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).
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.
Youth Transition Services (Chafee Program)
State program for young people who were in Maine foster care. Eligible youth can sign a Voluntary Extended Support (V9) Agreement to keep receiving housing, education, and case management support past age 18 through the Chafee Foster Care Independence Program.
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.
New Beginnings
Lewiston-based agency for runaway and homeless youth and young adults across Maine who lack stable family support. Programs include Marian's Place 24-hour youth shelter, transitional living, street outreach, a drop-in center, counseling, and education and employment help.
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.