Food, housing, heat, transportation—these are a few of the basics we all need for day-to-day living. When you’re ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed), affording the basics can be a struggle. Any unexpected expense, like a high heating bill, can spell disaster for your budget.
These challenges are visible across our state, reflected in stories like the upcoming, March 3, Maine Calling conversation on ALICE, the Portland Press Herald’s coverage of the volunteers counting Maine’s homeless population in the bitter cold, and the findings in the Ending Hunger in Maine 2025 Annual Report. Collectively, the stories mirror what we hear from families in Southern Maine every day.
When you’re focusing on today’s problems, it can be difficult to find time and energy to plan for the future, like pursuing your education or getting to the next stage of your career. This month’s newsletter is dedicated to the ways that United Way is helping families meet their basic needs today, so they can focus on a brighter tomorrow.
We are also listening to our community and seeking to hear from 3,000 people who live and work in Southern Maine. Take our survey and share the challenges you face and what you think would make our community stronger. Your voice will help shape United Way’s work in the future.
Keeping Mainers Warm
Every Mainer knows how it feels to be cold, but no one should worry about feeling cold in their own home. The 2026 Project Heat telethon, a partnership between United Ways of Maine and NEWS CENTER Maine, raised an incredible $283,212 for the Keep ME Warm fund, which is already providing emergency heating assistance to families across the state—estimated to help 815+ households.
Thank you to everyone who donated and to our corporate partners for keeping Mainers warm!
HAPPY 211 MAINE MONTH!
February is 211 Maine Month, a celebration of our 24/7 resource that helps Mainers find local resources to navigate their day-to-day challenges. Any time, day or night, local expert 211 specialists help callers find answers to every challenge from heating assistance, housing and shelter, and mental health and substance use support.
- received 62,000+ calls, texts, and emails;
- spent 187,700+ minutes on the phone helping people;
- and provided 117,400 referrals for local services.
MORE THAN A TAX REFUND
Tax season is in full swing at United Way’s CA$H Greater Portland. Our team of IRS-certified Volunteer Tax Preparers help taxpayers file for free and navigate which credits to claim, so they can maximize their refunds. And it’s not too late to sign up for an appointment! When people keep more of what they earn, they have a pathway to financial security and a stronger future.
Dora, a child care educator and single mom, has been filing with CA$H for nearly 20 years. Read Dora’s story to hear how filing with CA$H has helped her save money to support her family.
Thank you to our sponsors:
- Tax Season Sponsor: TD Bank
- Adopt-A-Week: Machias Savings Bank
- Interpretation and Translation: Maine Community Bank
- Adopt-A-Saturday: NBT Bank, Atlantic Federal Credit Union
- Volunteer Recognition: Bath Savings Institution
EMERGING LEADERS UNITE TO ADDRESS HUNGER
Emerging Leaders United (ELU) packed 100 meal kits for The Locker Project at their February 18 event to address youth food insecurity. Adults under 25 are disproportionately ALICE in Southern Maine.
ELU members invest in local programs that provide youth in ALICE households with academic support, mentorship, mental health care, and more, so they can get a strong start. Join ELU to grow your impact and your network!
ELU recently launched the Leadership Development Program, a year-long program designed to support rising professionals through mentorship, networking, hands-on community engagement, and exposure to United Way’s work and partners across Southern Maine. We are proud to recognize BerryDunn as the inaugural partner of the ELU Leadership Development Program and we welcome Michael Mahar, Emily Morrill, and Katie O’Donnel to ELU through this program!
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: EMERGING LEADERS UNITED INVESTMENTS
Emerging Leaders United is pleased to announce the opening of their next investment process. Successful applicants will receive funding from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. We are excited to invite community organizations to participate in this opportunity.
ELU is seeking to fund innovative programming that supports educational opportunities and youth engagement as well as aligns with United Way of Southern Maine’s Thrive2027 framework and shared outcome measures. With this investment opportunity, awards between $10,000 – $25,000 will be made in both Cumberland County and York County.
Upcoming Events
SUPPORT BEYOND THE PAYCHECK: STRENGTHENING YOUR ALICE WORKFORCE
March 4, 8:30 AM-12 PM
IDEXX (One IDEXX Drive, Westbrook)
Join United Way and local employers to explore practical, business-smart strategies to support ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) workers. This conversation builds on the growing statewide dialogue, including the upcoming Maine Calling segment on ALICE airing on March 3, and will highlight policies, partnerships, and practices employers can implement right here in Southern Maine.
This event is made possible with support from Unum. Event space provided by IDEXX.
WOMEN UNITED’S NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM
March 5, 5-7:30 PM | FREE
Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine
Night at the Museum is back! Join Women United to explore the Children’s Museum and Theatre of Maine after dark, meet other Women United members and supporters, and learn how you can make an impact for single moms in Southern Maine. Kiddos are welcome but not required.
This event is made possible with generous support from MEMIC.
