We know the amount and changing nature of the information you have and continue to receive can be confusing and overwhelming. Our goal at United Way of Greater Portland is to share resources, best practices, and information in the days and weeks ahead. The following financial stability resources have been compiled to support economic and recovery efforts related to COVID-19 coronavirus. Though not exhaustive, we hope they provide a start from which to find and access local services and information.
General Resources
211 Maine (24/7 information and referral network connecting people to a wide variety of health and human service needs, as well as specific COVID-19 health information)
- Visit 211 Maine at www.211maine.org
- Dial 2-1-1 (If you need an interpreter, press 5 and say your language.)
- Text your zip code to 898-211
City of Portland Office of Economic Opportunity (The City of Portland Office that convenes and leverages public and private partners to ensure collaboration so racially and ethnically diverse communities, including immigrants, and other underserved populations have access to jobs, related support services, and economic opportunities; Created webpage and guide with a variety of resources, many available in multiple languages)
Maine Equal Justice (Nonprofit civil legal aid and economic justice organization connecting people to assist in the areas of health care, unemployment insurance, housing & utilities, courts & legal proceedings, food and financial security, childcare, safety at home, as well as providing resources for immigrants)
Food Assistance
Cumberland County Food Security Council (Food security leaders & organizations connecting people to resources and information for accessing food)
- Portland Food Resource Guide
- Portland Food Map (what restaurants, cafes, groceries are open and what is available for takeout and delivery)
Good Shepherd Food Bank (Statewide food distribution organization connecting people to a map and directory of hunger relief agencies throughout Maine, as well as information on food pantry closings and changes)
Maine Department of Health and Human Services: Food Supplement Program (formerly food stamps)
Wayside Food Programs (Southern Maine hunger relief organization providing a map of pantries and information about community meals)
Rental Assistance
Catholic Charities Maine – Refugee & Immigration Services (Maine’s refugee resettlement program offering case management, employment, legal assistance, and other services)
MaineHousing (Statewide organization providing affordable home ownership and rental housing opportunities and a state-funded rent relief program, as well as administering federal programs related to housing)
Maine Centralized Section 8/Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List (Online information and application for Housing Choice Voucher subsidy statewide)
Pine Tree Legal Assistance (Statewide organization providing free civil legal assistance offering call-in hours and connecting people to resources about legal proceedings, utilities, unemployment benefits, rental housing and eviction related to COVID-19)
- Phone service hours at the Portland office (207-774-8211):
- Mondays, 12-2:30 pm
- Tuesdays, 9-11:30 am
- Thursdays, 9-11:30 am
- Fridays, 9-11:30 am
Portland Housing Authority (People receiving rental assistance through the Portland Housing Authority should report any changes in employment to their housing officer by calling 207–773–4753. PHA is not open to the public but has a drop-box at their entrance)
Employment/Unemployment Compensation
Catholic Charities Maine – Refugee & Immigration Services (Maine’s refugee resettlement program offering case management, employment, legal assistance, and other services; Can provide refugees, granted asylees, and secondary migrants with assistance applying for unemployment, reapplying for MaineCare, TANF, GA, etc. as eligible, and negotiations with landlords/public housing with changing income)
Maine CareerCenters (Employment and training service providing a connection to local Career Centers and assistance with general unemployment questions)
Maine Department of Economic & Community Development – Resources for Maine Businesses Impacted by COVID-19 Pandemic
Maine Department of Labor – Bureau of Unemployment Compensation (State government department providing information about unemployment benefits (eligibility, how to file a claim online, FAQ, etc.)
USM’s Career & Employment Hub (University workforce connection resource for students, business and community partners, and faculty and staff; Compiling employment resources for those affected by COVID-19 and others, including a list of employment opportunities resulting from COVID-19)
Economic Impact Payments
Internal Revenue Service (The IRS is issuing Economic Impact Payments. Find out if you are eligible or if you need to do anything in order to receive payment by visiting the IRS website.)
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (The FDIC has created a page to help consumers get the information they need to receive economic impact payments electronically, including a tool to help people find FDIC-insured banks where an account can be opened online.)
Financial Counseling Assistance
Catholic Charities Maine – Refugee & Immigration Services (Maine’s refugee resettlement program offering case management, employment, legal assistance, and other services) Can provide refugees, granted asylees, and secondary migrants with assistance applying for unemployment, reapplying for MaineCare, TANF, GA, etc. as eligible, and negotiations with landlords/public housing with changing income.
New Ventures Maine (Statewide organization providing career, business, and financial education programs; Offering all courses online)
Portland Housing Authority (Offers Empowerme program, a holistic approach to family stabilization and financial empowerment to families receiving housing subsidy through PHA; Currently working remotely)
ProsperityME (an organization providing financial education to Maine’s immigrants and refugees; Currently working remotely but can provide one-on-one financial counseling assistance by phone at 207-797-7890 or online)
