UNITED WAY NEWSLETTER
NOVEMBER 2026
Dear Neighbor,
Last year, we heard from 3,159 people who live and work in Southern Maine about their challenges and aspirations for the future. One message came through clearly: stability felt out of reach for too many people.
Transportation emerged as a significant barrier. It’s the invisible thread that holds daily life together. When reliable transportation breaks down, getting to work, accessing health care, or getting children where they need to be can quickly become overwhelming.
The scale and consistency of what we heard made clear that transportation demanded greater attention.
We listened, and we are taking action.
With generous support from the John T. Gorman Foundation, United Way is launching Keep ME Moving, a new pilot project designed to help people overcome transportation setbacks before they become a crisis. The fund, which is now taking applications by referral, can provide:
- Up to $750 for car repairs
- Bus passes
- One-time or recurring Lyft rides
You can help more Mainers overcome setbacks and stay on the road to work, school, and life.
GIVE NOWAs always, please reach out with any ideas or suggestions.
With gratitude,
Dan Coyne
President & CEO
United Way of Southern Maine
ALICE: THE WORKFORCE YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO OVERLOOK
Every day, Maine business leaders make decisions that shape hiring, compensation, benefits, and growth. Yet one segment of the workforce, essential to nearly every industry, is often misunderstood: ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) employees.
In a new MaineBiz series, we will be highlighting how local employers can implement ALICE friendly business practices to attract and retain workers, featuring success stories from partners like Allagash Brewing Company.
LEARN MORE
KEEP MAINERS WARM
Every winter, thousands of Maine families struggle to afford to heat their homes. This year, record high heating oil prices are challenging even more households across the state. In September, calls to 211 Maine for heating assistance rose 33% from the previous year.
Keep ME Warm is Maine’s only statewide emergency heating assistance fund, helping hundreds of families heat their homes each winter. Your support will help keep more people safe and warm this winter.
GIVE TO KEEP ME WARM
Women United: The Power of Partnership
Women United‘s joyful Fall Gathering was a celebration of partnership that makes change possible, bringing together generous donors and dedicated community partners to support the 70% of single moms in Southern Maine who struggle to get by.
When you join Women United, your gift directly impacts local families. Women United partner York County Community Action Corporation shared the story of a mother who was living in an unheated shed with her three children. Their only source of warmth was a space heater. Just hours before the Fall Gathering, the family had moved into stable housing thanks to the collective support of Women United and its partners.
WOMEN UNITEDThank you to KeyBank for sponsoring the event and to Women United’s corporate partners, Hannaford Supermarkets, MEMIC, and WEX, for their continued support.
COMMUNITY BUILDERS
United Way’s Community Builders is a new program helping local businesses increase their impact through giving and volunteering. Thank you to our inaugural Community Builders for building a stronger Southern Maine!
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Bath Savings
- BerryDunn
- NBT Bank
Community Builders receive access to quality leadership opportunities for staff, organized volunteer events, and significant recognition and brand lift.
Learn More
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: CA$H Greater Portland
Help your neighbors file their taxes for free and build financial stability. In 2026, United Way’s CA$H (Creating Assets, Savings, and Hope) program helped more than 1,200 households claim earned credits, maximize their refunds, and save on filing fees, returning $2.1 million to the community.
Volunteer opportunities include tax preparer, greeter, scheduler, and opportunity guide. Training is provided, and no experience is required.
VOLUNTEER
NAVIGATING CHANGES TO SNAP AND MEDICAID
Do you have a loved one who relies on MaineCare or SNAP? H.R. 1, a recent federal bill, includes sweeping changes to SNAP, Medicaid, and Medicare, that help Mainers meet basic needs. Some changes are already underway, while others will roll out over the next several years. We created a resource to help providers and Mainers understand the changes, prepare for their impact, and access available support.
LEARN MORE
GRAB A SLICE OF IMPACT THIS NOVEMBER
Pizza with a purpose! Join us at Brickyard Hollow all November with multiple ways to support United Way.
- Throughout November, $1 from every Chicken Alfredo pizza sold will be donated to United Way.
- Every Tuesday, one of Brickyard Hollow locations will donate 5% of all sales—November 10 in Portland, November 17 in Brunswick, and November 24 in Yarmouth.
