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Town of New Gloucester
385 Intervale Road, New Gloucester, ME 04260
(207) 926-4126 (phone) / (207) 926-4136 (fax)
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Town of Poland
1231 Maine Street, Poland, ME 04274
(207) 998-4601 (phone) / (207) 998-2002 (fax)
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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Program Summary
The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. Benefits include help paying for fuel and emergency fuel delivery. You can also qualify for energy-related repairs if you are eligible for HEAP.
Households are encouraged to apply for HEAP as early as possible. The application process normally takes from several weeks to over a month, and it involves both a written application and an interview to help determine eligibility and the level of benefit. Benefits are typically paid to your fuel provider as a credit to your account.
Eligibility
The amount of assistance you may get from HEAP is based on your household size and income, energy costs, and other factors.
You may be eligible for assistance if your total household income falls within the income eligibility guidelines which is the greater of 150% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or 60% of State.
If your heat is included in your rent, you may still apply for HEAP.
Additional help may be available if you have less than a three-day supply of heating fuel or are in danger of having utility services disconnected, and you have no means to pay your energy company.
If you are eligible for HEAP, you also may qualify for other programs that require HEAP eligibility.
- If you receive residential electric service from an electric utility, and you are not living in government subsidized housing, you may be eligible for assistance with your electric bills from your electric utility’s Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP).
- If your home is not as energy efficient as it could be, you may qualify for home weatherization improvements through MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program.
- If your heating system is in need of repair or replacement, you may qualify for the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP).
For more information, please click here.
Browntail Moth Hairs Pose a Risk for Fall Outdoor Activities
The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC), Maine Forest Service (MFS), and 211 Maine remind Maine people and visitors about how to protect themselves from browntail moth hairs this fall.
Hairs from browntail moth caterpillars can get stirred up during fall yardwork. These tiny hairs can cause a skin reaction similar to poison ivy. They can also cause trouble breathing and other respiratory problems. People in all 16 Maine counties are at some risk of exposure to browntail moth hairs.
Browntail moth caterpillars grow and shed these hairs from April to late June or early July. The hairs remain toxic in the environment for up to three years. Hairs blow around in the air and fall onto leaves and brush. Mowing, raking, sweeping, and other activities can cause the hairs to become airborne and cause skin and breathing problems.
Most people affected by the hairs develop a localized rash that lasts for a few hours up to several days. In some people, the rash can be severe and last for weeks. Hairs may also cause trouble breathing in some people, which may result in respiratory distress. Treatment for the rash or breathing problems caused by browntail moth hairs focuses on relieving symptoms.
Suggestions to Reduce Exposure to Browntail Moth Hairs while Working Outdoors
- If possible, do yardwork when leaves are wet to prevent hairs from becoming airborne.
- Do not rake, use leaf blowers, or mow the lawn on dry days.
- Do not dry laundry outside where hairs can cling to clothing.
- Cover your face and any exposed skin by wearing a long sleeve shirt, long pants, goggles, a respirator/dust mask, a hat, and a disposable coverall.
- Secure clothing around the neck, wrists, and ankles.
- Apply pre-contact poison ivy wipes to help reduce hairs sticking into exposed skin.
- Take a cool shower to wash off loose hairs.
- Change clothes after outdoor activities.
- Use extra caution when bringing in items stored outdoors, such as firewood, or working in areas sheltered from the rain, such as under decks.
For More Information
Starting a Business in Maine Information
Business Answers Program
Provided by the Department of Economic and Community Development, Maine’s online Business Answers service provides free information about doing business in Maine. The online business licensing assistant will lead you through a series of questions about the type of business you are trying to start, and provide a list of licenses, permits, or qualifications you need.
Business Answers also includes a searchable directory that allows you to find a specific business license or permit by keyword, category, or agency.
MaineBusinessWorks Program
MaineBusinessWorks, a program of Maine Small Business Development Centers and the Department of Economic and Community Development, provides access to a broad array of business development assistance available throughout the State of Maine, including business education, financing programs, and small business information and/or assistance.
Planning
Financing
Getting Started
If you decide to incorporate or become a limited partnership or a limited liability company, you will need to register your entity with the Bureau of Corporations at the Office of the Secretary of State. If you form a sole proprietorship or a general partnership, you do not need to register your business entity with the state. However, there may be state, city, or town permits or licenses that are required to operate your business. Business Answers can help you determine the forms you need.
Hiring Employees
Maine Agricultural Fairs
September 18, 2022 - September 24, 2022 Farmington Fair | Farmington, Maine
September 23, 2022 - September 25, 2022 Common Ground Fair | Unity, Maine
September 25, 2022 - October 1, 2022 Cumberland Fair | Cumberland Ctr., Maine
October 2, 2022 - October 9, 2022 Fryeburg Fair | Fryeburg, Maine
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