Native Americans living in Maine will find that there are grant options for those who are experiencing financial hardship. The state participates in some of the federal grant programs, as well as having some state programs. Additionally, there are numerous organizations that focus on helping those in need in Maine, by offering such things as help with paying bills, providing them with food, offering childcare assistance, and more. Each program has different requirements regarding who qualifies for the assistance. Be sure to inquire about how to apply for each program and what their requirements are. Many require people to be a citizen or legal alien, have proof of their identity, and meet low income requirements. There are some assistance programs that provide free food that do not require documentation or verification.
Housing assistance for Native Americans:
Native Americans in Maine who find that they need housing assistance may qualify for the federal program HUD (Housing and Urban Development). The program has been designed to help those with very low incomes be able to meet their housing needs. Those who are qualified may receive grants to help them with paying rent, purchasing a home, or making necessary home improvements and repairs. HUD can help Native Americans in Maine to avoid foreclosure, find affordable housing, and find homeless resources. To determine if you are qualified for the program you need to call one of their counselors to discuss your situation and needs.
++ Popular grants for native americans
- $5,000 Grant from the Walmart Foundation Community Grant Program
- $7,500 Grant from Halstead
- $500 Grant for Artists
- $10,000 Amber Grant
- $1,500 Soroptimist Club Grant
- $10,000 Vegetarian Resource Group grant
- $5,000 Wendy’s High School Heisman Grant
- $10,000 Tylenol Future Care grant
- $5,000 Chevron grant
- $2,000 Jeannette Rankin Women’s Scholarship Fund
Energy grants for Native Americans:
Maine offers a program to help people pay for their energy bills if they are having financial difficulty. The program, called HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program) is open to everyone, including Native Americans. To qualify for the energy grant you will need to meet the low income requirements. The size of the grant awarded is based on your household size and energy costs. If your energy bills are included in your rent payment you may still be able to qualify for the assistance. To apply you need to contact the agency and provide the names and social security numbers of everyone living in the home, provide proof of household income, proof of address, and copies of all of your recent energy bills. The state also offers a Low Income Assistance Plan, which helps those with low incomes pay their electricity costs. You can be a homeowner or renter to apply for this grant. You can apply for this program on the same application as the one for HEAP.
Food assistance for Native Americans:
Native Americans who live in Maine and need food assistance will find several options that they can turn to. One program, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), provides a monthly cash grant that can be used to purchase food. This is a federal program that is open to everyone who meets the qualifications, which include having low income, and being a citizen or permanent resident. In the state of Maine this program is also called the Food Supplement Program. You can apply for this program online. Food assistance can also be obtained through the Office of Health Equity. They offer the federal program WIC (Women, Infant & Children), which is open to people who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or who have children ages five and under, and who meet the low income requirements. To apply, you make an appointment with your local WIC office. They estimate the appointment will take about an hour. Once approved, you will receive monthly grants that can be used to purchase specific healthy food items, such as cereal, milk, eggs, and grains. Additionally, the Good Shepherd Food Bank of Maine helps people who need food assistance. They work with food pantries around the state to provide people with free boxes of food and hot meals. Visit their site to find a free food pantry near you. Food pantries do not typically ask for income verification or require you to prove that you need the assistance.
Cash grants for Native Americans:
Native Americans living in Maine who need cash grants or assistance to help with living expenses can apply for the federal program called Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. You can apply for this program online. They do require that you be interviewed once they have your application. You may need to show your proof of identity, address, income, and expenses.
Healthcare assistance for Native Americans:
The state of Maine offers a healthcare assistance program called MaineCare. The program does not provide a cash grant, but it pays your health bills directly to the health care provider. You can apply for the program online. The requirements to be approved include meeting the financial requirements, proving you are a citizen, and providing proof of identity.
Links to assistance programs for Native Americans in Maine:
- General financial assistance
- Education grants in Maine
- Free school supplies for kids
- Energy assistance in Maine
- Grants for food and housing
- Food and clothing vouchers
- Free community lunch
- Holiday assistance
- Free or low cost transportation
- Property tax credits
- Meals on Wheels
- Free summer meals for kids
