Catholic Charities Maine assistance programs.
Several basic needs can be met by Catholic Charities in Maine. The organization operates across the state, in all counties, and will do what they can to help the poor and low income. Some of the focus is on providing food, preventing homelessness, addressing housing issues, and assisting immigrants. Those are just some examples of what is offered in Maine. Other services may be available or Catholic Charities can provide referrals.
Affordable and quality child care is available. Most of this is provided from the St. Elizabeth’s Child Development Center. The charity takes pride in delivering a curriculum of services to children, including a host of developmentally appropriate early learning programs for all abilities and ages. Teachers and social workers from the agency will help you and your child prepare for school and future growth.
Catholic Charities operates, or has information on, food banks across Maine, including in Portland and counties such as Aroostook. They serve a number of people in the state, including seniors and children. Various resources are offered in an effort to help the needy.
In addition to the food, clothing may be distributed. This depends on donations, and Maine families may qualify for used furniture, household items, appliances and building materials. A couple of the clothing closets in Maine are in Caribou (phone (207) 493-8910) or individuals may call the Presque Isle office at (207) 493-8919. Please also donate any goods if you can.
Low cost dental care may be offered by the partner non-profit organization of Jessie Albert Dental & Orthodontic Center. The location offers patients comprehensive dental services and quality orthodontic care. A number of dentists in the state can help, and most patients will have a positive experience.
The center may offer check-ups and routine cleanings. In addition, the latest orthodontic procedures like Invisalign may be provided. An experienced and knowledgeable team of hygienists, doctors and assistants participate in offering care. Low interest rate financing may be available too.
PATH, or Projects for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness, is for families facing eviction or who are currently homeless. It will focus on individuals with a serious mental illness or a co-occurring substance abuse or mental health disorder.
The Catholic Charity PATH program can help homeless individuals via active outreach. A number of highly trained case workers and staff are available in Maine counties such as Penobscot. They can direct people to applicable services currently available in their communities, including churches and groups that offer shelter or short term, low income housing.
Some of what may be provided includes outreach, engagement, and referral services. A focus is on helping people stay housed and offering services that are not covered by an individual’s insurance plan or government care.
Catholic Charity staff will seek out those who need help. They will screen them for what is needed and help them with developing a rapport and providing support. The agency and its partner churches and non-profits will assist with addressing both immediate and basic needs. Or a client can get referrals to appropriate resources, such as emergency rental assistance.
Assistance is offered for immigrants and refugees. Catholic Charities offers a service that is dedicated to helping people who are seeking a new life in America. Receive support in becoming independent, productive members of the community.
Immigrants and newcomers can receive referrals to case management and ongoing support. This can include employment, professional resettlement, orientation, and cultural adjustment services. Services are available in towns and cities across the state.
Short term emergency assistance may be offered by Catholic Charities. The agency will provide limited amounts of help for meeting basic needs. Programs are offered across Maine, including in Cumberland County.
Most of the resources are provided by the Relief and Hope program. This offers limited, short-term assistance to the low income, unemployed, and working poor. Catholic Charity aid is offered when people have exhausted all other possible non-profit and government resources. Only at that time will Catholic Charities consider requests for minimal financial assistance or cash grants that could stabilize or eliminate a serious crisis.
Catholic Charity centers in Maine are located as follows.
- Aroostook County office is at 14 Old Van Buren Road, Caribou, Maine 04736. Call (207) 496-3243
- 155 US Route 1, Monticello, ME 04760, telephone (207) 538-4051
- Cumberland County is served by a center at Union Station Plaza, 244 St. John Street, Portland, Maine 04102, call (207) 781-8555
- 11 Davis Street, Presque Isle, ME 04769, call (207) 493-8919 for intake.
- Sanford is located at Shaw's Plaza on 1364 Main Street, Sanford, Maine 04073. Call (207) 324-2149
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