Housing and Energy

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs. The benefit is paid directly to a client’s fuel vendor of choice. Community Concepts serves residents in Androscoggin and Oxford County.

To apply online, click here.

Please call us to schedule an appointment:

207-795-4065 or 207-743-7716

Program income guidelines occasionally change. Please check with us to see if you qualify each year.

You may qualify if you are: a renter, a renter with heat included, a homeowner, a subsidized renter with heat not included, employed or unemployed, or have income earned by wages or other sources.
View the current income guidelines at MaineHousing.org
If you qualify for HEAP, you may qualify for many other programs. Our team will help connect you with these programs.

You will need to provide copies of certain documents to apply.

New this season: verification of citizenship. Please see list of acceptable documents.
Names, dates of birth, and social security numbers for all people living in your household.
Social Security cards for all household members. (If you do not have cards for all members, please still apply as that household member may not be counted.)
Proof of gross household income for the last 28 days; 12 months if you are self-employed. (Household income includes but is not limited to: wages, social security, unemployment, pension, and disability payments).
A recent copy of your CMP bill.
The type of fuel used to heat your home (natural gas, heating oil, kerosene, propane, wood, wood pellets, biobricks, coal, corn, or electricity).
Fuel vendor name and account number if you pay for your heat directly.

Your application will not be processed until all the requested documentation is provided.

Emergency assistance

More help may be available if you have less than a seven (7) day supply of heating fuel. We may also be able to help if you cannot pay your bill and your services may be disconnected. We also may be able to help with past-due utility bills. Our emergency assistance program does not start until after November 1st.

Additional Resources

If you are eligible for HEAP, you also may qualify for other programs that require HEAP eligibility:

If you receive residential electric service from an electric utility and you are not living in government-subsidized housing, you may be eligible for assistance with your electric bills from your electric utility’s Low Income Assistance Plan (LIAP).
If your home is not as energy efficient as it could be, you may qualify for home weatherization improvements through our Weatherization Program.
If your heating system is in need of repair or replacement, you may qualify for the Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP).

If you have less than an 1/8 tank of heating oil or are in danger of having your electricity disconnected because you cannot pay your electric bill, HEAP may be able to help by sending money directly to your oil company or CMP.

To apply, please call us at:

207-795-4065 or 207-743-7716

TTY Relay: Dial 711 to connect to a Maine Relay Operator

The Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF) Program is no longer taking applications. The deadline to apply for the HAF Program was 1/10/2024 by 5:00 pm. The wait list is now open for complete applications.

We are currently looking for eligible households! Send an email to shuard@community-concepts.org or leave a voicemail on the Weatherization Phone Line at (207) 333-6492. (Please see eligibility information below).

The Weatherization Program provides grants to homeowners and renters with low-income to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.

Weatherization improvements may include insulation, weather-stripping, caulking, and safety-related repairs.

You may be eligible to receive Weatherization assistance if:

You live in Androscoggin, Oxford, or Cumberland counties.
Your household is eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Your home is in good structural condition

When you apply for HEAP, you are automatically considered for the Weatherization Program and other assistance too. Please refer to Fuel Assistance to apply for HEAP, Weatherization, and more.

Funding Source: Maine State Housing Authority

Energy Audits check for proper air exchange and quality, and for proper insulation. Customers receive energy saving estimates to determine the best options available. With energy savings, customers can recover the cost of the testing and repairs within a short time. These services are offered to everyone at an affordable fee!

Basic Energy Evaluation includes complete insulation inspection, projected contractor installation costs, & projected yearly energy savings.

Services provided:

Energy Evaluation: Blower door testing to determine a home’s air tightness; infrared camera scan to detect thermal defects and heat loss in a home; heating appliance testing; visual inspection from attic to basement
Written reports: Prioritized list of energy improvements for your home
Financing: A variety of options depending on the findings of the evaluation
Project verification: Supervision and inspection of work performed

**UPDATE As of 5/4/2025, the CHIP program is currently unfunded. If you wish to be placed on our waiting list, please call (207) 333-6492 or email shuard@community-concepts.org **

The Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) provides grants to clean, repair or replace central heating systems that serve households with low-income.

CHIP funds may be used only to repair or replace dangerous, malfunctioning or inoperable heating systems that pose a threat to health and safety.
Clients must be eligible for LIHEAP.
CHIP benefits of up to $400 may be available for rental properties occupied by LIHEAP-eligible tenants.

Funding Source: Maine State Housing Authority

Serves Oxford & Androscoggin Counties

Community Concepts performs lead clearance testing for many Housing Authorities and individual landlords throughout the state. Radon and asbestos testing are recommended for indoor air quality. Asbestos and lead testing should be performed before remodeling an older structure as particles become airborne during home rehabilitation.

Lead testing services include:

Testing of painted surfaces for presence of lead paint
Detailed report identifying hazards
Helping you find a licensed contractor
Coordinating services with contractors
Providing affordable and free abatement based on income

Funding Source: Maine State Housing Authority through HUD funded grant

ServingAndroscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc & York Counties, and the following municipalities in Kennebec County: Augusta, Chelsea, Farmingdale, Fayette, Gardiner, Hallowell, Litchfield, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner, Windsor and Winthrop.

Community Concepts administers a 0% deferred forgivable loan for the Maine State Housing Authority for the abatement of lead paint hazards. Deferred Forgivable Loans can be used for both single-family homes and apartment buildings.
Single family homes and apartment buildings must have been built prior to 1978.

Requirements for single-family homes:

Must have a child under 6 residing in the home
May receive up to $16,000 for lead abatement

Requirements for apartment buildings:

Each unit must be at least 2 bedrooms
Eligibility is based on tenant income only
Landlords may receive up to $10,000 per unit with a maximum of ten units

CCI can service anyone interested in lead paint services regardless of income. If the client is over the income guidelines for our deferred forgivable loan program, we will perform services for a fee or refer to appropriate programs.

CCI offers a variety of services and financial support for home repair and improvement projects.

Requirements:

Must own property and occupy the residence
Must be 80% or less of median income
Liquid assets cannot exceed $5,000 or $50,000 if a household member is 62 or older
Must be up to date on mortgage and property taxes with no tax liens
Customers cannot qualify if they’ve had a previous MSHA Home Repair loan or grant

Elderly Hardship Grants

Serves Cumberland, Oxford & Androscoggin Counties

Must be 62 or older
Must own their property and occupy the residence
Must be 80% or less of median income.
Liquid assets cannot exceed $50,000.
If customer had prior MSHA Home Repair loan or grant they do not qualify for this program.
Must be up to date on mortgage and property taxes, no tax liens.

If you are interested in this program, please contact us at:

207-795-4065 or 207-743-7716

TTY Relay: Dial 711 to connect to a Maine Relay Operator

Learn more and sign up for services at Community Concepts Finance Corporation.

Community Concepts Finance Corporation (CCFC) is here to help Oxford County residents and businesses get connected to high speed internet service, obtain free devices for those who cannot afford to buy a new one, and educate and promote digital literacy, online safety, and fraud and scam prevention best practices.

If you have any questions about the following programs, please contact Mia Purcell, VP of Economic Development and Impact by emailing mpurcell@community-concepts.org

Fraud & Scam Screening

The AARP Fraud Watch Network has a Scam-Tracking Map available to check on and to report scams and fraud.

VASAFE.gov is a new website and call center to protect veterans, service members and their families from fraud and scams. You can also call 833-388-7233 for more information.

The Maine Attorney General’s Office also has a page listing helpful fraud prevention tips and scam tactics to watch out for online.

The Federal Trade Commission has tips and advice on online privacy and security, ranging from how to safely dispose of a computer and purge its contents, to mobile payments, malware and more.

And StopThinkConnect.org has a multilingual checklist for online internet safety and security.

Need free public Computer, Internet or WiFi Access?

If you are in Oxford County and need access to internet or computers, this spreadsheet can guide you to resources.

Low-Cost Computers

GiveIT.GetIT has low-cost laptops and other devices for those who qualify. Click here to apply. CCFC also has a limited supply of tablets and laptops that can be provided to those who cannot afford one and who qualify for the program. Please contact Julie at 207-743-1520 extension 2094 for a laptop from CCFC.

Lifeline: Discounted Internet, Phone

Though the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is no longer available, those seeking cost savings on Internet access and/or phone bills can apply for Lifeline, which could save you up to $120 a year. You may qualify if you participate in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and/or have an income at 135% of the federal poverty level. For help signing up for Lifeline, call Julie at 207-743-1520 extension 2094.

Assistive Technology

For anyone seeking devices or support technology to enable independent living for those with a disability, Maine CITE has resources available. The Iris Network has resources available for those with vision impairment or blindness.

Internet + Computer Education Resources

There are also free online resources and classes to help guide you, from Email and Social Media Business basics to WordPress and other applications and programs. Visit The National Digital Equity Center to see some of the offerings. For anyone in Oxford County, there are specific in-person classes scheduled here.