Community Outreach & Programs

Connecting our community with essential resources and support services

Select a section:

Crisis & Information Resources

Immediate assistance and general information services.

2-1-1 Maine

General Info

Connects residents to over 5,800 health and human services. Access by dialing 2-1-1 or visiting their website.

Call 2-1-1 Visit Website

Downeast Community Partners

Community Action

Improves quality of life in Washington and Hancock counties through business assistance, financial services, transportation, housing help, and support for veterans and the elderly.

(207) 664-2424 Visit Website

Food Security Resources

Local pantries and food assistance programs.

Bar Harbor Food Pantry

Open to all year-round Hancock County residents. Offers bakery items, produce, meat, dairy, eggs, bulk foods, household items, and canned/boxed goods.

(207) 288-3375 Visit Website

Bar Harbor Backpack Program

Provides weekend nutrition to students in need. Families should contact their school nurse for information.

Contact School Nurse

More Info

Westside Food Pantry

Addresses food insecurity on MDI's west side during winter months when summer employment income is reduced.

Visit Website

Share the Harvest

Connects low-income residents with local food through farmstand vouchers and subsidized farm shares.

Email Visit Website

Housing Resources

Shelters, affordable housing, and assistance programs.

MDI & Ellsworth Housing Authorities

Provides housing assistance to individuals and families facing income challenges.

(207) 288-4770 Visit Website

Island Housing Trust

Creates affordable, permanent workforce housing on Mount Desert Island.

(207) 244-8011 Visit Website

Emmaus Shelter

Temporary shelter for homeless individuals and families working toward ending their homelessness.

(207) 667-3962 Visit Website

H.O.M.E.

Operates six shelters throughout Hancock County with integrated learning programs.

Visit Website

Families First Community Center

Medium-term housing program helping residents achieve independent living.

(207) 460-3711 Visit Website

Hancock County Habitat for Humanity

Provides homeownership opportunities based on need, willingness to partner, and ability to pay.

Visit Website

Financial Aid Resources

Assistance with fuel, utilities, and essential services.

Town of Bar Harbor General Assistance

Temporary help with fuel, utilities, food, housing, and essential services.

(207) 288-5096 Visit Website

Town of Mount Desert General Assistance

Temporary help with fuel, utilities, food, housing, and essential services.

Apply by Appointment

Visit Website

Cranberry Isles General Assistance

Temporary help with fuel, utilities, food, housing, and essential services.

(207) 244-4475 Visit Website

Southwest Harbor General Assistance

Temporary help with fuel, utilities, food, housing, and essential services.

Visit Website

MDI Community Campfire Coalition

Heating assistance for families on Mount Desert Island, Swan's Island, and Cranberry Isles.

Visit Website

Emergency Financial Assistance Program

Critical needs assistance as funds allow.

Visit Website

Downeast Community Partners Heating Assistance

One-time emergency heating assistance per program year.

Visit Website

Mental Health Resources

Counseling, support, and behavioral health services.

Acadia Family Center

Outpatient counseling for substance abuse and related mental health issues, including prevention and education programs.

(207) 244-4012 Contact for updated website

MDI Behavioral Health Center

Comprehensive mental health services including counseling, crisis management, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management.

(207) 288-8604 Visit Website

Downeast Horizons

Individualized support programs focusing on community inclusion, personal development, and daily living skills.

(207) 667-2400 Visit Website

Senior Services

Support, transportation, and assisted living resources.

Island Connections

Volunteer transportation for medical appointments, shopping, errands, and social visits.

(207) 288-4457 Visit Website

Safe Harbor Through MDI Hospital

Alzheimer's disease assisted living facility.

Visit Website

The Parish House

Residential assisted living with 24-hour support staff for daily living assistance.

27 Kennebec Street, Bar Harbor

Legal & Education Resources

Legal assistance and educational programs.

Pine Tree Legal

Non-criminal legal assistance for housing, benefits, domestic violence, tax issues, foreclosure, healthcare access, education, and consumer problems.

Visit Website

MDI Adult and Community Education

High school completion, HiSET testing, college preparation, workforce training, and English language acquisition.

(207) 288-4703 Visit Website

Need Assistance?

If you need help finding the right resource or have questions about any of the services listed above, our Community Outreach team is here to help.