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.

Please call us at: 1-800-866-5588

The Weatherization Program provides grants to low-income homeowners and renters 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:

• Your household is eligible for the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Your home is in good structural condition
• Clients will automatically be placed on the Weatherization waiting list at time of LIHEAP application approval

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

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

• 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

Serves Androscoggin, Cumberland, Franklin, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc & York Counties.

• 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 call us at 1-800-866-5588.

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

Are you looking for an apartment to rent? Community Concepts owns several buildings across Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin Counties offering mixed-income housing options. All rentals are managed by our partner, Avesta Housing.

Click here to find an apartment and start the application process.