This past week I spent a good amount of time reviewing the Internet Web site for Maine’s 211 program. Folks who have a computer can check around and see what’s available for help, from Aroostook to York County.
You’d be amazed at all the services that are detailed – every food bank in the state including the hours, what you need to quality and phone numbers, for example. Check it out at a public use computer at your local library – librarians are wonderful people who will be glad to help you. Visit your warm, local library. Another wonderful, free resource.
You can also just pick up the phone and dial 211 if you find yourself in a critical need situation.Don’t just sit and be cold, do something about it. For most of us senior citizens, our basic income will remain pretty steady this year. Those still in the workplace no doubt have concerns, but we should persevere, carry on and plan accordingly. We all know that the oil prices have come down, but the groceries and other costs have managed to take up the slack. Fortunately, many community groups and the “authorities” have established resources for all of us.
I hope that you will call 211, find out the resources near you, and do it before you find yourself in a crisis. Be prepared.
I did find some bad news and some good news while I was digging around on the 211 site. Here’s the bad news first:
Citizens Energy Corporation has announced that Citgo (provider of fuel oil) has suspended the oil heating program for low-income households. In other words, if you were going to call Joe 4 Oil this year, save your time. Citizens Energy, based in Boston, is not happy about this but apparently, Venezuela decided that the falling oil prices and world economic crisis would adversely affect them. So, here’s a good reason to call Maine’s 211 line and find out how to get that oil tank filled or a pile of wood.
Now here’s some better news:
• Creating Assets, Savings & Hope (CA$H): CA$H helps you find ways to increase your income, reduce debt, save for the future and achieve financial stability. Tax season is here and if you made $50,000 or less in 2008, you may be eligible to have your taxes prepared for free. Dial 2-1-1 to get the phone number of the tax site nearest you.
• Coats for Seniors: Triad and Agency on Aging volunteers collected more than 1,500 coats for seniors during the weekend of Nov. 21-23 at L.L. Bean’s flagship store in Freeport. L.L.Bean will contribute $10 for each coat to the Keep ME Warm Fund.
• DTV Transition and the Coupon Program: At midnight on Feb. 17, a switch will be made from analog television broadcasting to 100 percent digital television broadcasting. If you use rabbit ears antenna, you won’t be able to watch the news. For more information dial 2-1-1, call 888-388-2009 free of charge and find out what you will need to do.
2-1-1 Maine Inc. is a nonprofit organization formed in partnership with United Ways of Maine and Ingraham to develop a health and human services information and referral service system to serve the entire state every day and in times of crisis. Here are some of the areas in which they may help:
Basic needs – food, clothing, shelter; energy assistance; Alzheimer’s resources; elder care; veterans’ services; health care; senior services; home care; legal assistance; consumer help; transportation; financial assistance; disability services.
Again, make that call and collect information you may need before you need it.
Thanks the dozen or so who have commented recently about information and resources they are interested in learning about. This is the kind of input that makes this column worthwhile.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
