Community resources in Maine's largest city. Food, shelter, heating, mental health, and more — verified and updated weekly.
Preble Street
Serves hot meals daily, no questions asked. One of the largest meal programs in Maine. Clothing closet, case management, and on-site healthcare also available.
Wayside Food Programs
Fights hunger through community meals at partner sites and mobile food pantries that deliver groceries to underserved neighborhoods across Southern Maine. Volunteer-driven model serving hundreds of free meals weekly.
Good Shepherd Food Bank
Maine's largest hunger-relief organization, distributing food to 600+ partner agencies statewide. Use their online Food Map at gsfb.org to find a pantry near you. Also offers Cooking Matters nutrition education classes.
The Salvation Army
Food pantry providing groceries to Portland-area residents by appointment. Client-choice model lets you select your own food, including fresh proteins and culturally appropriate options. Case management and clothing vouchers also available.
City of Portland
Portland's primary emergency shelter, replacing the former Oxford Street Shelter. 208 beds with on-site health clinic, mental health services, workforce training, and case management. Low-barrier — no ID or sobriety required.
Preble Street
Emergency shelter and permanent supportive housing for women experiencing homelessness. 24-hour staffing, low-barrier access. Call at 1:00 PM to check bed availability — no waiting list.
Avesta Housing
Northern New England's largest nonprofit affordable housing provider with 3,200+ apartments across 100+ properties. Applications accepted for waitlist. Also offers housing counseling and homebuyer education.
The Opportunity Alliance (formerly PROP)
Federal fuel assistance program (HEAP) for Cumberland County. One-time seasonal payment to your heating fuel vendor. Covers oil, gas, electric, propane, kerosene, wood, and coal. Benefit amount based on household size and income.
United Way of Southern Maine
Statewide emergency heating assistance for households that have exhausted other fuel programs like HEAP. Fills the gap when LIHEAP benefits run out. Call 2-1-1 to get connected with help.
Portland Recovery Community Center
Peer-led recovery support center. Drop-in hours, 53+ weekly support groups, recovery coaching, wellness activities, and community events. All pathways to recovery welcome — no judgment, no barriers.
Sweetser
Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic providing outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, crisis stabilization, and peer support for children, adolescents, and adults. Accepts MaineCare and most insurance. Sliding scale for uninsured.
Animal Refuge League
No-kill animal shelter caring for 4,000+ animals annually. Adoption, foster programs, low-cost spay/neuter clinic, vaccination clinics, and pet food bank for families in need. Founded in 1911 by Maine Governor Percival Baxter.
Spurwink Services
Walk-in crisis assessment and stabilization for anyone experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis. No appointment, referral, or insurance required. Open daily — an alternative to the emergency room.
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