AUGUSTA — The Maine Department of Health and Human Services has opened its new offices at 457 Alfred St.

The new office, which replaces a previous temporary Biddeford location, provides in-person services to residents of eastern York County and southern Cumberland County and complements the Sanford DHHS office, according to a news release from the human services department.

The location is the former Journal Tribune building, which was purchased by Five Star Holdings in 2015, according to Biddeford assessing records. The newspaper ceased publication in the fall of 2019. DHHS spokeswoman Jackie Farwell in an email said the department is leasing the space. She said about 86 people work there.

The new office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday for services, including eligibility screening for public benefits. It offers parking, access to public transportation — it is between bus stops on the Orange/Black Line of Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit, the news release stated — and a state-of-the-art workspace for staff from the DHHS Offices for Family Independence, Child and Family Services, and Aging and Disability Services, as well as District Operations.

“The Department is committed to customer service, and we are proud to open this new location to serve residents in southern Maine,” said DHHS Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “This easily accessible and central location will serve the needs of the public and our valued staff.”

With more than 21,000 residents, Biddeford is the sixth largest city in Maine.

“I am thrilled to see the opening of the new Department of Health and Human Services office in Biddeford,” said Biddeford Mayor Alan Casavant in the news release. “Having an office nearby allows the many people in need of assistance in our area with easier access and provides a human touch for those seeking support in navigating the department’s many programs and services.”

A complete list of all DHHS district office locations and contact information is available on the DHHS website at: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ Information is also available by calling 855-797-4357.

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