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Community Support for Single Mothers in Maine

Maine Community Support Organizations, Churches & Charities for Single Mothers: A No‑Fluff, Action‑First Guide

Last updated: September 2025

This guide focuses on nonprofit, faith-based, and community organizations in Maine. It does not cover federal or state benefit programs. Every phone number and dollar amount below is from an official or well‑established source. When figures vary by county or funding, I’ll tell you that and give you the direct link to check current amounts yourself.


Sources are linked throughout. At the very end you’ll find a statewide resource list with names, websites, phone numbers, and addresses.

Emergency help (start here)

If safety is at stake, act first and sort details later.

  • Dial 911 for any immediate danger.
  • Domestic violence help 24/7: Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence statewide helpline 1‑866‑834‑HELP (4357); TTY 1‑800‑437‑1220. Advocates can safety‑plan, find shelter, and coordinate local support. Find help at MCEDV. (mcedv.org)
  • Find local food, diapers, shelters, and church funds: Dial 211, text your ZIP to 898‑211, or search 211 Maine’s directory. Available 24/7 in 200+ languages. (211maine.org)
  • If you live near Portland: call Preble Street at 207‑775‑0026 for food and day services and referrals. Their food pantry is now mobile with scheduled drop‑offs around Portland. Preble Street Food Programs. (preblestreet.org)

Quick help box

  • Call your nearest Salvation Army, Catholic Charities Maine, or United Way partner today. Ask about rent/utility help, fuel vouchers, food, diapers, and motel/shelter referrals. Contacts and links below.
  • Need heat right now in Midcoast/Lower Kennebec area? Tedford Housing’s Warm Thy Neighbor provides a one‑time 100‑gallon fuel delivery per season to eligible households, typically November–March; income limit ≤150% FPL. Call 207‑729‑1161 x115. Warm Thy Neighbor FAQs. (tedfordhousing.org)
  • Need diapers in Southern Maine? The Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services (JCA) Diaper Bank serves nearly 700 families on a bi‑monthly schedule, typically 50 diapers per child; separate pilot sites provide 125 diapers/month (eligibility usually ≤200% FPL). Call 207‑772‑1959. KJFS Diaper Bank. (mainejewish.org)
  • Scan church meal calendars: Wayside Food Programs hosts free community meals weekly across Greater Portland (Woodfords, Deering Center, Westbrook, Windham, and more). See current schedule. Wayside Community Meals. (waysidemaine.org)
  • For legal issues (eviction, custody, protection orders): Pine Tree Legal Assistance generally serves households ≤200% FPL before deductions / ≤125% FPL after deductions. Call 207‑774‑8211 or your local PTLA office. PTLA Eligibility & Contact. (ptla.org, ptla.org)

Quick reference cheat sheet

How this guide is organized (read this if you’re in crisis)

  • First, call the option that meets your most urgent need (heat, safety, food, diapers).
  • Then, plan a second call to a navigator (211 Maine, Catholic Charities, or United Way) to line up the next 2–3 weeks.
  • Keep documents ready: photo ID, proof of Maine residency, proof of income (last 30–45 days), lease/notice, bill or disconnect notice, your child’s birth certificate, and a landlord or utility account number if asking for payments (full checklist below).

Food, meals, and essentials

The fastest routes to food today

  • Use 211 Maine to locate the closest pantry and meal site by ZIP code. You can ask for locations near bus routes and for language interpretation. 211 Maine services overview. (211maine.org)
  • Good Shepherd Food Bank’s network supports 600+ partner agencies; in 2024 they distributed about 40 million meals statewide. Many partners are churches and small volunteer pantries. Ask about fresh produce, culturally relevant staples, and diaper availability at partner sites. GSFB impact. (gsfb.org)

Portland area highlights

Diapers and baby supplies (with real figures)

  • Michael Klahr Jewish Family Services (JCA) Diaper Bank, Portland: serves nearly 700 families, providing around 50 diapers per child every other month; pilot sites in up to 8 counties provide 125 diapers/month to selected cohorts (generally ≤200% FPL). Call 207‑772‑1959 to ask about eligibility and pickup/delivery schedules. KJFS Diaper Bank & pilot. (mainejewish.org)
  • AIO Food & Energy Assistance, Midcoast: diaper program provides roughly 10–40 diapers per child per week, supply permitting. AIO Diaper Assistance. (aiofoodpantry.org)
  • St. Elizabeth’s Pantry, Portland: distributes diapers on first Tuesdays in partnership with JCA. Program details. (stelizabethsmaine.org)
  • Maine Needs (Portland, ships statewide via caseworkers): free essentials (diapers, wipes, clothing, household basics) to families referred by caseworkers, teachers, nurses. In 2024 they distributed over 1,127,000 items and 98,046 essential kits; current location 2385 Congress St, Portland. Maine Needs donations & impact. Maine Needs impact metrics. (maineneeds.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Ask any pantry about partner sites you can reach by bus.
  • Call 211 Maine and ask for “mobile” or “delivery” pantries and any diaper distributions this week. (211maine.org)

Heat, lights, and small emergency grants from churches & charities

Here are community‑funded options that don’t require you to apply for a state program first (though staff may still refer you to GA or other programs if needed).

Heating fuel and utilities

  • Warm Thy Neighbor (Tedford Housing, Midcoast region): one‑time 100‑gallon fuel delivery (or equivalent) per heating season for eligible households at ≤150% FPL; call when you’re at or below ¼ tank. Run November–March; some towns in Sagadahoc/Lincoln/Cumberland. Call 207‑729‑1161 x115. WTN FAQs & eligibility. (tedfordhousing.org)
  • Salvation Army (local corps): offers case‑by‑case help with past‑due utilities, fuel, and rent when funds are available; services vary by location. Portland office: 207‑774‑4172 (297 Cumberland Ave); Bangor: 207‑941‑2990 (65 S. Park St); Lewiston: 207‑783‑0801 (67 Park St). Portland contact. Bangor contact. Lewiston corps page. (easternusa.salvationarmy.org)
  • Catholic Charities Maine—Parish Social Ministry Relief & Hope: limited small‑dollar crisis aid for urgent needs (utilities, basic bills) after screening; not for ongoing expenses. Call 207‑523‑2770 or 1‑800‑781‑8550. Relief & Hope Services. (ccmaine.org)

Reality check: Amounts depend on donations, and agencies often require proof of crisis (e.g., disconnect notice) plus ID, income, and your bill/landlord info. Be ready to call early morning and follow instructions closely.

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Ask the caseworker for a written denial you can use for church or community funds; some parishes and mission funds require proof you’ve tried other resources.
  • Call 211 Maine and ask for “church discretionary funds,” “community fuel funds,” and “charitable funds for rental arrears” in your ZIP. (211maine.org)

Shelter and housing stabilization for families with children

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Ask for “diversion” help—bus fare, gas card, a small deposit, or mediation with a landlord/relative—to avoid shelter while staff help you secure housing. BAHS and several Family Promise affiliates offer this. (bangorareashelter.org, familypromiseofmidcoastmaine.org)

Safety, legal help, and advocacy

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • If lines are full, leave a detailed voicemail (full name, county, safe callback number) and ask when the next intake window opens.
  • If you’re unsafe, call the DV helpline again and ask for “flexible financial assistance” or “quick motel shelter” through local partners; funds are limited but advocates know real‑time options. (mcedv.org)

Real‑world example

  • A Portland mom with a shut‑off notice and an empty oil tank called the Salvation Army Portland office on Monday morning. She brought her ID, lease page showing heat responsibility, the utility account number, and two pay stubs. The caseworker coordinated a small utility payment and referred her to Tedford’s Warm Thy Neighbor for a 100‑gallon delivery; she called that same day and scheduled an intake. Meantime, she picked up diapers via JCA’s bi‑monthly route and took her kids to a Wayside community meal. Your exact path may differ, but bundling these community resources covers immediate heat, some arrears, food, and diapers within a week if you have documents ready. (easternusa.salvationarmy.org, tedfordhousing.org, mainejewish.org, waysidemaine.org)

Tables you can scan fast

Table 1 — One‑call helplines and hubs

Service What they do How to contact
211 Maine 24/7 referrals to food, rent/utility help, shelters, diapers, childcare, mental health Dial 211, text ZIP to 898‑211, or visit 211maine.org (211maine.org)
MCEDV statewide DV helpline Domestic violence safety planning, shelter, legal advocacy 1‑866‑834‑HELP, TTY 1‑800‑437‑1220; mcedv.org (mcedv.org)
Pine Tree Legal Assistance Free civil legal help (evictions, benefits, safety) if you qualify 207‑774‑8211; PTLA eligibility (ptla.org)
ILAP Immigration legal help; monthly intake windows 207‑780‑1593; ILAP intake (ilapmaine.org)

Table 2 — Food and essentials in Greater Portland (check schedules)

Provider What you get When/Where Contact
Preble Street Food Programs Mobile pantry boxes; referrals Mobile drop‑offs around Portland 207‑775‑0026; Food Pantry info (preblestreet.org)
Wayside Community Meals Free cooked meals at churches/apartments Weekly schedule; varies by site 207‑775‑4939; Wayside meals schedule (waysidemaine.org)
Project FEED Pantry Groceries; client choice 640 Brighton Ave; Tue–Thu 1–3 pm 207‑761‑3920; projectfeed.org (projectfeed.org)
St. Vincent de Paul Soup Kitchen Lunch M–F 11–12:30; some clothing Friday 307 Congress St, Portland 207‑772‑1113; Diocese listing (portlanddiocese.org)
St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry Non‑food essentials; monthly diapers via JCA Rear of St. Luke’s, 134 Park Ave stelizabethmaine@gmail.com; What we do (stelizabethsmaine.org)

Table 3 — Diapers and baby supplies with actual amounts

Program Area What you get Eligibility How to apply
KJFS (JCA) Diaper Bank Southern Maine (Cumberland/York) ~50 diapers per child every other month; pilot: 125/month Pilot often ≤200% FPL 207‑772‑1959; Diaper Bank info (mainejewish.org)
AIO Diaper Assistance Knox County 10–40 diapers/week per child (supply‑dependent) Pantry membership AIO diaper program (aiofoodpantry.org)
St. Elizabeth’s + JCA Portland Free diapers on 1st Tuesdays Local walk‑up; bring ID if you have it St. Elizabeth’s (stelizabethsmaine.org)
Maine Needs Statewide via caseworkers Diapers, wipes, kits; 1,127,064 items distributed in 2024 Referral by professional Maine Needs (maineneeds.org)

Table 4 — Heating and utility help (community‑funded)

Program Area Amounts & limits Apply
Warm Thy Neighbor (Tedford) Brunswick area + nearby towns 100 gallons once/season; ≤150% FPL; run Nov–Mar; must be at or below ¼ tank 207‑729‑1161 x115; WTN FAQs (tedfordhousing.org)
Salvation Army Corps Multiple counties Small emergency payments for rent, utilities, fuel (varies by site/funds) Portland 207‑774‑4172; Bangor 207‑941‑2990; Lewiston 207‑783‑0801 (easternusa.salvationarmy.org)
Catholic Charities Maine—Relief & Hope Statewide by parish reach Small, one‑time crisis grants after screening; limited funds 207‑523‑2770; 1‑800‑781‑8550; Relief & Hope (ccmaine.org)

Table 5 — Family shelters and stabilization

Provider Focus How to connect
Family Promise—Greater Portland Interfaith family shelter and stabilization (207) 200‑7327; Affiliate listing (familypromise.org)
Family Promise of Midcoast Maine (Belfast) Prevention + building rotational shelter About programs (familypromiseofmidcoastmaine.org)
Tedford Housing Family Shelter (Brunswick) 6 family units; case management 207‑729‑1161 x113; Emergency shelter info (tedfordhousing.org)
Bangor Area Homeless Shelter Adults; referrals, diversion, daily free lunch 207‑947‑0092; BAHS (bangorareashelter.org)
Sister Mary O’Donnell Shelter (Aroostook) Families + individuals 207‑764‑4125; HSA (aroostookhomeless.org)

Eligibility, documents, and timelines (what most charities actually ask for)

Bring originals or clear photos:

  • Government‑issued photo ID for you; for DV survivors, ask about safe alternatives.
  • Proof of Maine residency (lease, recent mail).
  • Household income proof for last 30–45 days (pay stubs, benefits letter). For certain heating funds (Warm Thy Neighbor) income must be ≤150% FPL and additional documents (fuel dealer info, lease) are required. WTN documentation list. (tedfordhousing.org)
  • If requesting a bill payment: your account number and a disconnect or “service termination” notice if you have it.
  • For diaper/baby programs: child’s age, sizes, and contact info; some sites may ask for basic income screening (e.g., KJFS pilot ≤200% FPL). KJFS pilot. (mainejewish.org)

Reality check on timelines

  • Community funds can be quick when documentation is complete—often within a few business days—but supplies and dollars run out, especially late winter.
  • Pantry hours change; always recheck the link the same day (Project FEED relocated in 2025 and updated hours). Project FEED update. (projectfeed.org, pressherald.com)

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Waiting until the tank is empty: Warm Thy Neighbor requires you to be at or below ¼ tank when you apply. Call before you hit fumes. WTN FAQ. (tedfordhousing.org)
  • Not having account numbers handy: Salvation Army and church funds can’t pay a bill they can’t find.
  • Assuming one pantry = all help: Food sites and diaper banks are separate networks. Use 211 to map both in one call. 211 Maine. (211maine.org)
  • Skipping legal advice on eviction: A 15‑minute call with Pine Tree Legal can change your options; income limits apply (≤200% FPL before deductions / ≤125% FPL after). PTLA eligibility. (ptla.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

  • Call another nearby corps/charity; funds are local. Ask 211 to search “faith community assistance” within 25 miles.
  • Tell the caseworker if you’re a survivor. DV programs can sometimes access flexible dollars or motel stays that general programs can’t. MCEDV. (mcedv.org)

Application checklist (print or screenshot)

  • Your photo ID and a backup (school ID, passport, etc.).
  • Proof of address (lease, recent mail, shelter letter).
  • Proof of income for all adults in the home (pay stubs/benefit letters).
  • The exact bill, account number, landlord’s info, or fuel dealer account.
  • Your phone number and a voicemail that you actually check.
  • For diapers/essentials: sizes, special needs, stroller/car‑seat needs (some sites may refer you).
  • Any denial letters (they can unlock church funds).

Diverse communities and targeted help

Resources by region (selected, not exhaustive)

Southern Maine (Cumberland/York)

Midcoast/Androscoggin

  • Tedford Housing (Brunswick), 207‑729‑1161; family shelter intake x113; Warm Thy Neighbor fuel x115. Tedford. (tedfordhousing.org)
  • Community meals via Wayside in Westbrook/Portland spillover and local church pantries—check 211 and Wayside calendars. Wayside. (waysidemaine.org)

Central (Kennebec/Somerset)

  • United Way of Kennebec Valley (navigator, referrals), 207‑626‑3400. UWKV. (uwkv.org)
  • Pine Tree Legal—Augusta office: 207‑622‑4731, 39 Green St. PTLA offices. (ptla.org)

Bangor/Penobscot

Aroostook

Down East (Hancock/Washington)

10 Maine‑specific FAQs

  1. Can a charity pay my full rent if I’m a month behind?
    Usually no. Most church/charity funds are small “bridge” payments (often a few hundred dollars or a specific bill) and require proof that their help will stabilize you. Salvation Army and Catholic Charities decide case‑by‑case based on funds. Call early in the week. (easternusa.salvationarmy.org, ccmaine.org)
  2. How many diapers can I actually get?
    In Southern Maine, the JCA/KJFS Diaper Bank serves nearly 700 families, typically 50 diapers per child every other month; their pilot sites provide 125 diapers/month for selected cohorts. AIO in Knox offers 10–40 diapers/week. Supplies can vary. (mainejewish.org, aiofoodpantry.org)
  3. I need heat tonight. What’s the fastest charity route?
    If you’re in the Tedford/Warm Thy Neighbor area and at/under ¼ tank, call 207‑729‑1161 x115 for a one‑time 100‑gallon delivery (Nov–Mar). Elsewhere, call 211 and ask for church or community fuel funds plus any same‑day emergency deliveries. (tedfordhousing.org, 211maine.org)
  4. Is there family shelter space right now?
    Availability changes daily. Call Family Promise Greater Portland (207) 200‑7327, Tedford Housing (207‑729‑1161 x113), BAHS (207‑947‑0092), or 211 for live status. Family Promise’s model moves families into housing relatively quickly (national median ~9 weeks), but Maine waitlists can be longer. (familypromise.org, tedfordhousing.org, bangorareashelter.org, familypromiseofmidcoastmaine.org)
  5. Who can help with an eviction notice?
    Contact PTLA; they prioritize housing cases. Eligibility is generally ≤200% FPL before deductions / ≤125% after. PTLA eligibility. (ptla.org)
  6. I’m an asylum seeker/new Mainer. Where can I get help in my language?
    Call 211 (interpreters available), ILAP 207‑780‑1593 for immigration legal help, and The Root Cellar for food shares and English classes. (211maine.org, ilapmaine.org, therootcellar.org)
  7. Are there meal sites for families in the evening?
    Wayside runs community dinners (e.g., Deering Center Community Church Thursdays 5:30 pm; others vary). Always check the live calendar. (waysidemaine.org)
  8. Does United Way give money directly?
    United Way raises and invests funds in partner programs (shelter, prevention, meals). For direct help, use 211 and ask for a partner agency that pays bills or provides vouchers. United Way of Southern Maine reports moving 625 families from homelessness to housing in 2024 through its funded partners. (uwsme.org)
  9. Can I get both diapers and wipes?
    Yes. JCA/KJFS distributes diapers and wipes; some sites also carry menstrual supplies. Ask about size availability during scheduling. (mainejewish.org)
  10. What if the charity says funds are out?
    Ask when new funds arrive (many reload monthly/quarterly). Get referred to another church fund, request a denial letter you can show other programs, and call 211 to widen the search radius. (211maine.org)

Resource list (name • descriptive link • phone • address)

About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team
This guide uses official sources from Maine nonprofits and established organizations.
This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.
Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.
Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

Editorial transparency: We prioritized primary sources (organization websites), verified contact info, and included current public statistics (e.g., Good Shepherd meals, KJFS diaper counts, Warm Thy Neighbor amounts). We avoided federal/state program details per your request and focused on community, church, and charity supports. (gsfb.org, mainejewish.org, tedfordhousing.org)

Disclaimer

  • Program funds, amounts (dollars, diapers, gallons), hours, and eligibility change frequently. Always confirm by phone or the linked official website before traveling.
  • We do not collect personal data. Keep your device and accounts secure, especially when emailing documents or leaving voicemails. Use a safe number and clear browser history if needed (DV safety).
  • This guide is informational, not legal advice or a guarantee of assistance.
  • Health and safety: If you or your children are in danger, call 911 or the DV helpline (1‑866‑834‑HELP) immediately. (mcedv.org)

If you want me to tailor a plan for your town (bus routes, same‑day meal sites, diaper pickups, and which charity fund takes calls tomorrow morning), tell me your ZIP code and whether you need food, heat, diapers, shelter, or legal help first.

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