Franklin and Oxford Maine Salvation Army emergency assistance programs.
The Salvation Army in Oxford and Franklin County region of Maine operates year round. The assistance (whether free school supplies, Christmas toys, rent or heating bill help, or something else) available will change based on the month, funding levels, and the amount of donations. Not everyone will qualify, but when not possible to assist, there may be referrals given.
Students and children can get help during certain times of the year. The Salvation Army services in Franklin County area go by many different names, including Tools for School program (which provides free school supplies) as well as the Christmas Angel Tree, which passes out toys and presents. The center will also try to refer the kids to summer camps in the state of Maine or help parents with a job locate affordable day care.
Maybe more than any other resource, these programs that are focused on children depend on donations from the community. As an example of some of the items that are always needed, the office will accept Folders with Prongs, Pencil Bag, Rulers, Toy trucks for boys, dolls for girls, Christmas stocking, clothing or uniforms, Pocket Folders, Crayons, shoes, and more. These goods are accepted year round, but will be passed out during the fall or winter months as part of Angel Tree or Back to School Drives in Franklin and Oxford Maine.
There are collection sites around the community. In fact, the Angel Tree may be set up at regional shopping malls or hospitals, and many corporations also set these up too. This allows people from the community, or employees at a business, to help the less fortunate at Christmas.
The regional Franklin and Oxford County Maine Salvation Army emergency food pantry is where groceries, holiday meals, and other items are passed out from. This center will also use donations to keep the shelves stocked. Some of the most commonly requested goods include cereal, baby formula, soup, rice, food for senior citizens, and more.
There is not just food at the pantry though. This location also passes out everyday household items. These tend to be more difficult to obtain though as the supplies are even more limited. But what the center may have includes paper towels, razors, toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and more. These surplus goods are often provided as the result of food type drives from churches or charities. Or companies such as Wal-Mart will often donate too.
As a last resort, the Salvation Army in Franklin and Oxford County Maine may have a few dollars to help pay bills or address housing needs. This will be grant based aid. The applicant will also either need to contribute to some of the bill, or they need to obtain additional contributions from other sources. The Salvation Army is not, and never will, be involved in paying say an entire rent or energy bill on their own. The client needs to fully participate as well. Or find other ways to get assistance from grants.
There is also financial help for those facing a crisis. As an example, sometimes a key wage earner has a medical crisis. The Salvation Army may help pay some everyday bills or offer medications. Or if a voucher is needed to get to a local job interview in Maine capital region or a critical doctor appointment, that may be arranged too. Financial aid from Family Services will be used for medical reasons and/or homeless prevention when funding allows.
Seniors and the elderly in Franklin and Oxford can get help from the Salvation Army services too. There of course is the Angel Tree and Christmas assistance above, but they also provide housing resources. The center has a database of affordable apartments that the elderly can use. These will not only charge less rent, but some offer meals, schedule trips, and tailor activities for senior citizens and their spouses.
Regional Salvation Army social services in Franklin and Oxford area
Other assistance may also be arranged by the organization. They can help the homeless locate a meal or a shelter in the Franklin and Oxford County region, or the Salvation Army may also assist with some utility or water bills. There is also general counseling arranged, both faith based and regular for those that need it. Many other resources may also be provided, and dial (207) 623-3752 or drop in at the center. Note it is a regional Salvation Army.
|
