General Jillian Werb General Jillian Werb

DHHS – Communicating with

When to call

If you’ve called DHHS, you’ve noticed that the wait times are crazy (1 to 2 hours). We recommend that you call first thing in the morning, not on a Monday or beginning of the month.

Release Authorization

While it’s not a necessity, if you are willing to contact DHHS on behalf of your mentee (without your mentee being present), you will want and need to fill out the DHHS Authorization to Release Information form. Note: The Authorized Representative Release Form is supposedly only needed if you are going to actually sign documents and approve changes.

Here is the full process for the release authorization:

  1. Fill out the DHHS Authorization to Release Information form. Here is an example of one that was filled out with made-up data.

  2. Email it to farmington.dhhs@maine.gov.

  3. Wait at least 3 days and call DHHS to make sure the form was scanned into your mentee’s file. Sadly, I sent it twice and both times it was completely ignored. Luckily the DHHS person on the phone was nice, apologetic and understanding, so she gave me her email address and I sent it to her while I was on the phone with her. I strongly suggest you ask or beg for their direct email if they fail to read the form into your mentee’s file.

  4. Make a note in your calendar to renew/redo the form annually!

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Clothing

St. Luke’s Cathedral
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM -11:00 AM
143 State Street, Portland
Use Park Street Entrance
(207) 772-5434

Salvation Army
Tuesdays, Thursdays & Fridays
297 Cumberland Ave., Portland
(207) 774-6304

State Street Church
Wednesdays 9:00 AM -11:00 AM
Closed on the 1st Wednesday of each month
159 State Street, Portland
(207) 773-8876

St. Vincent’s Cathedral
Fridays, 11:00 AM -12:00 PM
Guild Hall – 307 Congress Street
(207) 772-1113

Portland Cathedral
Emergency Assistance Vouchers to be used at Catholic Charity Thrift Stores
(555) 555-1212

Preble Street Resource Center Clothing Closet
Monday and Friday afternoons
Call to get your name on the list and let them know what items you need.
(207) 775-0026

White Memorial Seventh-day Adventist Church
Mondays, 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
97 Allen Ave., Portland
(207) 797-4414

South Portland Clothing Closet
Church of the Nazarene, 525 Highland Ave,
(207) 767-2127
1st Thursday of the month, 7:30am – 1:00pm
Landry Village Community Center
3rd Thursday of the month, 7:30am -11:00am and 3:00pm – 5:30pm

Several schools have “Clothes Closets”

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Winter Tips

Many people may have arrived during COVID and may not have had anyone in their homes to review our best winter practice.  It’s important for people to learn how to live in Maine in the winter – both to keep warm as well as understand how to be good tenants.  Even if they might currently live in a place where their heat is included – this information will be important for the future. Please share with any New Mainers you might know.

  1. If people have storm windows, they should make sure they are securely closed.  Check to make sure top and bottom windows are all the way up and down and then locked because even a small opening creates a draft.

  2. If they don’t lock, they should just make sure they are closed and they can put duct tape if it they feel a draft

  3. If they have any sunlight, they can open the blinds or curtains during the day to get natural heat

  4. If they have baseboard heat, make sure no furniture or other items are blocking the front of the heater because the heat won’t circulate

  5. It is best to place beds on an inside wall and if not possible, as far from the window as possible.

  6. If they have direct vent heat, either a Monitor or Rinnai – remind people that they need to leave all bedroom and bathroom doors open to get heat in all the rooms.

  7. Before getting a space heater, understand they can trip breakers and they also use a LOT of electricity which is usually over the GA budget (or costs a lot of money if not on GA).

  8. Sometimes people need an explanation of how a thermostat works – that the heat cycles on and off.  People often complain that their heat isn’t working when it just shuts off when it reaches the set temperature. (though many apartments do not allow tenants the ability to control the temperature, in which case, they are stuck learning to dress for warmly!)

  9. It’s always helpful to give examples of how in cold climates we tend to layer both when outside and inside. If you’re cold, instead of turning up the heat, add layers – especially warm socks and/or slippers. Some Mainers wear long underwear every day in the winter, and many of us sleep in heavy socks!!

Other Tips…

Electric Bill Issues

  • If your mentee has an electric bill that exceeds the GA limit ($99 at the time of this entry), WTS has a critical needs funds – you can request up to $100 for a one time need.

  • If your mentee has had their power cut off or their bill has been sent to collections, complain directly to CMP to make sure they’ve done it fairly.

Tips on How to Stay Warm
Many mentees are from much warmer climates and getting used to the cold takes some time and learning how to adapt requires mentoring. We have had to help our mentees learn the “tricks” of staying warm and the economic and environmental benefits of using heat efficiently.

Keeping warm inside the house

  • Wearing heavy socks, slippers, long sleeves, sweaters and hoodies, leggings under pants, wrapping up in a blanket while watching tv and studying

  • Cutting drafts by putting a rolled towel or one of those stuffed snake/noodle things at bottom of outside doors

  • Making sure windows are closed tight and latches sealed (especially important for insulated windows).

  • Window plastic weatherization

Keeping warm outside the house

  • Importance of layering, even under winter coats and snow pants

  • Mittens are often warmer than gloves

  • Wearing boots – a plastic bread bag over socks inside boot can keep feet dryer and warmer

  • Wearing 2 pairs of socks under boots

  • Hats and scarves

Saving on heating money

  • Make sure they understand that the more heat, the more cost. This case be a problem if they have a “heat included” rental agreement, because they won’t see the effect of cranking the heat all the way up. If they have “heat included” agreement then you should tell them the max temp is 74.

  • Make sure they understand that the cost of electricity to power the heat and the hot water is expensive vs. the power used for computers or phones.

Read more about rental laws.

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Utilities

Electricity

Asylum Seekers & New Customer Accounts at Central Maine Power CMP: 800-750-4000
To set up an account, you’ll need:

  1. Your date of birth, and

  2. The “A” number on the documents you received when you entered the U.S. – OR – your passport number

 

  • You are not required to pay a security deposit to open a new customer account.

  • You are not required to provide two forms of photo I.D

  • General Assistance is considered a form of income like any other voucher program for asylum seekers (like TANF, SSI, SSDI, etc.) because immigration and federal laws prohibit working for a period of time.

  • You may need to explain that you are an asylum seeker.

Internet Access

The Affordable Connectivity Program provides discounts on internet service based on income eligibility. Apply annually before late-February deadline.

Comcast/Xfinity has a low-cost internet program called Internet Essentials - $9.95/month for WiFi only ( no cable TV).

Spectrum Internet Assist and is available only for adults who can show proof of their child receiving free school meals, or adults over 65 who can show proof of receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or SS Disability Income (SSDI). There is no activation fee nor any contracts to sign. Billing begins 3-4 weeks after installation of the Spectrum modem that is provided at no cost and which can be self installed if the apartment is already wired for cable access. A prepayment of $14.99 is required for the first month’s service.

Remittance Form

Detailed Instructions

Television Access

To get FREE television reception (i.e., no need to pay for cable), once you have a digital-ready TV (it’d be hard to find one that isn’t), all you need to do is get a digital antenna, such as this one from Amazon ($9.99). You simply hook it up to the coaxial input and use the TV’s menu to do a “channel search” and Bob’s your uncle. There are at least a dozen channels available, including ABC, NBC and CBS.

Read more about rental laws.

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Furniture

Furniture Friends
Warehouse Address:
15 Saunders Way
Loading Dock 500 D
Westbrook, ME 04098
207-210-5797

Free, gently used furniture. Families must be referred by a case manager or social service provider. They have requested requested that all referrals from Welcoming the Stranger come through Jill Epstein. Following is the information I will need from you if you want me to make a referral for your mentee:

  1. Mentee’s full name and address including zip code. Mentee’s phone number and whether he/she can receive texts.

  2. If you are planning to coordinate and want Furniture Friends to contact you rather than your mentee I will also need your preferred contact info (cell phone for call or text or preferred email address)

  3. Number of people in the household

  4. Number of people under 18

  5. What items they are looking for and how many of each they need (you can see a list of what donations they accept here)

  6. Do you want the furniture delivered or will you arrange to pick it up at their Westbrook warehouse?

A couple of other things to note-

If you are requesting more than just beds, Furniture Friends will schedule a time to come out to do an assessment of the apartment. Also, if your mentee lives at 132 Bayside, Furniture Friends says they cannot deliver beds there. Those apartments are furnished and they can’t take out, or the client can’t get rid of, something that’s the property of the landlord.

Making it Home 
207-233-0590
Gently used furniture, appliances, linens and household goods

Neighbors in Need (Closed Facebook Group)
All sorts of items, new. Items move quickly. Mentors post what they need or what they have.

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Access

Click here for ways to deal with housing problems (legal)

Portland Housing Authority
14 Baxter Blvd.
207-773-4753

Maine State Housing Authority
353 Water Street, Augusta
207-626-4600

Avesta Housing
307 Cumberland Avenue
207-553-7777

Housing and Employment Center
96 Lancaster Street
207-775-7911

Westbrook Housing Authority
30 Liza Harmon Drive, Westbrook
207-854-9779

South Portland Housing Authority
100 Waterman Drive, Suite 101, South Portland
207-773-4140

Hope Gateway/Hope House
185 High Street
207-899-2435

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Soup Kitchens

Preble Street Teen Center
343 Cumberland Avenue
207-775-0026
Daily: 8:00am-9:00am, 12:00pm-1:00pm, 6:00pm-7:00pm (teens and young adults up to age 21)

St. Vincent de Paul
307 Congress Street
207-772-1113
Monday –Friday 11:00am-12:30pm

Wayside Food Programs
Mondays:

  • 12-1, Woodfords Congregational Church, 202 Woodford Street

  • 5-6, Reiche Community School, 166 Brackett Street (Reiche students & their families only)

  • 5-6, East End Community School, 195 North Street (EECS students & their families only)

  • 5-6, Sagamore Village
    Boys & Girls Club, 21 Popham Street (B&G Club students only)

  • 5-6, Riverton Boys & Girls Club, 55 Riverton Drive (B&G Club students only)

Tuesdays:

  • 12-1, Hope GateWay United Methodist Community Center, 185 High Street

  • 5-6, Salvation Army, 297 Cumberland Ave. (seniors 55+ and families with children only)

  • 6-7, Parkside Neighborhood Center, 85 Grant Street (seniors 55+ and families with children only)

Wednesdays:

  • 5-6, My Place Teen Center, 755 Main Street, Westbrook

  • 5-6, Westbrook Food Pantry, Westbrook Community Center, 426 Bridge St

Thursdays:

  • 12-1, Salvation Army Center for Aging, 297 Cumberland Ave. (seniors only)

  • 5:30-6:30, Hope GateWay United Methodist Community Center, 185 High Street

  • 5:30-6:30, Deering Center Community Church, 4 Brentwood Street

  • 5:30-6:30, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, 678 Washington Ave.

Saturdays:

  • Every 3rd Saturday 4:30 PM at the Baptist Church, 733 Main St., Westbrook

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Pantries

Click here for a searchable map of Maine Food Banks by Good Shepherd

Cape Elizabeth

Judy’s Pantry
United Methodist Church, 280 Ocean House Road
2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month from 3:00 – 5:00 pm.
Contact: bethowens1@gmail.com
Open to residents of Cape Elizabeth

Cumberland

Community Food Pantry
290 Tuttle Road, back of building
1st, 2nd, and 4th Fridays, 3:00 – 6:00 pm.
Contact: 207-653-0561
Need photo ID and proof of residence in Cumberland, North Yarmouth, New Gloucester, or Pownal

Falmouth

Falmouth Food Pantry
271 Falmouth Road (next to Town Hall)
1st & 3rd Mon. 9:00- 11:00 am, 2nd, 3rd & 4th Tues. 9:30-11:30 am., 2nd, 3rd & 4th Thurs. 4:30-6:30 pm.
Contact: 207-632-2687
Proof of residence in Falmouth, Cumberland, Yarmouth, Westbrook, or Portland, available twice a month.

Freeport

Freeport Community Services Food Pantry
53 Depot Street
Monday – Thursday 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
Contact: 207-865-3985
Photo ID and proof of residence for Freeport and Pownal

Gorham

Gorham Ecumenical Food Pantry
299A Main Street
Thursdays 9:00 am – 11:00 am, 2nd & 4th Wednesday 6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Proof of residence needed for Gorham residents and Gorham Parish Members
Located in the white building at the right end of the St. Anne’s parking lot.

Portland

First Baptist Church Food Pantry
360 Canco Road
Wednesdays only and for Portland residents only
Newcomers should arrive about 10:30 to sign in, numbers are given 10:45-11:15, food distribution begins at 11:30
Contact: 207-773-3123
Photo ID and proof of residence requested

Jewish Family Services
1342 Congress Street
Tuesdays & Thursdays 9:00 am – 3:00 pm by appt.
Contact: 207-772-1959
Open to residents of Portland, Greater Portland, photo ID required, can come once a month.

Preble Street Resource Center

Multiple food drop locations in and around Portland, find them on the Good Shepherd Food Bank Map.

Project FEED Food Pantry
202 Woodford Street
Monday – Friday 1:00 -3:00 pm
Contact:207-761-3920
Need referral from social service agency, open to residents of Portland, South Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, and Falmouth once every 2 months

Root Cellar
94 Washington Avenue
Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Emergency Pantry, East End residents only
Proof of residence required

Sacred Heart Food Pantry
80 Sherman Street
Tuesdays 10:00 – 11:30 am
Contact:207-773-7746
Open to residents of Parkside, no documentation required.

Sagamore Food Pantry
21 Popham Street
Tuesdays 9:00-10:00am
Contact: 207-221-8072
Open to anyone, no documentation required

Salvation Army Food Pantry
297 Cumberland Avenue
Mondays, Wednesdays, & Fridays 1:00 – 2:30 pm
Contact:207-774-4172
Open to residents of Cape Elizabeth, South Portland, Cumberland, Falmouth, Portland, Scarborough, Westbrook, no documentation required. Can come once a month.

St. Vincent’s/Cathedral Guild Hall
307 Congress Street
Monday – Friday 11:00-12:30 pm.
Contact:207-772-1113

St. Luke’s Food Pantry
134 Park Street
Thursdays 9:30 – 11:00 am
Contact:207-772-5434
Open to anyone, photo ID and proof of residence required, can come once a month.

Stroudwater Food Pantry
1520 Westbrook St.
207-772-2193
Sun. 1-3
Provides for individuals and families in Southern Maine. Recipients need to register by showing a Maine drivers license or other id during pantry hours.

Wayside Mobile Food Pantries
Various neighborhood sites, times vary
Contact:207-775-4939

White Memorial Pantry
97 Allen Avenue
Thursdays 8:00 – 9:30 am
Contact:207-776-0867
Open to anyone, photo ID required

Williston-Immanuel
156 High Street
Thursdays, arrive by 10:00 am
Contact: 207-775-2301
Open to anyone, no documentation required

Scarborough

Scarborough Food Pantry
167 Black Point Road
Tuesdays and Thursdays 9:00 am – 12:00 pm
Contact: Ellen Parenteau 207-883-1672 or 207-883-2342
Open to anyone, no documentation required, can come once a month

South Portland

First Congregational Church UCC Food Pantry
301 Cottage Road
Tuesday and Thursday 10:30 am – 12:00 pm (Call ahead)
Contact: 207-799-3361
Open to residents of South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, ID and proof of residence required

The Hub
(neighborhood residents only)
584 Westbrook Street
Wednesdays 1:00 pm (produce), Thursdays 1:00 pm (bread)
Contact: 207-347-4194

South Portland Food Cupboard
130 Thadeus St.
Thursdays 8:30 am – 11:30 am
First Wednesday of every month 5 pm – 7 pm
Contact: Sybil Riemensnider 207-874-0379
Open to anyone, no documentation required, can come once a month

Westbrook

Vineyard Food Pantry
715 Bridgton Road
Fridays 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Contact: Doug Clements 207-854-8339 or 207-650-0495
Open to residents of the Greater Westbrook area, proof of residence needed

Westbrook Community Food Pantry
426 Bridge Street (Westbrook Community Center)
Tuesdays 12:00 – 2:00 pm & 6:00 – 7:30 pm
Contact: Jeanne Reilly 207-854-9105 or call 207-591-8147 to leave message
Open to Westbrook residents, proof of residence needed, can visit twice a month

Windham

Windham Food Pantry
377 Gray Road
Monday – Thursday 8:30 – 4:00 by appointment
Contact: Madeline Roberts 207-892-1931
Open to residents of Windham, proof of residence required, can go once a month.

Yarmouth

Yarmouth Community Food Pantry
116 Main Street
Tuesdays and Fridays 10:00 am – 12:00 pm & Wednesdays 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Contact: Sue Rowe 207-449-1131 or 207-846-3773
Residents of Cumberland, Yarmouth, North Yarmouth, Pownal, and Freeport with proof of residence can come once a week.

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Nutrition Programs

WIC (Women, Infants, Children)

WIC is a nutrition program for thousands of Maine families, helping Maine kids to grow up strong and healthy. WIC food benefits are available based on income guidelines and up-to-date nutrition research. This website seeks to serve all Maine families with free nutrition advice, tips for staying healthy, and resources for growing families. Provides supplemental food stamps for families with children under 5

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly and commonly known as the Food Stamp Program, provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income people living in the United States. Additionally, Maine has a “Farm Fresh Rewards” program for SNAP participants to get farm fresh fruits and vegetables.

See the Maine Equal Justice website for more information. Search this page for “Immigrant Eligibility for Food Assistance”.

Non-Citizens: Who Qualifies for FSP (Food Supplement Program, such as SNAP0?

For purposes of the Federally-funded and State-funded FSP, a Qualified Alien (as per USDA Non-Citizen Eligibility Guidance) is a non-citizen who has one of the following immigration statuses:

  • Lawfully Admitted for Permanent Residence

  • Asylees

  • Parolees

  • Deportation Withheld

  • Conditional Entrants

  • Cuban or Haitian Entrants

  • Battered Non-Citizens

  • Refugees

  • Trafficking Victims

  • Iraqi and Afghan Special Immigrants

For the State-funded FSP only:
a) Asylum Seeker (AS) (defined as per U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, USCIS): A non-citizen who has arrived in the United States seeking protection because they have suffered persecution or fear that they will suffer persecution due to:

  • Race

  • Religion

  • Nationality

  • Membership in a particular social group

  • Political opinion

The AS will file a form I 589, “Application for Asylum and for Withholding of Removal” with the appropriate USCIS center. Verification: The AS will receive an I-797 receipt and approval notice from USCIS to confirm receipt of the asylum application. The AS will also receive a notice for an interview.

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Taxes

BEWARE! There are many fraudulent tax preparers out there. Falling victim to scams or well-intentioned mistakes can be very costly, and potentially harmful to an asylum case.

These are reliable and reputable tax resources, all free:

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TANF

TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. TANF provides cash help to families with children living at home. TANF can help some immigrants pay for basic needs like housing, heat, etc,

For more information, search this page for “Immigrant Eligibility for TANF”.

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Phone Scams

Please remind your mentee, NEVER to give out any personal information over the phone unless they’ve initiated the call. Unfortunately there are frequent cases of people calling and saying they’re with the Social Security Administration or DHHS or whatever. The real folks will never call.

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