Free Furniture & Household Items for Single Mothers in Maine

Last updated: September 2025

This hub gives you fast, real-world ways to get essential furniture and household goods across Maine. Every paragraph includes direct links so you can act right away.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Call or text the statewide referral line to get a live specialist to search local furniture, beds, and essentials for you right now: dial 211 or text your ZIP to 898-211. Use the database while you wait and ask the specialist to search “furniture,” “household items,” “beds,” and “vouchers” in your town. Keep their email handy so they can send you links. 211 Maine, 211 Maine search. (211maine.org)
• Apply the same day for city or town General Assistance if you have an urgent need for basic household items after a move, fire, or crisis; towns must give you a written decision within 24 hours and can issue emergency vouchers pending verification. Ask for a vendor voucher for sheets, towels, cleaning supplies, or small housewares. Maine DHHS – General Assistance, Pine Tree Legal – GA guide. (www11.maine.gov)
• If you live in Greater Portland, ask your caseworker, school social worker, or shelter advocate to submit an immediate referral for free furniture pickup at the warehouse; delivery waits can run months, but pickup is often faster. Mention that delivery can take up to three months. Furniture Friends – Refer a Client, Furniture Friends – FAQ. (furniturefriends.org)

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Quick help box — key contacts to keep handy

• Crisis triage and referrals: dial 211 or text ZIP to 898-211 for real-time help finding local furniture and household programs; the line runs 24/7 with translation. 211 Maine, 211 Maine services directory. (211maine.org)
• State General Assistance hotline (when your town office is closed or unreachable): 1-800-442-6003; ask about emergency vouchers for basic household and personal supplies. Maine DHHS – GA, GA Administrator guidance. (www11.maine.gov)
• MaineHousing switchboard and energy/home programs: 1-800-452-4668; ask where to apply for heating fixes, weatherization, and referrals to local Community Action Agencies (CAAs). MaineHousing – Contact, MaineHousing – Home Page. (mainehousing.org)
• Attorney General consumer line for scam checks before you pay movers or “junk removal” companies: 1-207-626-8849; ask about online sale scams and safe meet-up tips. Maine AG – Consumer Protection, Maine AG – Scams. (www1.maine.gov)
• HUD Maine office for veteran and housing connections (VASH/SSVF and shelter lists): 1-207-262-0198; ask for local veteran housing contacts and emergency shelters. HUD Maine, HUD – Maine office details. (hud.gov)

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Who qualifies and what you can get in Maine

Most furniture banks and household-item programs focus on families leaving homelessness, survivors of violence, recent immigrants, veterans, and low‑income parents setting up a new place; towns also help with basic non-food essentials in emergencies. Start by matching your situation to the right path: municipal vouchers, nonprofit furniture banks, church essentials pantries, and partner vouchers at thrift stores. Maine DHHS – General Assistance, Maine Community Action (MECAP) – network. (www11.maine.gov)

Many programs require a referral from a caseworker, school social worker, housing navigator, or a partner agency; keep proof of your move or crisis handy and ask your worker to submit the referral while you are on the phone together. Pick‑up is often faster than delivery because volunteer truck capacity is limited and routes fill up quickly. Furniture Friends – Refer a Client, Maine Needs – Get Support (policy). (furniturefriends.org)

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Statewide core programs at a glance

GA decision timing and allowable items are from the state program page and legal guidance; Furniture Friends delivery timing and pickup options are from their referral/FAQ pages; other program rules come from official sites. GA – DHHS, PTLA GA guide, Furniture Friends – FAQ, Furniture Friends – Referral, Maine Needs – Get Support, SHP – Apply, Salvation Army NNE – Meet Need, Goodwill NNE news, St. Elizabeth’s – What We Do, Making It Home – What We Do. (www11.maine.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 to search nearby counties and faith-based pantries for “household goods” and “essentials” and to look up any local Salvation Army voucher program at the nearest corps office; also ask your caseworker to request Goodwill gift cards if their agency participates. 211 Maine, Salvation Army – Portland contact page. (211maine.org)

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How to apply fast (with or without a caseworker)

• Get a referral lined up: If you have a housing caseworker, school social worker, or advocate, ask them to submit referrals today to Furniture Friends (Greater Portland) and Maine Needs; both require or prioritize professional requests. Furniture Friends – Refer a Client, Maine Needs – Get Support. (furniturefriends.org)
• File General Assistance (GA) for essentials vouchers: Apply at your city/town office; if an emergency exists, the town must make a decision within 24 hours, and can issue temporary vouchers pending full verification. Bring proof of identity, income, and crisis. Maine DHHS – GA, PTLA – GA Decision in 24 hours. (www11.maine.gov)
• Use 211 to discover small local programs: Ask the specialist to run searches for “furniture bank,” “essentials pantry,” “beds,” “thrift voucher,” and “fire recovery” within a 30‑mile radius; request they email you results. 211 Maine, 211 services directory. (211maine.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call the DHHS GA hotline at 1-800-442-6003 if your town won’t take your GA application or fails to issue a decision in 24 hours; ask for help locating the right municipal contact. Maine DHHS – GA, GA Administrator guidance. (www11.maine.gov)

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Eligibility rules you’ll see most often

• General Assistance (GA): You must show you lack income/resources for basic needs; towns can require you to use available income for basics and issue vendor vouchers (not cash) for items like toiletries and cleaning supplies. Maine DHHS – GA, Maine statute Title 22 §4315‑A. (www11.maine.gov)
• Furniture banks and essentials hubs: Many require a partner referral and limit by service area; Furniture Friends lists eligible towns and notes pickup vs delivery options and wait times; Maine Needs prioritizes professional requests due to high demand. Furniture Friends – About/Service Area, Maine Needs – Get Support. (furniturefriends.org)
• Beds for kids (SHP): Kids must be 3–17, live near an active chapter, and have space for the bed; check your ZIP to confirm coverage before applying. SHP – Apply for a Bed, SHP – Chapters. (shpbeds.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: If you don’t have a caseworker, ask your child’s school counselor, WIC office, or your Community Action Agency to make the referral; many are already Furniture Friends/Maine Needs partners or can connect you to another local provider. MECAP – Find your CAA, MaineHousing – Contact (Energy/CAA). (mecap.org)

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Required documents — bring these to every appointment

• Proof of identity for you and your children (photo ID, birth certificate, or benefits card).
• Proof of address or move (lease, shelter letter, landlord note, or Red Cross/fire report).
• Proof of income/resources (pay stubs, benefits letters, child support info).
• Current bills or estimates (moving invoice, essential items list, or store quote).
• Any referral letter or email from a caseworker, school, shelter, or health clinic.

Use this list for GA, furniture bank referrals, or Salvation Army voucher requests. Maine DHHS – GA, Salvation Army – Portland contact. (www11.maine.gov)

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Application checklist (print or screenshot)

• Valid photo ID or other identity proof for you and kids
• Proof of address/shelter letter/landlord note
• Income and benefits letters (SNAP, TANF, SSI, MaineCare)
• Referral email or letter (caseworker/school/shelter)
• List of essential items needed (bed sizes, cookware, linens)
• Photos of current space to show what’s missing (optional)
• Town GA application (ask for emergency processing)
• Transportation plan for pickup (friend, church, agency van)
• Backup: links and phones for 211, GA hotline, MaineHousing

Keep this list with your phone contacts. Store 211 Maine and your town office in favorites. 211 Maine, MaineHousing – Contact. (211maine.org)

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Maine timing and reality checks

Towns must give a GA decision within 24 hours after you apply; if it’s an emergency and they can presume eligibility, they can issue temporary help before full verification. If denied for lack of info, they should give you a list of what’s missing. Pine Tree Legal – GA timing, Maine GA law – emergency benefits within 24 hours. (ptla.org)

Furniture delivery is often the slowest step because of limited trucks and volunteers; Greater Portland deliveries can take up to three months, while warehouse pickup appointments happen sooner. Make a pickup plan if you can. Furniture Friends – FAQ, Furniture Friends – Services/operations update. (furniturefriends.org)

Essentials pantries operate weekly or monthly; reach St. Elizabeth’s on Tuesday mornings for linens and kitchenware, and Bridging the Gap in Augusta on Tuesdays and Thursdays for hygiene and housewares. Check hours before you go. St. Elizabeth’s – What We Do, Bridging the Gap – Programs & Hours. (stelizabethsmaine.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 to widen the search radius, and ask your caseworker to contact Making It Home (Southern Maine) or Goodwill partner programs for voucher options. 211 Maine, Making It Home – Programs. (211maine.org)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

Program links and terms pulled from official pages above. GA – DHHS, SHP – Apply, Furniture Friends – Referral, Bridging the Gap – Programs, Goodwill NNE – Partner cards. (www11.maine.gov)

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Region-by-region resources (how to target help near you)

Portland and Greater Portland (Cumberland County)

Start with partner referrals for free furniture, then layer in essentials pantries for linens and kitchenware; for urgent non-food items, attend Tuesday distributions. Furniture Friends, St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry. (furniturefriends.org)

If you can provide your own pickup vehicle, Furniture Friends warehouse pickup is much faster than waiting for delivery; ask your caseworker to request a pickup slot. Furniture Friends – FAQ, Furniture Friends – Contact. (furniturefriends.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use 211 to find smaller church-run “household goods” rooms and ask the Salvation Army Portland Corps about emergency store vouchers for clothing/housewares. 211 Maine, Salvation Army – Portland contact. (211maine.org)

Augusta / Kennebec Valley (Kennebec & Somerset)

Visit Bridging the Gap for household/hygiene items and linens; ask Resource Connection about help with essentials and referrals. Bridging the Gap – Hours/Programs, Bridging the Gap – Contact. (btgaugusta.org)

If you need larger items, call KVCAP and ask about the Building Foundations voucher that can cover up to about $200 of needed goods at the Waterville ReStore; apply through KVCAP or Salvation Army locally. Waterville Area Habitat – Building Foundations, KVCAP – Contacts. (watervilleareahfh.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File GA at your city hall and ask for a voucher for essential non-food items; if you can’t reach GA, call the state hotline. Maine DHHS – GA, GA hotline. (www11.maine.gov)

Bangor / Penobscot & Piscataquis

Call or visit your local Salvation Army office for help and to ask about vouchers; check the Bangor Family Store if you receive a voucher. Salvation Army Bangor – Contact, Bangor Family Store. (easternusa.salvationarmy.org)

Ask Penquis (your CAA) or your city GA office about emergency essentials if you’ve just signed a lease or moved from shelter into housing. MECAP – Find your CAA, Bangor GA office info. (mecap.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Use 211 to find nearby church pantries with linens and kitchen kits and ask if any partner agencies can issue Goodwill gift cards. 211 Maine, Goodwill NNE – Partner cards. (211maine.org)

Lewiston–Auburn / Androscoggin & Oxford

Check with your Community Action partner and school social worker for any essentials pantries and voucher partners; ask 211 for “household items” leads in Lewiston and Auburn. Community Concepts (CCI), 211 Maine. (mecap.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Apply for GA and ask for non-food essentials vouchers; request Salvation Army vouchers through the local corps if available. Maine DHHS – GA, Salvation Army NNE. (www11.maine.gov)

York County

Call York County Community Action for navigation and ask the Biddeford Seeds of Hope/partner churches about household goods days; use Salvation Army partners for thrift vouchers. MECAP – YCCAC, Salvation Army NNE. (mecap.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 to search Sanford, Biddeford, and Saco for “household items,” “essentials pantry,” and “furniture.” 211 Maine, 211 directory. (211maine.org)

Aroostook County (The County)

Contact ACAP for navigation and referrals and ask about any partner programs that might help furnish a new unit; they coordinate many basic-needs services. Aroostook County Action Program – ACAP, ACAP news. (mecap.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask Catholic Charities Maine in Caribou about household item pickups supporting their food bank (Threads of Hope) and whether they can connect you locally. Catholic Charities Maine – Wishlist, 211 Maine. (ccmaine.org)

Downeast (Hancock & Washington)

Work with Downeast Community Partners for navigation and GA at your town office for immediate essentials; use 211 to find church pantries with household kits. MECAP – DCP, Maine DHHS – GA. (mecap.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask HUD Maine for shelter lists and veteran contacts if you’re in a hotel or car and need fast stabilization. HUD Maine, HUD Maine – contact. (hud.gov)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Not asking for pickup: if you have a friend with a truck or a church volunteer, request a pickup appointment to cut months off the wait for delivery at furniture banks. Furniture Friends – FAQ, Furniture Friends – Contact. (furniturefriends.org)
• Skipping GA because you assume it won’t cover household items: towns can issue vouchers for non-food essentials and must make 24‑hour decisions; ask anyway. Maine DHHS – GA, PTLA – GA. (www11.maine.gov)
• Waiting for someone to call you back: call again, ask for hours, and show up in person during pantry times for same‑day basics; bring your ID and a tote. St. Elizabeth’s – Hours, Bridging the Gap – Hours. (stelizabethsmaine.org)
• Paying strangers for “moving help” or “free curb pickups” without checking: call the AG consumer line to spot scams and ask for safer meetup options before you hand over cash. Maine AG – Consumer Protection, Maine AG – Scams. (www1.maine.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask 211 to help you make the call live to the pantry or agency, then ask them to email a confirmation with directions and what to bring. 211 Maine, 211 directory. (211maine.org)

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Reality check — funding, delays, and stock

• Stock varies week to week: Essentials pantries rely on donations; linens and cookware go fast in winter and early fall. Show up early and bring a tote or small cart. St. Elizabeth’s – What We Do, Bridging the Gap – Programs. (stelizabethsmaine.org)
• Delivery bottlenecks are real: If you can’t wait, line up a trusted driver, church volunteer, or neighbor for pickup; furniture banks publish delivery wait expectations. Furniture Friends – FAQ, Furniture Friends – Services. (furniturefriends.org)
• Some items are almost never available used: Most programs cannot provide used cribs/infant seats for safety reasons; ask your worker about new-only options or discount codes. Furniture Friends – Referral list of items, SHP – program rules. (furniturefriends.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Prioritize a bed, table, and storage first; decorate later through neighborhood swaps like local Buy Nothing or Freecycle after you secure the essentials through agencies. Buy Nothing Project, Freecycle.

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How to stop utility shutoff in Maine today

If you’re choosing between buying a bed and paying past‑due utilities, stabilize utilities first to free up cash for household goods; then circle back to furniture referrals.

• Call your electric/gas utility to enroll in payment assistance/AMP: ask about arrearage management and low‑income credits; your CAA can also help. Maine PUC – Consumer Assistance Programs, MECAP – Find your CAA. (www1.maine.gov)
• Apply for Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): even after seasonal deadlines, get on the waiting list; CAAs process applications and may tap crisis funds. MaineHousing – HEAP, MaineHousing – Contact. (mainehousing.org)
• Ask about CHIP if your heat system failed: heating repairs/replacements are handled through CAAs with priority for no‑heat emergencies. MaineHousing – CHIP, Maine PUC – Consumer Assistance. (mainehousing.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 and your town’s GA office the same day and ask for emergency fuel/utility vouchers and vendor payments where allowed. Keep notes of who you spoke with. 211 Maine, Maine DHHS – GA. (211maine.org)

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Documents you’ll likely need (table to prep your folder)

Use the My Maine Connection portal for benefit letters and keep the DHHS OFI main line handy for case questions. OFI – Office for Family Independence, My Maine Connection. (www1.maine.gov)

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Diverse communities — tailored options and contacts

LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask 211 to locate affirming agencies for referrals and safe pickups; most statewide programs serve all families, and Salvation Army corps in Maine provide emergency vouchers depending on local funding, with services varying by site. 211 Maine, Salvation Army NNE. (211maine.org)

Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Call MaineHousing for program referrals and ask your CAA about accessibility grants or home repair programs that can free up budget for essentials; also ask OHI in the Bangor area about in‑kind household needs for supported families. MaineHousing – Contact, KVCAP – Home Repair. (mainehousing.org)

Veteran single mothers: Contact HUD’s Maine page for VASH/SSVF entry points and ask 211 to find SSVF grantees near you; these programs often fund move‑in kits and basic furnishings when you lease. HUD Maine, 211 Maine. (hud.gov)

Immigrant and refugee single moms: Maine Needs and St. Elizabeth’s are experienced with “new Mainers” and accept or prioritize professional referrals; ask your school’s family liaison, community health worker, or shelter advocate to submit requests. Maine Needs – Get Support, St. Elizabeth’s – What We Do. (maineneeds.org)

Tribal-specific resources: Start with your tribal social services and housing offices, and ask MITSC for statewide contacts; many tribal programs coordinate emergency basics and housing items. Penobscot Nation lists direct contacts for Housing and Social Services; use Maine Relay 711 if needed. MITSC – Maine Indian Tribal‑State Commission, Penobscot Nation – Housing Department. (mitsc.org)

Rural single moms with limited transport: Ask your caseworker to request pickup appointments and leverage volunteer drivers; if deliveries are full, ask churches and neighbors for one‑time truck help. Making It Home and Goodwill partner cards can cover part of what you need when delivery isn’t possible. Making It Home – Programs, Goodwill NNE – Partner cards. (makingithomemaine.org)

Single fathers: Most programs above are family‑centric, not mother‑only; dads with custody can use the same paths, including GA for essentials and SHP for kids’ beds where chapters exist. Maine DHHS – GA, SHP – Apply. (www11.maine.gov)

Language access and accessibility: 211 offers interpretation in many languages; MaineHousing lists TTY access via Maine Relay 711 and publishes public hearing notices with language access info; call ahead and ask for large‑print materials when needed. 211 Maine, MaineHousing – Contact (Maine Relay 711). (211maine.org)

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Where to find low‑ or no‑cost items quickly (beyond agencies)

• Join neighborhood swap groups to fill in gaps after agency help; use caution and public meetups; check the AG’s risk tips before you meet. Buy Nothing Project, Maine AG – Scams & safe meetups. (www1.maine.gov)
• Ask schools and churches for local “household closets” and bedding drives; many faith groups funnel donations to St. Elizabeth’s or Maine Needs. St. Elizabeth’s, Maine Needs. (stelizabethsmaine.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Go back to 211 and ask for a three‑county search and a callback with at least five options, even if some are a drive away. 211 Maine, 211 directory. (211maine.org)

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County-by-county Community Action Agencies (for navigation, referrals, and energy help)

MECAP lists each agency and the counties they cover; call your CAA to ask about referrals and local partners for household goods. MECAP – Our Network, MECAP – Contact your CAA. (mecap.org)

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Real‑world examples (so you can mirror the path)

• You leased a unit in Westbrook this week: ask your Opportunity Alliance worker to submit a Furniture Friends referral, request pickup instead of delivery to save time, and visit St. Elizabeth’s Tuesday for kitchenware and linens. Furniture Friends – Referral, St. Elizabeth’s – What We Do. (furniturefriends.org)
• You moved into housing in Augusta after shelter: apply for GA for cleaning supplies and essentials, shop Bridging the Gap during pantry hours, and ask KVCAP about a Building Foundations voucher to finish the basics. Maine DHHS – GA, Waterville Habitat – Building Foundations. (www11.maine.gov)
• Your child is sleeping on the floor in Bangor: apply to SHP and ask your caseworker to check if a chapter serves your ZIP; while waiting, request a twin bed frame or dresser through Salvation Army/partner vouchers. SHP – Apply, Salvation Army Bangor – Contact. (shpbeds.org)

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Tables — timelines, essentials, and where to go

Expected wait times and what to do first

Timing sources: PTLA GA guide, Furniture Friends FAQ, program hour pages, Salvation Army division guidance, and SHP application notes. PTLA – GA, Furniture Friends – FAQ, St. Elizabeth’s, Salvation Army NNE, SHP – Apply. (ptla.org)

Essentials you can usually get quickly

Program links: see hours and rules on each site before you go. St. Elizabeth’s, Bridging the Gap. (stelizabethsmaine.org)

Maine energy support that can free up money for furniture

Energy program details are from MaineHousing and MPUC. HEAP – MaineHousing, MPUC – Programs. (mainehousing.org)

Local nonprofit and faith partners to know

Program notes are drawn from each organization’s site. (furniturefriends.org)

“Where to call” one‑pager

Phones/links verified from agency pages. (www11.maine.gov)

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If your application gets denied

• Ask for the reason in writing and the list of missing items: GA must explain why and what to bring; if it’s an emergency, ask for temporary help pending verification. PTLA – GA guide, GA admin guidance. (ptla.org)
• Appeal promptly: follow the notice instructions; for GA, you can request a fair hearing and the town must issue decisions within strict time frames; call Pine Tree Legal for advice. PTLA – GA guide, GA law – appeal/hearing timelines. (ptla.org)
• Activate Plan B while you appeal: ask your caseworker to submit referrals to Maine Needs or a furniture bank, and use Salvation Army or Goodwill partner vouchers to fill the gap. Maine Needs – Get Support, Goodwill NNE – Partner cards. (maineneeds.org)

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FAQs (Maine‑specific)

How do I get a bed for my child in Maine this month? Apply to Sleep in Heavenly Peace online and check ZIP coverage; if there’s no active chapter nearby, ask your school social worker or 211 to find any local bed drives or church programs in your county. SHP – Apply, 211 Maine. (shpbeds.org)

Can GA help with household goods like linens and cleaning supplies? Yes, GA can help with basic personal/household supplies; towns issue vendor vouchers and must give a decision within 24 hours. Maine DHHS – GA, PTLA – GA decision timing. (www11.maine.gov)

What’s the fastest way to get furniture in Greater Portland? Ask your worker to submit a Furniture Friends referral and choose warehouse pickup; delivery can take up to three months. Combine that with Tuesday essentials at St. Elizabeth’s. Furniture Friends – Referral, Furniture Friends – FAQ. (furniturefriends.org)

Is there help in Augusta for kitchenware and linens? Yes, Bridging the Gap runs the Everyday Basic Essentials Hygiene Pantry and Addie’s Attic; they stock linens and kitchen items as available. Bridging the Gap – Programs & Hours, Augusta Food Bank resource page. (btgaugusta.org)

Do Maine thrift stores ever offer free vouchers? Some Salvation Army corps issue store vouchers in emergencies, and Goodwill NNE sends gift cards to partner nonprofits that pass them to clients; ask your local corps and your caseworker. Salvation Army NNE, Goodwill NNE – Partner cards. (easternusa.salvationarmy.org)

Where do I find tribal contacts for help on reservation lands or nearby towns? Start with your tribe’s social services or housing office and MITSC’s statewide hub. Penobscot Nation – Social Services/Housing, MITSC. (penobscotnation.org)

Can energy programs help me free cash for furniture? Yes; HEAP lowers heating costs and CHIP can fix a failed heat system; the PUC lists arrearage and payment programs. HEAP – MaineHousing, MPUC – Consumer Programs. (mainehousing.org)

Is there a statewide list of Community Action Agencies (CAAs)? Yes; MECAP lists agencies by county with phones; call yours to ask about referrals and household supports. MECAP – Our Network, MECAP – Contact your CAA. (mecap.org)

What if I suspect a Craigslist/Marketplace furniture scam? Review the AG’s scam page and meet only in safe public places; avoid advance payments; consider police lobby exchanges when available. Maine AG – Scams, Maine AG – Consumer Protection. (www1.maine.gov)

Are there programs for newly housed survivors of domestic violence? Ask your advocate about partner referrals for furniture and essentials; Salvation Army, Furniture Friends, and Maine Needs all serve survivors via agency requests where in service area. Furniture Friends – About, Maine Needs – Get Support. (furniturefriends.org)

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Spanish summary / Resumen en español

Esta guía ofrece pasos rápidos para conseguir muebles y artículos del hogar gratis o de bajo costo en Maine. Empiece llamando al 211 para encontrar recursos locales y pida a su trabajador social que envíe referencias a programas como Furniture Friends (muebles en el área de Portland), Maine Needs (básicos del hogar) y Sleep in Heavenly Peace (camas para niños). Para artículos esenciales urgentes (limpieza, higiene, sábanas), pida ayuda al programa de Asistencia General (GA) en su municipio; la oficina debe darle una decisión por escrito en 24 horas. Revise estos enlaces clave: 211 Maine, Asistencia General – DHHS, Furniture Friends, Maine Needs, Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Esta traducción fue producida usando herramientas de IA.

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About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• Maine DHHS – General Assistance
• MaineHousing
• MECAP (Maine Community Action Partnership)
• Furniture Friends
• Maine Needs
• Sleep in Heavenly Peace
• HUD Maine
• MPUC – Consumer Programs
• St. Elizabeth’s Essentials Pantry
• Bridging the Gap (Augusta)
• Salvation Army – Northern New England

Last verified: September 2025, next review April January 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.

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Disclaimer

Important: This article is informational and not legal advice. Program rules and funding change; always confirm current availability, service areas, and eligibility with each program before you apply. Call to confirm hours and what to bring. If you are in immediate danger or without safe shelter tonight, call 911 or contact your local shelter listed via HUD Maine or 211. HUD Maine, 211 Maine. (hud.gov)

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What to do if none of the above works

• Ask 211 to conference in your town’s GA office or your CAA so you don’t have to call alone.
• If you have a school‑age child, ask the school nurse or counselor to send a referral to Maine Needs and to any local furniture bank partner.
• Reach out to your nearest Salvation Army corps to ask about emergency vouchers while larger referrals are pending.

211 Maine, MECAP – CAAs. (211maine.org)

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Note: For accessibility, ask any agency for large‑print applications or interpreter services; most state lines support Maine Relay 711. MaineHousing – Contact (Maine Relay 711), Office for Family Independence. (mainehousing.org)

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