Assistance & Community Services
Harpswell Heating Assistance is open from October 15 through April 15 of the current year. This program is for people who are not eligible for General Assistance but who need heating assistance. See the Program guidelines. Applications are accepted at the Town Office, by phone (833-5771 ext. 108) or you may complete an on-line application.
Donating to Harpswell Heating Assistance Program: Did you know you can donate to the Town of Harpswell's Heating Assistance Program and help keep your neighbors warm? You can mail a check (made out to the Town of Harpswell and notate 'heating assistance' in the memo line) to the Town at PO Box 39, Harpswell, Maine; or stop by and donate in person; or you can call and make a donation over the phone with a credit card; or drop a check in our drop slot to the right of the Town Office front door. Donations are directly used to purchase oil, wood, etc. for Harpswell residents. Fuel prices are higher than in previous years causing a greater need. Please speak with your tax advisor if you have questions about deductibility. Thank you!
General Assistance Please call 833-5771 ext.108 to inquire about general assistance. Applications are accepted during hours the Town Office is open.
General Assistance is for immediate aid of persons who are unable to provide the basic necessities. A person applying for this assistance is required to utilize all available resources (TANF, SNAP, etc). We partner with local community service provider agencies to ensure that all resources and services have been utilized in an effort to meet the resident's immediate needs.
This program is for assistance with rent, food, electricity, fuel and household/personal items based on a 30 day income. All appointments are confidential.
Emergency assistance applications are available 24/7 - see here for info.
Opportunity Alliance – Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) provides heating assistance to income eligible households in Cumberland County to pay for a portion of their annual heating expenses. The program provides a one-time-per-season direct payment to heat vendors for homes heated with oil, kerosene, coal, pellets, wood, LP gas or electricity.
Call: 207-553-5900
Email: HEAP@opportunityalliance.org
Start an online application: https://www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/liheap
Eviction Prevention Program (new):
This new, eviction prevention program is meant to help tenants who may be facing an eviction and the loss of their housing. The program, which is funded with a one-time, $18 million allocation from the State of Maine earlier this year. The program will be administered under a contract with MaineHousing by the Quality Housing Coalition (QHC) of Portland.
Applications will be processed according to the following priorities:
- Eligible households who have received a forcible entry and detainer notice/summons from a court-ordered eviction notice for non-payment of rent, and
- Eligible households who have received a notice to quit.
Once applications are complete, they will be processed on a first-come first-served basis.
You can apply:
By Phone: 207-274-1240
By Email: evictionprevention@qualityhousingcoalition.org
Access Maine: Access Maine is an online resource guide with information to connect people living in Maine to public programs, services, and other resources that are available to provide support they need to be safe, happy, healthy, and successful.
Have questions or need help with your CMP bill?
- www.cmpco.com or 1-800-750-4000 for answers to questions, billing, payment plans and emergencies.
- Visit the Maine Public Utility Commission, click on Maine Electric Help.
- Do you qualify for HEAP? You may also qualify for help with your CMP bill. See above for contact and application info.
Durable Medical Equipment for Loan: Please contact Mike Drake, Fire Administrator by phone at 207-833-5771 ext. 126 or by email at mdrake@town.harpswell.me.us to inquire about renting equipment.
Safety & Emergency Preparedness
Harpswell Aging at Home: Harpswell is home to many older adults who intend to remain in their homes as they age. We want to make sure older adults can access available supports and services to help them age well at home. Programs include but are not limited to, Home Repairs, Resources, Transportation, Lunch with Friends, Meals in a Pinch, and Neighbors Connecting. You can find additional information and help through this community partner.
Project Lifesaver: Program for any resident of Cumberland County who has been diagnosed with a medical condition that results in the tendency to wander, can benefit from the program. These medical conditions can include: Alzheimer's and Dementia, Autism, Down Syndrome. For more information see this flyer.
Home Sharing: The town's Affordable Housing Working Group has identified Nesterly as a home-sharing program for Harpswell! Home sharing connects homeowners who have extra space with individuals seeking affordable housing. This initiative not only provides affordable housing options but also fosters community and mutual support. For more information see this flyer.
Another source for information is dialing 211. This is a resource directory and referral system that is available to the public without the need of a login and password. Please dial 211 if you need help in finding resources.