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General Assistance

The Town of Harrison offers a General Assistance program to support eligible residents who are unable to meet their basic needs. This program is designed to offer confidential, temporary financial aid for essential living expenses such as food, housing, utilities, and medical costs.
General Assistance is considered a program of last resort, meaning that applicants must explore and utilize all other available resources before qualifying for GA. The Town also provides referrals to additional community, county, and state support services.

What Assistance May Cover

Eligible assistance may include support for:

  • Food and personal household supplies

  • Rent, mortgage, or temporary housing

  • Electricity, heating fuel, and other utilities

  • Medical, dental, prescriptions, and medical equipment

  • Burial or cremation costs

Who Administers the Program?

General Assistance Administrator: Kathryne Wilcox
Phone: (207) 583-2241, ext. 311
Email: kwilcox@harrisonmaine.org
Location: Harrison Town Office, 20 Front Street

Office Hours & Appointments

Monday - Friday
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM

All applications are done by appointment only, "walk-in" appointments are not accepted.  All applications are handled in accordance with state and local ordinances, and applicants will receive a written decision within 24 hours of submitting a completed application to the General Assistance Administrator.

Emergency or After-Hours Assistance

In accordance with Maine law (Title 22 MRSA ยงยง 4304–4305), every town is required to have someone available 24 hours a day to accept emergency General Assistance applications.

If you require urgent help when the Town Office is closed:

  • Call Cumberland County Regional Dispatch Center: (207) 893-2810

  • Or call the Cumberland County Communications Center: 1-800-501-1111

Application Process & Required Documents

To apply, you may be asked to provide documentation including, but not limited to:

  • Photo ID (for all adults in the household)

  • Social Security cards

  • Birth certificates (for children)

  • Proof of income (paystubs, TANF, Social Security, unemployment, etc.)

  • Signed lease or rental agreement

  • Utility bills (if requesting utility assistance)

  • Medical documentation (if claiming medical hardship)

  • Recent receipts (repeat applicants)

  • Proof of other assistance programs (EBT card, DHHS or SSA letters)

  • Immigration documents, if applicable

Note: It is important that income is used for basic necessities. If funds are used for non-essential purchases, it may impact eligibility.

Know Your Rights

If your application is denied or not accepted, or if you believe the Town has not followed the correct process, you have the right to file a complaint. You may contact:

Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
Toll-Free: 1-800-442-6003
(Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
If you call after hours, leave a message with your name and phone number, and someone will return your call on the next business day.

Important Resources & Downloads