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COMMUNITY MEMBERS ENCOURAGED TO APPLY EARLY FOR HEATING ASSISTANCE

As summer fades and the crisp days of fall arrive, many Mainers are already turning their attention to the upcoming heating season. For households feeling the strain of rising fuel and household costs, now is the time to apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, which can help eligible families offset home heating costs during the winter months.

Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties is encouraging residents to apply as early as possible. The fastest and most convenient way to complete the application process is online, where applications can be submitted at any time, day or night.

Those who prefer a phone or in-person appointment can contact Community Action at (207) 768-3053 to schedule. However, applicants are encouraged to call as soon as possible because appointment schedules are already booked several weeks in advance.

“We are very aware of the challenges many individuals and families are facing as the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise,” said Jason Parent, CEO of Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties. “HEAP is available to help ease some of that burden by assisting eligible households with heating costs. We encourage anyone who may qualify to apply as soon as possible and take advantage of this valuable resource.”

With colder weather just around the corner, Community Action urges residents not to wait to begin the application process.

This month's Community in Action Feature Interview program is all about Home Energy Assistance. Chief Program Officer Heidi Rackliffe and Energy Program Manager Brittany Warner join CEO Jason Parent to talk about the Home Energy Assistance Program 2026-2027 guidelines and application process.

To watch the program, click on the image above.

MEET OUR PREVENTION TEAM MEMBERS

Alison Gooding has served for nearly 13 years as a prevention team community educator for Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock counties. Based in the Houlton Customer Service Center since November 2013, Gooding partners closely with schools and communities of southern and central Aroostook County.

Both her degrees in secondary education and English literature, and her years of experience in teaching youth and adults, provide a strong foundation for her work as a community educator. Gooding has worked to promote childhood healthy weight, improve nutrition, prevent substance use, and problem gambling. For the past two years, Gooding has focused on using evidence-based approaches to educate people on the rapidly changing forms and risks of using commercial tobacco and nicotine products.

Engagement with youth in local middle and high schools is especially rewarding. “Nurturing healthy relationships really increases students’ confidence that their voices matter. When they learn strategies to not start smoking or vaping, that makes a difference. And when they get the tools to help themselves or others to quit, that helps the whole family,” Gooding stated.

COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

With Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties having expanded to cover a three-county region, our Governance Board has increased from a 21-member board to a 30-member board with representation from all three counties and a unique understanding of each county's needs. The Board Member Spotlight offers an opportunity to introduce each board member and highlight the strengths and experience they bring to our agency.

Board Member Danny MacDonald’s career has been centered on education, leadership and workforce development. Dan recently retired after several years with Eastern Aroostook Adult and Community Education in RSU 39 spanning middle school, secondary and post-secondary education, including both teaching and administrative roles. In addition to his work in education, MacDonald has been an entrepreneur and brings a broad perspective on workforce and community needs. He holds a master’s degree in education and has completed graduate work in government studies.

MacDonald is actively involved in numerous organizations throughout northern Maine. In addition to his serving on the Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties Board of Directors, he is a board member, policy committee member and youth committee member with the Northeast Workforce Development Board. He also serves as a board member for Atlantic Salmon for Northern Maine Inc. and is a member of the Caribou Regional Technology Center Advisory Committee.

When he is not focused on education and community service, MacDonald enjoys outdoor sports, such as camping, fishing and hunting. He also enjoys working with wood and metal.

WE'RE TALKING ABOUT EARLY CARE AND EDUCATION ON OUR

WEEKLY RADIO SEGMENT

EFFICIENCY MAINE OFFERING A NEW, LIMITED-TIME OPPORTUNITY FOR HOMEOWNERS LIVING IN SINGLE-WIDE MOBILE HOMES

Efficiency Maine is offering a new, limited-time opportunity that can help homeowners living in single-wide mobile homes reduce their energy costs by installing a new ducted heat pump system for just $1,000.

This offer is available through December 31, 2026, to homeowners who meet the following eligibility requirements:

• The homeowner or a member of the household receives MaineCare, HEAP, SNAP, or TANF, or qualifies based on the household's Adjusted Gross Income (AGI).
• The mobile home is the homeowner's primary, year-round residence.
• The mobile home is not heated by natural gas or baseboard heat.
• The homeowner agrees to have their existing heating system removed at no additional cost.
• The homeowner, or a trusted representative, has access to an email address.
• The home passes an initial no-cost assessment conducted by Efficiency Maine. Homes may not qualify if there are issues such as damaged underbelly insulation, excess heat loss or disconnected ductwork.

To make participation even more affordable, Efficiency Maine also offers a financing option of $25 per month for 50 months.

More information is available on the Efficiency Maine Mobile Home Initiative webpage.

Spotlight positions available:

• Coach, Hancock County
• Health Assistant (part-time/full-time), Friendship Cottage, Blue Hill
• Teacher Associate, Early Care and Education, Easton
• Various Early Care and Education positions available in all three counties

See the full list of current openings on our website.

SNAPSHOT OF THE WEEK

Last week, Community Action in Aroostook, Washington and Hancock Counties CEO Jason Parent attended and presented at the National Community Action Partnership Annual Convention in St. Louis. Photo courtesy of NCAP.

In addition to Parent, Chief Program Officer Heidi Rackliffe, Director of Finance Becca Merry and Financial Analyst Josh McAtee also attended and presented.

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