Facing eviction or losing housing
What to do first
- Do not ignore court papers. Answer by the date on them and go to your hearing.
- Call 211 or your state's rent help program right away.
- Get free legal help. A lawyer can tell you your rights.
- Talk to your landlord about a payment plan, and get it in writing.
- If you have nowhere to stay tonight, call 211 for shelter.
Talk it through
Tell us more about what happened. We answer first, then show the programs that fit, then ask a few questions to narrow it down.
Help from Maine
Maine programs that fit what happened. Each agency decides who qualifies.
Maine State Housing Authority
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program helps eligible households pay rent in privately owned housing.
Ways to apply:OnlinePaper
Maine State Housing Authority
Homelessness services
MaineHousing funds programs that connect people experiencing homelessness with shelter and housing services.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maine State Housing Authority
Home Energy Assistance Program
HEAP helps eligible renters and homeowners pay heating costs.
Ways to apply:PhoneIn person
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
In Maine, SNAP is called Food Supplement.
Food Supplement helps eligible households buy food using an EBT card.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
TANF gives eligible families with children cash assistance and help with work or training.
Ways to apply:OnlinePhonePaperIn person
Maine Department of Health and Human Services
General Assistance
General Assistance helps people pay for basic needs when they cannot meet those needs themselves.
Ways to apply:In person
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help
These work the same in every state. Each agency decides who qualifies.
LSC.gov
Free legal help
Legal aid offices give free legal help to people with low income. Find the one that serves you with the Legal Services Corporation's search.
HUD.gov
A housing counselor
HUD-approved housing counseling agencies can talk with you about renting, falling behind and keeping your home. Call to find one near you.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
Apply through your local public housing authority. HUD lists every housing authority by state.
Checked on October 9, 2026
Help near you
Find county and state offices near you, or call 211 to talk to someone about help in your area.
Talk to a person
- 211 Maine
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 211 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988