Catholic Charities Kennebec County emergency assistance programs.
Each year, Catholic Charities of Kennebec County receives hundreds of request for help. Some people want financial aid, others request information or local or government assistance programs or counseling. To assist residents from Kennebec County and Augusta, they offer some or all of the following at the drop in center or from a telephone hotline.
Landlord/Tenant Assistance includes Homelessness Prevention services in partnership with those provided by other agencies in an effort to stop homeless, people at risk of eviction or foreclosure. There is also counseling, mediation, and court advocacy in disputes. There is also job training, a food pantry, and many other resources available. Both Social Services from the parish as well child care, behavioral services, disability programs and other offerings can help the needy in Kennebec County.
Social services and Community Outreach from Catholic Charities
Emergency financial assistance – The Augusta Catholic Charities realizes that there are times in which a household struggles. Maybe they have always been self-sufficient and able to pay the bills and live independently. People can do that for years on end, but then, on occasion, a financial crisis comes up.
When this occurs, there may be some ways to get financial help from the Parish social services department. Or some free, critical items such as food. Kennebec County Catholic Charities has a few resources available that can meet this need. What they may be includes a few dollars for paying some rent or a mortgage. Or maybe financial aid for pay due electric or water bills. Other assistance can be free food from a pantry near you, clothing from a clothes closet, low interest loans, and more.
When applying, there needs to be proof of income as well as a “financial stability” plan. As the financial help is one time only, and for short term needs. Applicants need to, and be able to, become stable as well as self-sufficient. This is a requirement from any financial support from Catholic Charities.
f the client does not have a plan to make that happen, then case managers can assist. They will direct the person to debt reduction programs, mortgage resources, job training or placement services, and much more. All of this is used to help either (1) break the cycle of poverty or (2) help the family increase their income, pay down debt, and generally get back on track.
Clients of Catholic Charities of Kennebec County (in other words those that use their social service programs) can access the free food pantry. This will give them groceries, provide classes on cooking healthy meals, have extra coupons from a Sunday flyer, and give other support.
The pantry is a key program for ending hunger of existing clients. It is just one of the tools that people can use, and when combined with programs such as SNAP food stamps or free school breakfast/lunches for students, it does make a difference. Whether it is a free bag of groceries from the food bank or information on USDA programs, help is available. There is also the USDA Child and Adult Care Food Program.
Assistance for children, senior, and disabled in Kennebec County
Catholic Charities of Kennebec County will help older adults or the disabled (whether mental or physical) gain access to long-term care as well as emergency support. Partnering with the Agency on Aging as well as local charities or social services, there is information for people of all ages, incomes and disabilities, but a focus is on senior citizens as well as caregivers in Kennebec County.
The programs are used to create a person-centered, community-based environment that promotes independence for the elderly or disabled. The office will give applicants the information and assistance they need to apply for public aid or private resources. As people age they often need more support, so the team at Catholic Charities will help individuals planning for their future long-term care needs. The non-profit will also support the range of needs for family caregivers. Learn about:
-Affordable senior housing.
-Behavioral health services
-Medicare applications, including for prescriptions.
-Basic health care or dental cleanings.
-Medical equipment loan programs for wheelchairs, crutches, etc.
-Meals on Wheels.
-Resources for caregivers, including respite. Or read more on financial help paying for caregivers.
-Family Therapy
-Support services including Seek Elderly Alone, Renew, Courage and Hope program.
-And much more.
Child Care services can be arranged. Catholic Charities will of course try to find them, but there is also counseling, therapy, mental health services, and even free dental cleanings with volunteers from Kennebec County.
The assistance is for children of all ages. The goal is to help the younger generation get off on the right foot. So whether it is education, help for the parents in paying for child care, or even counseling (depression, anxiety, etc.), Catholic Charities of Kennebec County addresses these needs.
Applying for help or social services
Catholic Charities is a leading charity in the Kennebec County area. They help children, the elderly, immigrants, and disadvantaged. While the emergency financial aid for paying bills is of course limited, everything from counseling to free items, housing, grants and more may be offered. The main office is at 136 State St #13, Augusta, ME 04330. Or for more information dial (207) 514-1451.
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