Maine Emergency Heating program delayed due to government shutdown<\/b><\/p>\n
Maine Housing\u2019s Emergency heating assistance program will not begin November 1 as planned, potentially leaving tens of thousands of Mainers without heating as winter approaches, according to WABI news.<\/span><\/p>\n The Energy Crisis Intervention Program, HEAP\u2019s emergency counterpart, was supposed to get $38 million to distribute this winter. <\/span><\/p>\n Those funds are frozen due to the government shutdown.<\/span><\/p>\n The delay affects seniors and families with young children.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The program typically serves around 7,000 households each year, providing up to $500 in emergency heating aid.<\/span><\/p>\n Community action agencies will continue to process HEAP applications but cannot issue payments until funding is secured.<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.wabi.tv\/2025\/10\/30\/maine-emergency-heating-assistance-program-delayed-due-government-shutdown\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n City of Ellsworth partners with local pantry to support residents affected by SNAP EBT pause<\/b><\/p>\n The City of Ellsworth announced a partnership with Loaves and Fishes Food pantry to collect donations through November to support people affected by the pause in SNAP benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n Community members are encouraged to donate non-perishable food items or contribute financially to help their neighbors during a difficult time.<\/span><\/p>\n Donation Drop-Off Locations<\/span><\/p>\n Perishable donations\u2014including produce, frozen meats (especially turkeys for Thanksgiving), cheeses, and bread\u2014should be brought directly to the Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.<\/span>Cash & Gift Card Donations<\/span><\/p>\n Accepted at Ellsworth City Hall and the Ellsworth Public Library.<\/span> Donations and volunteer information are available at: <\/span>https:\/\/loavesandfishesellsworth.org\/<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Service Hours \u2013 Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry<\/span><\/p>\n Everybody Eats, a free community meal, is also served on Mondays from 1 to 3 pm at St. Dunstan\u2019s Church, 134 State St, Ellsworth.<\/span><\/p>\n Blue Hill will hold special town meeting on election day<\/b><\/p>\n The Ellsworth American reports Blue Hill residents will have a special town meeting at 7:30 AM at the Town Hall on Election day.<\/span><\/p>\n Residents will be asked two warrant questions.<\/span><\/p>\n The paper says in addition to the referendums about the dam vote and allowing recreational marijuana establishments, residents will answer questions around a fire truck ordered in 2023, a public works truck and property tax abatements.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n https:\/\/www.ellsworthamerican.com\/news\/blue-hill-to-hold-special-town-meeting-on-election-day\/article_ecd21cb1-862e-4f7c-961d-ebebc8239386.html<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n Family Futures Downeast receive prestigious award<\/b><\/p>\n The Sunrise County Economic council announced <\/span>Family Futures Downeast<\/span><\/a> has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Family USeal award by Generation Hope.<\/span><\/p>\n The three-year certification honors higher education institutions and nonprofits who ensure students, parents and their families are served.<\/span><\/p>\n The commitment in empowering Washington County parents and families has helped achieve economic stability and educational success.<\/span><\/p>\n Halloween Tips for the pets<\/b><\/p>\n Star 97.7 spoke with the co-medical director of <\/span>Eastern Maine Emergency Veterinary Clinic<\/span><\/a> out of Holden and she says on this spooky Halloween, make sure your pets are secured during trick or treat hours.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0Post Halloween Tips:<\/b><\/p>\n Check the yard and drive way for dropped objects before letting dogs out.<\/span><\/p>\n Monitor your pumpkin health, moldy pumpkin ingestion can lead to GI upset but in some cases a tremor inducing toxin can be present and require hospitalization.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/span>Most Needed Food Items (Must be unopened and not expired)<\/span><\/p>\n\n
\n<\/span>Checks may also be mailed to:<\/span>
\n<\/span>Loaves & Fishes<\/span>
\n<\/span>PO Box 1672<\/span>
\n<\/span>Ellsworth, ME 04605<\/span><\/p>\n\n
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