General Assistance

TOWN OF ORONO GENERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Every town in Maine has a General Assistance program that helps people in need who have no other resources.  Assistance is provided for basic necessities, such as affordable housing, utilities, medication, and food.  While this program is administered locally, the Town is required to follow the guidelines provided by the Maine Department of Health and Human Services, which are captured in the Town of Orono’s General Assistance Ordinance.

The Town of Orono accepts applications for General Assistance by appointment on Wednesdays from 1:00PM - 4:00PM.  Please call (207) 866-2556 for an appointment.  Application forms can be picked up at the Town Office or accessed online here.  


Resources:

    Town of Orono General Assistance Ordinance


    Maine Career Center - Information on employment and training

  • Phone: 207-623-7981

Maine Department of Health and Human Services - Information on various programs including TANF, Food Supplement, and MaineCare                       

  • Phone:  (207) 561-4100 Toll Free: 1-800-432-7825

    Pine Tree Legal Assistance - Information on evictions and tenant rights


GENERAL ASSISTANCE NOTICE

The Town of Orono has a General Assistance program for people in need. If you need help, Orono is required to take your application for General Assistance. Applications will be taken at the Town Office, 59 Main Street at the following times:

 

Day(s):  WEDNESDAYS 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm - By Appointment               

 

Appointments may be made at the Town Offices or by calling 207-866-2556.

The Town of Orono is required to have someone available twenty-four (24) hours a day to take applications in case of an emergency. If this is an Emergency and the office is closed contact Public Safety at 207-866-4000.  The Town of Orono must give you a written decision within twenty-four (24) hours of receiving your application for General Assistance.

 

If the Town of Orono refuses to take your application, or if you disagree with a decision that was made, or have questions, you may call the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. Their toll-free number is 1-800-442-6003. This phone is answered Monday-Thursday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. If you call after 5:00 pm, leave a message with a phone number.  You will be contacted on the next business day.  The Town of Orono has an ordinance describing the rules for its General Assistance program. You can see a copy at the Town Office. You can also see a copy of the State's General Assistance law at the same place.  This notice is posted pursuant to Maine law at Title 22 MRSA §4304-4305.