211 Maine
A help line and online search for local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more, anywhere in Maine. You can also call 866 811 5695, or text your ZIP code to 898 211.
Official page: 211maine.org/contact
Find Help Near You in Maine
Private help lines for Maine, plus help with rent, eviction and utility bills. Save these numbers in your phone today, before you need them.
Need help tonight?
Behind on rent or bills? Start here
Hi friend. If rent is due, a shutoff notice came, or you're worried about losing your home, take a breath. You're not the first, and there are people in Maine who help with this every day.
Start by dialing 211, or call your local DHHS office. They can point you to energy assistance and emergency housing programs when funds allow.
Quick answers
Where do I start if I'm behind on rent?
Talk to your landlord early, if it feels safe. Then dial 211 and ask about rent help near you. In Portland, the City of Portland Social Services Division at 207 775 7911 can tell you about help with rent and bills. Ask what is open now.
Official page: content.civicplus.com/api/assets/me-portland/ed5971b7-ca94-4dcd-96a1-45a63b8894d0?cache=1800
What if I got an eviction notice or court papers?
Don't ignore it. Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters. Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
Legal aid may be able to help if you qualify. Pine Tree Legal Assistance connects residents to legal aid offices across Maine, such as its Portland office at 207 774 8211 or its Lewiston office at 207 784 1558.
Official page: ptla.org/local-offices
Can I get help with my utility bills?
Yes, maybe. HEAP helps households who qualify pay heating bills. Dial 211 or contact your local community action agency to apply.
Official page: mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/liheap
What if I need help with a deposit or moving?
Some local programs help with deposits or first month's rent for people who qualify. Ask 211 and your local community action agency. If you're homeless now, ask about Coordinated Entry. It can connect you with housing programs.
Think you were treated differently when renting?
You can report it. The Maine Human Rights Commission takes reports of housing discrimination. Questions about what counts? Check the official page below.
Official page: maine.gov/mhrc
What does MaineHousing offer renters?
MaineHousing provides housing resources across Maine. Its renter pages offer tools to help you search for affordable apartments, understand rental programs and connect with local housing support. Questions about who qualifies for a program? Check the official page below.
Official page: mainehousing.org
How do I find my local DHHS office?
Dial 211, or use the office locator on the DHHS website.
Your first steps, in order
Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.
0 of 5
All done. You are ready, friend.
Papers to have ready
Going in ready can make the visit go faster. Here are some examples.
0 of 6
All done. You are ready, friend.
Bunkly tip: keep your papers safe. Keep your ID, Social Security card and benefit letters in one folder or zip bag. Take photos of each paper and save them where you can get to them, like your email. Never share your EBT card PIN with anyone.
Who to call in Maine
Here are some official places to start. Other places may also help. Each place decides who it can serve, and hours change, so call ahead when you can.
Maine DHHS Office for Family Independence
Local DHHS offices serve communities across all Maine counties. They handle SNAP and other help, and can point you to local services.
Official page: maine.gov/dhhs/ofi/programs-services/food-supplement
Maine Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Help paying winter home heating bills for households who qualify, through local community action agencies.
Official page: mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy/energydetails/liheap
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify across Maine, including housing, family and benefits problems. Its office page lists each local office.
Official page: ptla.org/local-offices
Maine Human Rights Commission
The state office that looks into housing, employment and public accommodation discrimination complaints. Its website explains how to file.
Official page: maine.gov/mhrc
Maine State Housing Authority (MaineHousing)
Information for renters and homeowners in Maine, including affordable rental homes and homebuyer programs.
Official page: mainehousing.org
Maine Community Action Partnership
Local community action agencies across Maine help with energy bills, emergency needs, job support and Head Start. Find your local agency on its website.
Official page: mainecap.org
Portland Housing Authority
Public housing, rental vouchers and affordable housing programs in Portland.
Official page: porthouse.org/Directory.aspx
City of Portland Social Services Division
City programs for Portland residents, including general assistance, health services and community support.
Official page: content.civicplus.com/api/assets/me-portland/ed5971b7-ca94-4dcd-96a1-45a63b8894d0?cache=1800
Pine Tree Legal Assistance (Portland office)
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in the Portland area, including housing and eviction support.
Official page: ptla.org/local-offices
Androscoggin County DHHS Office
Local Department of Health and Human Services office for SNAP, MaineCare, TANF and other help in Androscoggin County.
Official page: maine.gov/dhhs/about/contact/offices
Lewiston Housing Authority
Housing and rental assistance programs for people in Lewiston and neighboring communities.
Official page: lewistonhousing.org
Pine Tree Legal Assistance (Lewiston office)
Civil legal help for residents with low income who qualify in Lewiston and surrounding areas.
Official page: ptla.org/local-offices
Help that works in every state
HUD approved housing counselors
HUD lists housing counseling agencies that help people find, keep and hold on to a home. TTY 202 708 1455.
Official page: hud.gov/stat/sfh/housing-counseling
VA National Call Center for Homeless Veterans
Private calls 24/7 for Veterans who are homeless or at risk. Trained staff connect you to your nearest VA for help.
Official page: va.gov/homeless
Example: say your hours got cut in Lewiston
You could dial 211 and ask about rent help. You could apply for energy help through your local community action agency. If your landlord gives you court papers, you could call legal aid the same day.
Or say you're behind on rent in Lewiston. You could gather your lease, your landlord's notice and your pay stubs. You could call or visit your local DHHS office and say, "I'm behind on rent and I want to stay in my home. What can I apply for?" You could also dial 211 for local housing assistance programs, and contact Pine Tree Legal Assistance if you got court papers.
Bunkly tip: call your utility too. Many utility companies offer payment plans. Call before the shutoff date if you can, and ask what they can do.
What to say
To legal aid
"Hi. I got (an eviction notice or court papers) from my landlord."
"The paper is dated (date). I live in (town or city)."
"Can someone help me understand what to do next?"
To your landlord
"I want to be honest with you. My hours got cut and I'll be short this month."
"I've applied for help, and I can pay (amount) on (date)."
"Can we put a payment plan in writing?"
If you get put on hold or cut off
"Hi, I was just talking with someone about (what you need), and we got cut off."
"Can you help me pick up where we left off?"
"Is there a direct number I can use if this happens again?"
Bunkly tip: ask about the total cost. Before you sign, ask what you'll pay each month, including utilities and fees. A lower rent can cost more if heat and hot water aren't included.
Test yourself
Four quick questions. Tap an answer to see why.
Court papers often come with a short window to respond, and the timing matters.
Ask each place what they can do.
Each place decides who it can serve, so it is worth asking.
A no from one place isn't a no from everyone. Programs have different rules, funds and space.
Guides that go with this
Housing help sources last checked Oct 27, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it.
Help by topic in Maine
Pick what you need. Every page uses official places only and names its sources.
Nearby states
Crisis lines last checked Oct 12, 2026
Take it with you
Moving into a new place? These Bunklow checklists help with moving in, rent and money. Sold on Payhip. The help on this page stays the same.
- The Perfect Move-In Checklist WorkbookA fillable move in workbook with a screen version and an ink saver print version.See it in the shop
- Moving In and Settling Checklist PackThe Moving In and Settling checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
- Leases, Rent and Money Checklist PackThe Leases, Rent and Money checklists in one pack, fillable on screen or printable.See it in the shop
Nothing here is a promise of a bed, money or housing. Each person chooses which options to use.