Town of Gouldsboro, Maine

General Assistance

General Assistance State Program

The Town of Gouldsboro administers a last resort emergency General Assistance State Program that helps people in need, who have exhausted resources from community and state agencies. Assistance is provided for basic necessities and is not intended for continual aid. The Town of Gouldsboro General Assistance is available to Town of Gouldsboro residents only. The process to apply for General Assistance can be a timely process. This notice is posted in pursuant to Title 22 M.R.S.A Section 4304-4305.

Questions regarding the General Assistance State Program can be directed to the Department of Health and Human Services phone line at 1 (800) 442-6003.

  • Local General Assistance Administrator / Overseer of the Poor: Town Clerk Brianna L. Mitchell
  • Phone: (207) 963-5589
  • Location: 59 Main Street, Prospect Harbor, ME 04669
  • Days: Monday through Friday during regular business hours
  • After Hours / Emergency Contact: Hancock County Sheriff’s Office - Dispatch (207) 667-8866

If you would like to make an appointment with the Administrator, please email bmitchell@gouldsborotown.com.

Once an application has been submitted, the Administrator must issue a written decision within 24 hours of receiving the application.

The Town of Gouldsboro thanks the individuals, organizations and volunteers from our community who donate a helping hand to assist those in need during hard times and winter season. Your assistance and kindness goes a long way and is greatly appreciated.

General Assistance Notice

The Town of Gouldsboro has a General Assistance Program for people in need.

If this is an Emergency and the office is closed contact:  The Hancock County Dispatchers at (207) 667-8866. Your message will be relayed to the General Assistance Administrator and you will be contacted as soon as possible.

This notice is posted pursuant to Title 22 MRSA section 4304-4305.

What would cause you to be ineligible or disqualified for General Assistance?

This program encourages all applicants to strive for independence. You may be found ineligible for assistance if you:

  • misspend your money on non-essential items (if you question what is essential vs. nonessential please contact us),
  • forfeiting a benefit (GA cannot replace lost benefits)
  • if you quit or are fired from a job (this will result in a 120-day disqualification period),
  • if you make a false representation about anything relating to your application (this will result in a 120-day disqualification period and could result in repayment of any assistance received),
  • or if you fail to provide or permit the General Assistance office to gather necessary verification and documentation as deemed necessary by the administrator, among others.

What to Bring With You When You Apply?

  • Photo Identification (for all adults in household)
  • Social Security Card (for entire household)
  • Birth Certificates (for all children in household)
  • Passport/Visa (if not U.S citizen)
  • Signed lease/rental agreement
  • Bank Statements for the current past 30 days
  • Proof of all household income (paystubs, TANF, SSA award letters, child support, unemployment, etc.)
  • Medical Documentation (if experiencing hardship from medical reasons)
  • Utility Bills (if seeking help for utilities)
  • Work-related expenses
  • Receipts for the past 30 days (only applicable to repeat applicants)
  • Correspondence from Social Security
  • Correspondence from Department of Health & Human Services
  • EBT Card (if applicable)
  • Immigration paperwork
  • 1-589 receipt (if applying for asylum)

The Importance of Utilizing Resources

It is important that an applicant use their income for basic necessities. If an applicant chooses to spend their income on non-basic necessities, they may not be eligible for General Assistance. Applicants must apply for and exhaust all other resources available before applying for General Assistance:

State Agencies

Downeast Community Partners

  • Phone: (207) 664-2424
  • Address: 18 Avery Lane, Ellsworth, ME 04605
  • Website

Emmaus Homeless Shelter

  • Phone: (207) 667-3962
  • Address: 51 Main Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
  • Website

Families First Community Center

  • Phone: (207) 412-2045
  • Address: 41 North Street, Ellsworth, ME 04605
  • Website

Healthy Acadia - INSPIRE Center

  • Phone: (207) 667-7171
  • Address: 77 Beechland Road, Ellsworth, ME 04605
  • Website

Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry

  • Phone: (207) 667-4363
  • Address: 137 Route One, Ellsworth, ME 04605
  • Website

Schoodic Food Pantry

  • Phone: (207) 650-9164
  • Address: 829 Route One, Gouldsboro, ME 04607
  • Facebook Page

Workfare Program

The Workfare Program is a means for able bodied persons to work in exchange for the assistance that they receive, and to acquire the skills necessary to obtain and maintain permanent employment. The workfare program also consists of training and educational mandates that assist clients in securing employment.

Maine Career Center – Information on employment and training

  • Phone: (207) 645-7981

Maine Department of Health and Human Services – Information on various programs including TANF, Food Supplement, and Maine Care

  • (207) 743-8798

Pine Tree Legal Assistance – Information on evictions and tenant rights

  • Phone: 207-784-155
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