Over 45 people who care about fuel assistance and meeting the needs of people at risk during the winter gathered at United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s annual Heating and Supplemental Assistance Meeting on October 20.

“This fall gathering is extremely valuable,” said Heidi Shott of the Episcopal Diocese of Maine. “By sharing their efforts and know-how around one table, members of community organizations provide up to date information about heating assistance and weatherization programs in our area. United Way is uniquely poised to bring all of us together so we can best help our neighbors stay warm this winter.” Shott is on United Way’s Board of Directors and a resident of Newcastle.

For over ten years, United Way has brought people together from across the community to share information and discuss ways to more effectively meet the needs for people at risk during the winter. In attendance were representatives from Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services, Maine’s State Energy Office, the office of Senator Susan Collins, the office of Senator Angus King, and the office of Representative Chellie Pingree. Also present were oil companies, town general assistance administrators, churches, libraries, and agencies serving the needs of the community.

In addition to sharing information about supplemental assistance programs, the meeting also addressed alternative strategies for keeping Mid Coast Maine residents warm, including Habitat for Humanity’s Weatherization and Home Repair program.

This work culminates in a town by town reference directory called “The Grid.” “I always have the grid within arm’s length,” said Mechelle Nash, HUD Certified Housing Counselor at CEI.

The grid is used throughout the area by schools, churches, agencies, and town offices, among others. It is available on United Way’s website: uwmcm.org. Also on the website is this year’s annual Winter Holiday Resources Guide, a list of holiday services including meals and toys.

United Way of Mid Coast Maine’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. In partnership with thousands of donors, United Way works to improve education, financial stability, and health for people in Brunswick and Harpswell, Sagadahoc and Lincoln counties.