Essential Services
Improving access to basic needs services
Freeport Community Services’ offers assistance with basic needs such as food and heating as well as help with emergencies. All residents of Freeport and Pownal are eligible for FCS services. While services are open to any resident, many are designed to support the most vulnerable in our community; we serve residents of every age and every income. FCS is an extremely low-barrier agency – most of our programs require only proof of residency.
For more information about our essential services, please contact:
Amy Liechty, Director of Programs:
(207) 865-3985 x205 | aliechty@fcsmaine.org
Home Heating Assistance
Freeport Community Services’ Carol Kaplan Fuel Fund provides emergency fuel assistance in the form of wood, wood pellets, K-1 propane, or #2 heating oil to those in need in Freeport and Pownal.
There is great concern for how some households will heat their homes during the winter. With fuel costs remaining high, as of the 2022-2023 heating season, FCS assessed how much funding would be necessary to help the same number of community members as we did last season. If the cost of fuel and need for assistance remain relative, FCS would need at least $44,000 to make sure families are not going cold this winter. Freeport Community Services holds and annual fundraising event, Freeze Out, to raise awareness of heating insecurity in our communities as well as funds for heating assistance.
If you are struggling to pay for your heating needs, please contact us. Call (207) 865-3985 ext. 205, or email aliechty@fcsmaine.org with your request.
FCS works closely with the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). On open appointment days, scheduled at the Freeport Community Center, an Opportunity Alliance representative is available to accept HEAP applications. Freeport and Pownal residents can apply directly for HEAP benefits by contacting Opportunity Alliance at (207) 553-5900 or (207) 553-5800 or by email at heatingassistance@opportunityalliance.org.
30
Emergency Assistance Provided
79
Medical Equipment Loaned
302
Rides Provided
45
Homes Heated
Transportation
The FCS Transportation Program provides rides for Freeport and Pownal residents to medical and counseling appointments, as well as quality-of-life errands such as grocery shopping, hair appointments, trips to the library, etc. Rides are available to those who are temporarily or permanently unable to drive, have no vehicle, and have no other means of transportation. The service is free of charge to all riders.
- Volunteer drivers are available Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm.
- 3 business days notice is required for all ride requests.
- All new riders must complete a Rider Application.
This service is made possible through the generosity of our volunteer drivers. Volunteers donate their time, vehicle and fuel to provide this service. The transportation program would not exist without them!
Contact: Marie O’Donnell, Age Friendly Freeport & Pownal Coordinator, (207) 865-3985 x222 or modonnell@fcsmaine.org
Medical Equipment
Often, unexpected circumstances require temporary use of medical equipment. Through many donations, we acquire a variety of medical equipment items that are of use to others. Free equipment loans of a variety of medical equipment are available for residents of Freeport and Pownal. Our closet contains crutches, wheelchairs, walkers, shower benches, raised toilet seats, braces, etc. Additionally, when we have an overabundance of items, we pass them along to Partners for World Health for others to use. Please call or email to find out what is available or what items we accept if you wish to donate
Eric and his wife are so nice to me. They give me rides whenever I need a ride to a doctor’s appointment.They are just so wonderful! I don’t know what I would do without them.
– Past transportation recipient
Have Questions?
We’d love to hear from you!
Please contact us for more information.