Help from Kennebec Valley Community Action Program.
The non-profit Kennebec Valley Community Action Program a leading organization in Maine that provides low income assistance programs, services and resources to the people of Somerset and Kennebec counties in Maine. For almost 50 years, staff from KVCAP have helped individuals and families that are struggling and in need. The focus is on stability, employment, and self-sufficiency.
Other assistance from the community action agency includes job search assistance, employment, applications for heating assistance, rent, energy and housing services. All resources are limited and depend heavily on government grants and private funding.
Housing, rent, and energy assistance
The Division of Kennebec Valley Community Action Program that focuses on renters, homeowners, and utility assistance is always under high demand. Among services available are permanent housing placement in counties such as Somerset and energy efficiency strategies are provided. The non-profit also runs a comprehensive resource center for current homeowners, prospective homebuyers, renters and those struggling with paying the rent or other housing issues.
Case managers from KVCAP work to educate renters and homeowners about energy efficiency, rental programs, all areas of home maintenance, and the life skills required for responsible homeownership and to be a tenant.
Some information on home repairs is available from time to time as well as upgrades to mobile homes may be obtained at the resource center. The non-profit builds strong partnerships with local Maine municipalities, advocates and non-profit groups to address the housing issues in the region.
Energy Services will work with clients to improve energy efficiency and conservation and to reduce the energy burden. They also support affordable housing. KVCAP works to improve the quality of life for working poor residents of Lincoln, Kennebec, Sagadahoc and Somerset counties.
The programs administered include Central Heating Improvement Program, LIHEAP Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Home Repairs, Weatherization, The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), Network, and others.
- The Kennebec Valley Community Action Program Low Income Assistance Program is a credit to approved customers of Central Maine Power and Madison Electric.
- ECIP, or Emergency Heat Assistance, provides families with emergency heating bill assistance or fuel oil. It is for households and is available once per winter season when government funds are available. ECIP can also help families that have less than 1/4 of a tank of heating oil.
- Save money on your bills from the US Department of Energy and Home Energy Assistance Weatherization Program. Many LIHEAP eligible homes also benefit from this free conservation program.
- The Maine Central Heating Improvement Program, or CHIP, is another emergency program that eligible homeowners or approved renters can use to repair or replace heating systems or furnaces. CHIP grants and funds are only used to replace or repair dangerous, malfunctioning or non-working units. When qualified, up to $3000 may be used to pay for Chimney repair or replacements, Heating system evaluations, or Furnace repairs, replacement and conversions.
Current and future homeowners can benefit from Foreclosure Prevention Services and/or Home Buyer Education Class. Kennebec Valley Community Action Program offers classes and workshops on setting goals and preparing for homeownership, applying for mortgages and loan products, Temporary Forbearance, and Deed In-Lieu of Foreclosure. KVCAP is a HUD certified foreclosure counseling agency and staff will work with your bank or lender to help you buy a home, or prevent a foreclosure.
Maine Home Repair Network provides help to low income homeowners, in particular seniors and the disabled, that are seeking grant funds to repair health and safety issues. Assistance may also be available from the network for septic repair or full replacement loans.
Work with staff from KVCAP to apply for the Home Repair Network and its grants, deferred forgivable loans, elderly hardship grants, and 1% interest rate Septic loans. The home needs to be approved and certified as needing to be renovated or repaired.
The program is small in scope. When available, grants and loans can be used to pay for Repair or replacement of windows and doors, Well and septic systems, Heating and electrical system repairs, Structural repairs, Handicap accessibility improvements, or Roof and chimney repairs. Call 1-800-542-8227 for details.
Assistance for children
Developmental services and full day care from KVCAP is for young children, toddlers, infants, and preschoolers. The EDUCARE Central Maine facility is the site that operates most of the day center services for children under the age of 5.
Preschool programs encourage school readiness and child development. Services available are Cognition and General Knowledge sessions, Language and Literacy workshops, and others. Part-year and day preschool classrooms are located in Somerset County and nearby towns as well.
Head Start and Early Head Start services, both classroom and Home Based, are available for children and students from qualified low income families. This is the main federal government resource for development. For children under the age of 5, they may receive Support, guidance, and education and developmentally, age appropriate educational activities.
Another resource for children is the Maine Families Program. This is for parents that want the best for their babies and infants. Staff from Kennebec Valley Community Action Program partner with parents, including single moms, to help them get the resources they need and assistance from WIC, developmental screening, free immunizations, baby and child health care, and the Families Program helps with other needs as well.
KVCAP self-sufficiency, employment and training services
Specialists and staff from KVCAP offer individual support to displaced and unemployed workers, including referrals and information as needed. Instruction is provided on topics such as resume writing, job-search skills, completing on-line job applications, job-seeking strategies, filing for unemployment, and preparation for job fairs and interviews. Get information on employers and businesses in southern Maine that may be hiring. Employer services are available at the following.
- KVCAP Waterville office at 97 Water Street. Call 859-1584.
- Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm St. Telephone 680-2603.
There are additional sites in the region that workshops can be held at. Call for details.
Transportation Assistance from KVCAP is offered in partnership with social service groups. The main programs are Move More Kids for youth and it will give them access to locations that promote physical activity. Kennebec/Somerset Explorer is an affordable a fixed-route general public bus program. The last option is KV Van, which is a door-to-door para-transit van.
The Maine Car Seat Program and applications for it are processed by KVCAP. It may offer families meeting the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) program guidelines to receive one free car seat.
Apply for assistance from community action
The KVCAP - Kennebec Valley Community Action Program main office is at 97 Water St, Waterville, ME 04901. Call (207) 859-1500
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