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All kinds of help

Housing

Help paying rent, finding a safe place to stay, and keeping the heat and power on. Your state and local housing authorities run rent help and housing vouchers. Your state also runs help with energy bills. If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211.Help in Maine and from the federal government.

Ask about it

Tell us more about what you need. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.

Programs in Maine

Maine programs for this kind of help. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • Maine State Housing Authority

    Housing Choice Voucher Program

    The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps eligible households pay rent in privately owned housing.

    Ways to apply:OnlinePaper

  • Maine State Housing Authority

    Homelessness services

    MaineHousing funds programs that connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter and housing services.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Maine State Housing Authority

    Housing Finance Programs

    MaineHousing offers affordable home loans and other housing programs for Maine residents.

    Ways to apply:Phone

  • Maine State Housing Authority

    Home Energy Assistance Program

    HEAP helps eligible renters and homeowners pay heating costs.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

  • Maine State Housing Authority

    Weatherization Assistance Program

    Weatherization helps eligible households make home improvements that can lower energy costs.

    Ways to apply:PhoneIn person

Checked on October 8, 2026

Federal programs

These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.

  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)

    Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.

    Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.

  • Federal Communications Commission

    Lifeline phone and internet discount

    A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.

    Check if you qualify and apply on the National Verifier, then pick a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.

  • Federal Emergency Management Agency

    FEMA disaster assistance

    Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.

    Apply online at DisasterAssistance.gov, by phone, or in person at a Disaster Recovery Center.

Checked on October 9, 2026

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