General Assistance
The General Assistance program continues to provide a safety net for those in greatest need in our community. General Assistance can assist eligible residents of Freeport with basic necessities, such as:
- Rent/mortgage
- Heating Fuel
- Food
- Personal care/necessary household supplies
- Non-elective medical services
- Telephone when medically necessary
- Necessary work-related expenses
- Clothing
General Assistance requires recipients to be accountable and encourages self-reliance. A person applying for this assistance is required to utilize all available resources, i.e. TANF, food stamps, Medicaid, fuel assistance, subsidized daycare, etc. With overall maximum levels of assistance being quite low, it is critical to network with local and area resources to access all available assistance. The State reimburses municipalities 70% of the expenditures for this program.
As of September 1, 2021, Freeport Community Services is administering the Town of Freeport's General Assistance Program.
- Applications are taken by Appointment Only. As of September 1, 2021 please contact Freeport Community Services to schedule an appointment during regular business hours at 865-3985 x205.
A list of required documentation at the time of application is available HERE.
Additionally, financial assistance is awarded annually for help with medical and other expenses. This money is generated through various trust funds held by the town and provides financial assistance with items such as:
- Hospital expenses
- Prescription drugs
- Physician visits and dental emergencies.
Applications for these funds are available through the Freeport Community Services office and requests will be forwarded to the Town of Freeport. Residents are eligible based on financial need.
COUNCILING HOTLINES/EMERGENCY SHELTERS
- Abused Women's Advocacy Project
P.O. Box 713, Auburn, ME 04212-0713
207-795-4020 Toll Free: 800-559-2927
- Department of Health & Human Services
221 State Street
Augusta, ME 04330
Toll Free: 800-452-1999
TTY. 800-963-9490
- Family Crisis Shelter
P.O. Box 704
Portland, ME 04104-0704
207-874-1973 Toll Free: 800-537-6066
- Family Violence Project
P.O. Box 304
Augusta, ME 04332
Contact: Carol DiAnna
207-623-3569 Toll Free: 800-498-1930
- Linea Nacional Sobre la Volencia Domestica-
Bilingual counselors available 24 hours a day
Consejeros bilingfies disponibles las 24 horas Toll Free Hotline: 800-799-7233
TTY- 800-787-3224
EMERGENCY SHELTERS:
- Hope Haven
209 Lincoln Street, Lewiston, 783-6086
- Bread of Life
157 Hospital Street, Augusta, 626-3479
- Tedford Shelter (family & adult shelters)
49 Cumberland Street, Brunswick - Adult
34 Federal Street, Brunswick-Family
207-729-1161
- Portland Family Shelter
207-772-8339 Portland
- Oxford Street Shelter
207-761-2072 Portland
- Family Crisis Shelter - Domestic Violence
800-537-6066 Portland
- MAPS Shelter Services - Pregnant/Parenting Women
...207 775 1508 Portland
- Milestone - Substance Abuse
207-775-4790 Portland
- New Hope For Women - Domestic Violence
12 Court Street, Bath
(207) 443-8898
- Preble Street/Florence House - General-Women
...207-699-4392 Portland
- Preble Street/Lighthouse Shelter - Youth
...207-775-0026 Portland
ASYLUM SEEKER WORKING GROUP
The Asylum Seeker working group is a resident committee, which was formed to support the recent influx of asylum seekers that arrived in Portland around June of 2019. Although it is not an official Town Committee, some Town Officials are participating as members. As such, information generated by this committee will be posted here to keep the public apprised of its activities.
September 3, 2019 Meeting Notes
September 24, 2019 Meeting Notes
Resource List from Freeport Working Group to Welcome New Mainers - Final 10-7-19
Freeport Working Group Final Report 10/15/2019
Other Resources:
New Mainers Guide to Greater Portland
Staff Contacts
| Name | Title |
|---|---|
| Sarah Lundin | FCS Executive Director |
| Marie O'Donnell | FCS Program Manager |