Homeless Assistance in Maine

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Need help right now? Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline connects you to local shelters and services in Maine within minutes.

Emergency Housing & Shelter

Immediate options for Maine residents who need a safe place to stay tonight.

Emergency Shelters

Find available shelter beds tonight across Maine. Call 211 for real-time availability and directions to the nearest open shelter in your area.

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Family & Youth Shelters

Specialized shelters for families with children and unaccompanied youth in Maine. Safe environments with case management and wraparound support.

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Veterans Emergency Housing

Dedicated emergency housing for Maine veterans. HUD-VASH vouchers and VA-funded supportive services are available statewide. Call 1-877-4AID-VET.

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Federal Assistance Programs

Federal programs available to eligible Maine residents regardless of city or county.

HUD Continuum of Care

Primary federal program organizing housing and services for homeless individuals in Maine. CoC regions provide transitional and permanent supportive housing.

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Emergency Solutions Grants

Funds emergency shelters, street outreach, homeless prevention, and rapid re-housing. Maine receives federal ESG funding distributed through local providers.

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Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)

Rental assistance vouchers for very low-income families, elderly, and disabled individuals. Apply through your local Maine Public Housing Authority.

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HUD-VASH (Veterans)

Combines Section 8 housing vouchers with VA supportive services for veterans experiencing homelessness. Available across multiple Maine locations.

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PATH Program (Mental Health)

Outreach, case management, and mental health support for homeless individuals. Operated through Maine community mental health centers statewide.

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SNAP Food Assistance

Helps low-income Maine residents buy food. Apply at your local benefits office. No permanent address required to apply.

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Maine State Programs

Programs funded or operated specifically by Maine for residents experiencing homelessness.

Maine Housing Emergency Programs

MaineHousing funds emergency shelters, transitional housing, and rental assistance programs for homeless and at-risk Maine residents statewide.

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TANF – Maine (ASPIRE)

Maine’s TANF program combining cash assistance with employment services to help families achieve self-sufficiency. Apply at any DHHS district office.

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Maine Medicaid (MaineCare)

Maine’s Medicaid program covering low-income adults, families, pregnant women, elderly, and disabled Maine residents. Apply at maine.gov/dhhs.

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Maine Housing Programs

Maine State Housing Authority provides affordable housing resources, rental assistance, and housing grants for low-income Maine residents.

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Maine Workforce & Employment

Free job training, resume help, and career placement through Maine’s Workforce Development programs. Find your nearest office at the link below.

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LIHEAP Energy Assistance

Helps low-income Maine households pay heating and cooling bills. Distributed through local community action agencies. Call 211 to find your provider.

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Local Resources by City

Major Maine cities with dedicated homeless services and housing authorities.

Portland

Preble Street — homeless services, shelter placement, and housing assistance for Portland area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Bangor

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter — emergency shelter, transitional housing, and rapid re-housing services for individuals and families in the Bangor area.

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Lewiston

Lewiston CoC — housing resources, case management, and emergency assistance for Lewiston area residents experiencing homelessness.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about getting homeless assistance in Maine.

Call 2-1-1 — free 24/7 helpline that connects you to available shelter beds in Maine near you in minutes. Available in English and Spanish. You can also text your zip code to 898-211 or visit 211.org.

No. You do not need a permanent address to apply for most benefits in Maine. You can use a shelter address, a P.O. box, or a mail service address. Maine benefit workers are trained to assist people without permanent housing in applying for SNAP, Medicaid, and cash assistance.

Yes. Maine has strong programs for homeless veterans including:

HUD-VASH — Section 8 vouchers specifically for veterans with VA case management
SSVF — Rapid re-housing and prevention for veteran families
Maine Veterans Housing — Affordable housing and support for Maine veterans

Call 1-877-4AID-VET to speak with a VA homeless specialist.

Rapid re-housing (RRH) helps homeless individuals move quickly into permanent housing with short-term rental assistance (3–12 months) plus case management. There are no universal income requirements — priority goes to those with greatest need. Call 211 and ask specifically for rapid re-housing in Maine.

Apply at Maine’s Medicaid portal or visit any local benefits office. You do not need a permanent address. Medicaid covers doctor visits, hospital care, prescriptions, mental health services, and more at little or no cost.

Assistance by State

Select a state to view its specific homeless assistance programs and resources.

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