Help in Maine
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 22 places in Maine, most of them in Portland, Bangor and Lewiston, plus 11 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people leaving homelessness (13) and after treatment and in recovery (12).
Maine Statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline
Single statewide number that connects anyone experiencing domestic abuse to one of Maine's nine regional domestic violence resource centers. Call to talk through options, safety planning, shelter, and court advocacy; a deaf/hard-of-hearing line is available.
211 Maine
Free, confidential information and referral line staffed around the clock by Maine-based specialists. Covers addiction treatment, rental and heating assistance, shelter, food, and other local services; also searchable online.
Office for Family Independence – SNAP, MaineCare, and TANF
State office that runs SNAP food benefits, MaineCare (Medicaid), TANF, and General Assistance oversight. Apply or renew online at My Maine Connection, by mail, or at a district office; a call center handles eligibility questions.
Through These Doors
Cumberland County's domestic violence resource center. The free 24-hour helpline is answered by a service that takes a safe callback number; an advocate returns the call within 15 minutes, with an interpreter if you ask. Also runs emergency shelter, court advocacy, and a program for incarcerated women.
Safe Voices
The only shelter and support provider for survivors of domestic violence and sex trafficking in Androscoggin, Franklin, and Oxford counties. The 24/7 helpline leads to safety planning, shelter, support groups, court advocacy, and transportation help.
Partners for Peace
Domestic abuse resource center for Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, based in Bangor. Round-the-clock helpline, advocacy, legal services, safety planning, support groups, a pet-friendly shelter, and transitional housing for people affected by partner abuse, stalking, or trafficking.
Pine Tree Legal Assistance
Maine's statewide free civil legal aid program for people with low incomes, covering eviction and housing, public benefits, debt, protection from abuse, and family law. Intake is by phone during set call-in hours or at weekly walk-in sessions in Portland, Lewiston, Bangor, and other offices.
Maine Vital Records
State office that issues certified Maine birth, death, and marriage certificates. A certified birth certificate costs $15 and can also be bought from the town where you were born or where your mother lived; delayed birth registrations cost $60.
Maine State Identification Card
Non-driver photo ID issued at every BMV branch and mobile unit. A standard state ID is $5 and a REAL ID version is $30; the first REAL ID must be done in person. You must show legal presence in the U.S. and a physical Maine address.
National lines that work in Maine
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.