare, private insurance and sliding scale for those with no insurance.

Southern Maine Medical Center
Apply for free or discounted medical services through the billing department.
283-7000

Mental Health Crisis Response
1-888-568-1112

Maine Poison Center
1-800-442-6305

Employment and Job Hunting Assistance

York County CareerCenter
9 Bodwell Court
Springvale, Me. 04083
324-5460
1-800-343-0151
TTY 1-888-697-2913
M-F am to 5pm
Full service CareerCenter operated by the Maine Department of Labor.
Access to computers, job search workshops, one on one employment counseling, retraining opportunities 

Goodwill Workforce Solutions
190 Lancaster St Portland, ME 04101

207-775-5891
M-Th. am to 4 pm
Offering employment and training services. Federal funded retraining programs for dislocated workers and low income individuals. 

Seeds of Hope NC
35 South Street
Biddeford, Maine 04005
www.seedsofhope4me.org
283-1783
Open Tue-Fri, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Center is staffed on Tuesday and Friday by a volunteer dedicated to assisting Biddeford residents with job search, interview skills and resume writing. 

Women Work and Community
Career Counseling and education
Not just for Women
University of Maine, Saco Island
286-1722  

York County Community College
112 College Drive
Wells, ME 04090-5341
Phone:
(207) 646-9282 or 1-800-580-3820
Email:
mdumont@yccc.edu

Job Placement Services

CoWork Staffing Services
243 Main St, Saco
283-0082

ManPower
Park 111 Alfred St., Suite 101
284-0595

Labor Ready
29 Congress St., Portland
294-7420

Bonney Staffing Center
5 Washington Ave, 3rd floor, Biddeford
283-8858

Maine Staffing Services
483 Elm St, Biddeford
283-6528

Adecco Employment Services
20 Free St, Portland
772-2882

Kelly Services
50 Donald B. Dean Dr, Suite 2,
S. Portland
774-9809

At Work Personnel Services
190 Riverside St., Portland
1-888-301-6223

Winter or Financial Assistance

York County Community Action
321 Elm ST, Biddeford 283-2402
6 Spruce St, Sanford  324-5762
Community Outreach: Connect persons in need with community
resources, provide information and referral; serve as advocates,
look for funds that provide emergency assistance for shelter, utilities or heat.
Access to Justice: Legal Advocate provides information about legal system and helps with paperwork and procedures from court.
CA$H Campaign: information on tax credits, free tax preparation, matched savings for education, homeownership and business startup. Education and assistance with personal finance.
LIHEAP: Low Income Heat and Energy Assistance Program; heating fuel, electrical and phone assistance.

Salvation Army
2 Sixth St., Old Orchard Beach,
207-934-4381
Coats for Kids, and food pantry, Emergency Assistance with heat, electricity, and rent for residents of Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Old Orchard Beach and Saco,
1–3 pm, Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri
934-4381

Drop-in/Warming Center
Seeds of Hope NC
35 South Street
Biddeford, Maine 04005
www.seedsofhope4me.org
283-1783
Open Tues-Fri, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Center is open to permit guests to turn down heat at home, come join us for snacks, conversation

Keeping Neighbors Warm (KNW):  Residents of Arundel, Biddeford, Buxton, Dayton, Hollis, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, Saco only.  Apply via each town’s general assistance office.  However, the Salvation Army in OOB can also take applications for those from Arundel, Dayton, OOB, Saco and Biddeford.  Southern Maine Area Agency on Aging (SMAAA) will also be able to take applications from seniors in the KNW service area.

York Housing Home Share:  Helps match homeowners with people looking for a place to live.  Staff introduces individuals that are found to be compatible, helps them to develop a home sharing agreement, and offers follow-up counsel if a match is made. FMI:  Kami Mace at kami@yorkhousing.info  or go to www.yorkhousing.info 

211Maine-is perhaps the most important resource you need to know about.  It is a list of 1000’s of health and social services, updated regularly, and accessed by calling 211, toll free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Specially trained operators work with you to determine your need and provide resource contact information.  The directory is also available online at www.211maine.org

General Assistance: located at town or city offices

Winter and Finance Assistance Cont.

Home Energy Loan Program (HELP) through Maine State Housing (www.mainehousing.org)
1-800-452-4668
HELP loans may be used to finance: home energy audits, insulation, air sealing, and weather stripping; heating system repair or replacement, energy star rated windows and appliances, storm doors and storm windows; ventilation and moisture controls; and roof repairs (if attic is insulated to a minimum R38 value).

Weatherization Program     
Eligibility and referral for weatherization starts with an approved LIHEAP application. YCCAC – 324-5762
Referrals go automatically and directly from LIHEAP to Weatherization.  There is no need to make another call, ask for the service or complete another application during intake.

Keep ME Warm Winterization: Teams of volunteers have been trained to assess need and then install winterization materials in LIHEAP eligible homes.

Those interested should call 211, specifying that they are interested in winterization not weatherization.  Materials are limited and provided on a first come first serve basis.

Refrigerator/Appliance Replacement Program:
Eligible for LIHEAP
Refrigerator or Freezer 1995 or older
Live in a mobile or single family home Referrals go automatically and directly from LIHEAP ask for the service or complete another application during intake.

CHIP (Central Heating Improvement Program)— Referrals go automatically and directly from LIHEAP ask for the service or complete another application during intake.

Maine Home Repair Network: York County Community Action Program, 6 Spruce St., Sanford. 1-800-965-5762 or 324-5762 x 2959:   Grants or loans to low income homeowners who may not be able to afford necessary home repairs and home replacement. Income guidelines apply. 

Bundle Up!  Central Maine Power:
1-800-750-4000
Income eligible households.
Receive Hot Water Heater insulation kits, pipe insulation, energy efficient shower heads, faucet aerators, tub spout safety cover. $20 contractor installed, $10 Do It Yourself

Efficiency Maine:  www.efficiencymaine.com  Efficiency Maine is a statewide effort to promote the more efficient use of electricity, help Maine residents and businesses reduce energy costs, and improve Maine's environment. Efficiency Maine is funded by electricity consumers and administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

York County Cooperative Extension Service:  21 Bradeen Street, Suite 302, Springvale, ME 04083 Phone: (207) 324-2814 or 800-287-1535 (in Maine)  Staff is available for workshops on energy conservation and saving that you organize/host. Extensive catalog of energy saving and money savings brochures and booklets that can be downloaded for free!   www.umext.maine.edu 

Rules, Regulations and Consumer Assistance

 

Maine Office of Attorney General: Consumer Home Heating Rights: The Attorney General has issued rules that regulate the sale of home heating oil during the winter months, from October 15 through April 30. One of the basic consumer rights detailed in these Rules is that an oil dealer cannot refuse to deliver to an established customer* even if the customer owes the dealer money, providing the following three conditions are met:

  • The consumer has cash or government guaranteed payment to pay for the oil being requested;

  • The dealer regularly serves the consumer’s area; and

  • The consumer requests at least 20 gallons.

The dealer does not have to make an emergency or unscheduled delivery (unless they do that for established customers*) but must make a delivery the next scheduled trip to the area.  The dealer does have the right to charge for an unscheduled or emergency delivery. 

*An established customer is one who has recently received at least 2 deliveries from the dealer.  Once one has become an established customer, the dealer must provide the same service given other established customers. 

To view the rules go to  Chapter 19: Consumer Home Heating Rights (PDF).  These rules also cover, when used for home heating, natural gas and electricity: Chapter 19, section 7 and LP Gas (propane): Chapter 19, section 5.

LP Gas: The Attorney General’s Office considers it to be an unfair trade practice to refuse to supply LP Gas or any other heating fuel to cash customers.  This rule applies even if the customer owes the company money.  If the dealer establishes an unreasonably high minimum delivery amount this is also in violation of the unfair trade practices act.  The AG’s office suggests a minimum delivery guideline whatever is larger: 50 gallons or 50% of the total ASME system or 50% of the ICC/DOT equipment installation which.  Please see Chapter 19: Consumer Home Heating Rights (PDF), section 5. for details.

Natural Gas: regulated by the Maine PUC.  Chapter 19: Consumer Home Heating Rights (PDF)., section 7 covers Natural Gas service.  For clarification and assistance call the PUC’s Consumer Helpline or go to their website.  See below:

Public Utilities Division, Consumer Assistance Division: 1-800-452-4699 or 287-3831 www.maine.gov/mpuc  Answers questions and provides complaint resolution services for several utilities, including electric and natural gas.

Federal Trade Commission

Protecting America’s Consumers

If you feel a debt collector is being unfair contact the Maine Attorney General at www.maine.gov/ag/consumer or call 207-626-8800
Pine Tree Legal Assistance: 88 Federal St., Portland.  774-8211, 
www.ptla.org  Provides free legal assistance to low income Mainers.  Website includes information about housing, tenant’s rights, family law, consumer law, healthcare etc.  Web site also includes Maine Benefits Checklist:  http://www.ptla.org/benefits_checklist.htm which has eligibility and application information about various benefits.  Includes Food Stamp and TANF benefit estimator

Legal Services for the Elderly: 1-800-750-5353, www.mainelse.org   Provides free, high quality legal services to Maine’s socially and economically needy elderly age 60 and over.

Maine Equal Justice: 1-800-626-7059  www.mejp.org  does public policy work and education about issues effecting people with low incomes.  There website has information and resources about many services. 

Federal Trade Commission
Protecting America’s Consumers
If you feel a debt collector is being unfair contact the Maine Attorney General at www.maine.gov/ag/consumer or call 207-626-8800

Housing

York County Shelters
Alfred 324-1137
Programs to assist with housing and temporary shelter for homeless or those in danger of becoming homeless.

Online Rental Listing Service
Free for both landlords and renters
www.MaineHousingSearch.org

St. Andre’s Home
Elm St. Biddeford
282-3351 or 284-7436
Residential and educational services for single mothers and pregnant teens. 

Caring Unlimited
490-3227 or 1-800-238-7298
A safe place, someone to talk with or support during or after domestic abuse or violence.

Maine Way Transitional Home
Call for interview 282-2003
For single adults to transition from homeless to independent.

Crossroads
Women recovering from substance abuse. 1-603-436-2218

Our Fathers House
Sober houses for men and women.
571-4981 or 467-5697

York Housing Home Share:  Helps match homeowners with people looking for a place to live.  Staff introduces individuals that are found to be compatible, helps them to develop a home sharing agreement, and offers follow-up counsel if a match is made. FMI:  Kami Mace at kami@yorkhousing.info  or go to www.yorkhousing.info

Subsidized Housing Agencies
Call and ask about filing an application, some vouchers are attached to the apartment.
For more agencies ask for a MaineHousing Complexes list, or go to http://www.mainehousing.org/DATASubsidizedHousingListing.aspx and click on your county

Avesta  
282-0032 or 1-888-294-3551

The Caleb Foundation
282-7177

Phoenix Management
1-866-701-3904
571-3061

R&E Associates
1-800-660-2471

Dirigo Management
871-1080

Alpha Management
883-5505

Realty Resources
1-800-338-8538

Senior Services

Southern Maine Area

Agency on Aging
For more than 35 years, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging (SMAA) has served as the area’s leading resource on information, programs and services to improve the well-being of seniors living in Cumberland and York counties
136 U.S. Route One
Scarborough, ME 04074
207-396-6500 or 1-877-353-3771
TTY for hearing impaired 207-883-0532

PROP -  Senior
Volunteer Programs
Foster Grandparents
Senior Companions
By joining the Senior Volunteer Program, volunteers (55+) can make a difference in someone’s life while having a great time and earning a little extra money.
207-773-0202 OR 800-698-4969

PROP Senior
Companion Program
Provides connection, Individual attention, unhurried help and consistent support from a Peer.
800- 698-4969

Housing
For Senior Housing ask for a Sub-Housing Agency Listing or go to
http://www.mainehousing.org/DATASubsidizedHousingListing.aspx

Senior Recreation
Most towns have an active Recreation program for Seniors
Ask at local town or Recreation program.

If you feel a Senior is in danger or being abused, please report to Adult Protective Services
1800-624-8404