RESOURCES DURING TOUGH ECONOMIC
TIMES
The Internet has
a wealth of information.
If you don’t
have access to a computer, or don’t usually use one,
ask your local
library if they have a public-access computer and can help get you
started.
Many libraries
provide one-on-one help or free classes.
HOME,
FOOD, ENERGY and
HOUSING
·
The
University of Maine Cooperative Extension (UMCE)
website has resources and information on how to live within a budget
and survive tough times. For a start, go tohttp://umaine.edu/savemoney/ and subscribe
to Money Sense, a UMCE publication full of money-saving tips:
call 564-3301 or 1 (800) 287-1491 to subscribe.
·
The UMaine Cooperative Extension
has abundant resources on a number of topics, including food and
health, gardening, home energy conservation, and family relations.
They have many useful publications. Go to their website, website,
http://www.umext.maine.edu/ or call
581-3188 or 1
(800)
287-0274.
·
The Governor’s Office
The Energy webpage
http://maine.gov/energy/
has information on a wide variety of energy
programs available to individuals and businesses and easy-to-use
links. Includes information on home energy conservation and
weatherization, tax rebates for alternative and renewable energy
technology and renewable energy alternative, and nut-and-bolts
information on energy efficiency.
·
Efficiency Maine,
http://www.efficiencymaine.com/ Abundant resources for
homeowners and businesses on how to save energy and cut utility
bills.
o
Borrow a Kill-A-WattÒ
monitor from you public library to find out how much energy your
appliances and electronics are using.
http://www.efficiencymaine.com/residential_programs.htm
o
Carbon Free Homes: how to calculate your carbon footprint, and
decrease your overall energy use.
http://www.carbonfreehomes.org/
·
Heating Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
http://www.penquis.org/
is administered
by Penquis CAP in Bangor
(973-3630)
and provides fuel assistance to income-eligible Mainers. The money
is sent directly to the oil company. Eligible customers can also
get discounted rates on electric and phone bills. For example, a
family of 4 with a gross income of less than $3,000 per month is
eligible for assistance. Call Penquis CAP to arrange an
appointment.
·
Bangor Hydro Electric Company http://www.bangorhydro.com
Customers who meet income guidelines may qualify for reduced
rates. To qualify, total household income must not exceed 170% of
the federal poverty guidelines. Apply to Penquis
CAP to be certified
for the Low Income Rate.
·
State
Energy Program (SEP)
http://www.maine.gov/msep
SEP is funded to provide information on all types of energy. There
are many good do-it-yourself guides to energy-efficiency including
home energy audits and tips on insulation. There is also information
on renewable energy, clean energy and the Solar Energy Rebate
program.
·
Energy Star
http://www.energystar.gov/ Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. EPA and the U.S.
Dept. of Energy established to help save money and protect the
environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Learn
how to improve your home to reduce energy costs.
·
Maine State Housing Authority
http://www.mainehousing.org/ Information on home buying,
transitional and emergency housing, energy assistance and
low-interest loans for low- and moderate-income families, home
repair programs and rental assistance.
·
Finding
the Best Gasoline Prices.
Shop around for the cheapest gas in your neighborhood. Several
websites list local gas prices – try
http://www.mainegasprices.com
SOCIAL SERVICES
·
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
website provides links to services available from various agencies
and non-profits at:
http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/programs.shtml
·
2-1-1 Maine, Inc,:
http://www.211maine.org/ or call
2-1-1:
2-1-1 Maine, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that provides health
and human services information and referral to the State of Maine.
They can tell you where to go for help.
·
Penquis Community Action Program
provides help and resources on a wide array of programs.
www.penquiscap.org
262 Harlow Street,
Bangor, ME 04402, (207)
973-3500,
Toll-Free:
(888)
424-0151
RESOURCES FOR
AVOIDING FORECLOSURE
If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, ask for help right away.
A housing counselor may be able to help you lower your costs
and make payment arrangements to avoid foreclosure.
·
The HUD
(US Dept. of Housing and Urban Development) website offers a Guide
to Avoiding Foreclosure at
http://www.hud.gov/foreclosure/.
-
Coastal Enterprises, Inc
(CEI) is a Comprehensive Housing Counseling Agency providing
one-on-one housing counseling assistance to Maine residents.
They can provide assistance with:
·
foreclosure prevention
·
homebuyer guidance
·
reverse mortgages
·
budgeting
·
finding resources for home improvements
·
accessing various services and programs such as the Low Income Heat
and Energy Assistance Program.
For more information or to sign up for counseling, e-mail
dianes@ceimaine.org or call
207-882-7552, ext. 126.
·
Pine Tree Legal Services, Inc.,
www.ptla.org
Pine Tree Legal Assistance provides information on how to
avoid foreclosure, including a “Foreclosure Prevention Toolkit” and
updates on various federal and state programs:
http://www.ptla.org/cliented/housing/foreclosure/index_html
http://www.ptla.org/cliented/foreclose_prevent.htm
61 Main St # 41
Bangor, ME 04401
(207) 942-8241
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
http://www.ptla.org/cliented/contact.htm
Legal Services for the Elderly
http://www.ptla.org/cliented/Home/lse/index_html
Bureau of Consumer Credit Regulation
http://www.state.me.us/pfr/consumercredit/index.shtml
FINANCIAL
COUNSELING
-
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of
Maine
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of
Maine (CCCS of
Maine) provides financial counseling, debt repayment plans, and
consumer education. Through these services, CCCS helps people
control their finances and avoid bankruptcy. To schedule a credit
counseling service appointment, call
1-866-889-9347.
-
UMaine Financial Education Program
The Financial Education Program at UMaine provides employees,
students and residents of surrounding communities with access to
high-quality, current and credible information, tools, and services
designed to broaden personal financial management knowledge and
decision-making skills. For more
information or to set up an appointment, contact Sharon Hageman at
581-1853.
-
National Foundation for Credit Counseling:
http://www.nfcc.org/. This website offers debt advice, home
foreclosure help, NFCC member locators, budget calculators and
personal solutions.
TAX
PREPARATION ASSISTANCE IN MAINE
CA$H Maine
offers free tax preparation to qualified filers during the tax
season with IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers, and connects
residents to financial education resources with volunteer asset
coaches, including financial education and home-buying workshops,
Family Development Accounts (FDAs) and credit counseling.
http://www.voanne.org/Services/TaxAssistance
