Maine’s lakes, ponds and rivers have begun to freeze. Ice and snow will soon blanket the world outside, causing people to wrap themselves in their blankets at home inside. Some people will brave the bitter cold and chilling winds while they ice fish, ski or snowshoe. Some people will settle in: They’ll read books, try new recipes, or watch their new favorite shows. Still, for others, winter will be a time for meditation, rest and sleep. After all, who says hibernation is only for the bears? No matter what the winter will mean for you and your family, I know that this season can be challenging. Sometimes, people need assistance heating their homes, paying their bills, putting food on the table or repairing their homes. Just like the snow, expenses can really pile up – and then stick around until warmer weather returns. That’s why I’d like to raise awareness for resources that might help you, your family or someone you know get through the winter.
No one can go without food any time of year, especially during the winter season. There are several food pantries and programs in our community that can help.
• Buxton Community Cupboard, located at 6 Groveville Road, is open from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday evenings and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday mornings. For more information, please contact Betty Robiceau at (207) 929-6764.
• The Old Orchard Beach United Methodist Church Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, located at the corner of Washington and Fountain avenues, is open from 9 to 11 a.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays. For more information, please send an email to oobumc@gmail.com.
• The Saco Food Pantry, located at 67 Ocean Park Road, is open from 9 to 10:30 a.m., Mondays through Fridays, and from 5 to 6:30 p.m. on the last Tuesday of each month. For more information, send an email to meals@sacofoodpantry.org.
I have highlighted one food pantry from each community in the district, but I encourage you to review the whole list. Just go to https://www.gsfb.org/get-help/food-map/, and then type in your town or zip code for a list of food pantries and programs that are closest to you. Thank you to all of the donors and volunteers who help address food insecurity in our community.
On top of food, heating fuel is another major expense during the winter months. York County Community Action Corporation (YCCAC) partners with MaineHousing to offer many programs that can help. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps eligible homeowners and renters afford heating costs. Maine residents can now apply for heating assistance thanks to a new law passed by the Legislature earlier this year. To find out if you are eligible for HEAP and apply online, go to www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/liheap.
HEAP is only one of many resources designed to help residents stay warm during the cold winter months. The Weatherization Program offers eligible homeowners an energy audit of their homes to check for energy efficiency and safety concerns. The Electricity Lifeline Program (ELP) can help with electricity costs. Through ELP, eligible households receive a credit to their CMP bill based on household income and estimated electricity usage. Energy Crisis Intervention can provide emergency financial assistance for helping with fuel emergencies or preventing electricity cut-offs once per season. Finally, Central Heating Improvement provides grant funds to repair or replace malfunctioning heating systems. To check your eligibility for these programs (and more), please contact YCCAC at (207) 324-5762. A caseworker or heating assistance specialist will be able to direct you to the programs that you qualify for.
As always, if you ever need assistance with finding help or resources, you can send me an email at Donna.Bailey@legislature.maine.gov or you can call my legislative office at (207) 287-1515. We can weather this winter together.
Comments are not available on this story.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
