Resources

Resources

Resources

Elder Living Source website

Website: http://www.elderlivingsource.com
 
Services:  Information on senior housing or other senior living facilities in your area.

Eldercare Locator

Phone:  1-800-677-1116 (toll free)
Website: http://www.eldercare.gov
 
Services:  The Eldercare Locator, public service of the Administration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with information on senior services. The Eldercare Locator is designed to help older adults and their families and caregivers find their way through the maze of services for seniors by identifying trustworthy local support resources. The goal is to provide users with the information and resources they need that will help older persons live independently and safely in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Established in 1991, the Eldercare Locator links those who need assistance with state and local area agencies on aging and community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. Whether an older person needs help with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.
Hours:  Monday through Friday 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM (ET)

Maine Rural Development Council

Website: http://mrdc.umext.maine.edu/default.htm
 
Services:  The mission of the Maine Rural Development Council is to shape state policies to meet the complex and changing needs of rural Maine, promote collaboration and partnerships among local, state, and federal agencies and programs, maximize the effectiveness of rural programs and resources, and develop and demonstrate innovative rural projects.

Maine State Housing Authority

Address:  353 Water St.
Augusta, ME 04330
Phone:  1-800-452-4668 (toll free)
Website: http://www.mainehousing.org
 
Clients:  Persons needing housing information, rental assistance, or low interest loans to purchase or make home improvements, among other services. Must meet income guidelines. A comprehensive list of homeless shelters is also available.
Services:  Provides low-interest loans to purchase a home and to improve livability or energy efficiency of homes, including modifications to improve accessibility for persons with disabilities. Refers low income renters to housing providers assisted by MSHA and maintains a list of homeless shelters.

Fees:  No fees; Rates vary from 1% up.
Hours:  Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Rural Development Programs USDA

Address:  254 Goddard Road
Lewiston, ME 04240
Phone:  (207) 753-9400
E-mail:  andrew.bear@me.usda.gov
Website: http://www.rurdev.usda.gov/me/
 
Clients:  Qualified applicants who live in a rural area, have an acceptable credit history, not be able to obtain credit through conventional sources or assets, be a U.S. citizen or qualified alien, and show acceptable repayment ability. The applicant must also have an adjusted family income that does not exceed the moderate-income limit for the area in which the home is located.

Services:  Rural Development has three different housing programs currently available to assist rural citizens in achieving the dream of home ownership, and excels at identifying innovative ways to place families in housing that is safe, sanitary, and decent with affordable payments. The 502 Direct Program offers loans subsidized to as low as one percent interest with no down payment for low income qualified individuals and properties. The 502 Guaranteed Program also offers no down payment financing up to 102 percent of the homes value through approved financial institutions for moderate income qualified individuals and properties. The 504 Home Repair Program offers financing for loans up to $20,000.00 at 1% interest for up to 20 years to allow existing very-low income homeowners the chance to modernize and improve their homes.