Volunteering Resources
Article: “Moose Lodge Launches Volunteer Pool to Support City of Ellsworth and Community Needs”
Published 1/2026: “The City of Ellsworth is pleased to share a new community-focused initiative led by Bill Nelson and Anthony Wyman of the Ellsworth Moose Lodge #2698, aimed at strengthening volunteer support across the city.
“Bill Nelson and Anthony Wyman are organizing a Volunteer Pool that will serve as a ready list of community members willing to lend a hand when help is needed. When the City of Ellsworth or other organizations are seeking volunteers for projects or events, they can reach out to Bill or Tony to connect with individuals who are eager to help…”
Career Resources
Article: “Employment Services for People Experiencing Homelessness”
Updated September 9, 2025: “While one in five individuals experiencing homelessness are employed, there are barriers to employment for this population. Learn about employment services that can support homeless employment…”
Article: “Career Guide for People with Disabilities”
Last Updated 12/17/2025: “As a person with a disability, you may hesitate to look for work. You can be unsure whether or not to make a disability known when applying for employment. In today’s job market, however, that shouldn’t be an issue. A disability doesn’t prevent you from having the job of your dreams. The job market accommodates people with a wide range of qualifications, passions, talents, and abilities. Opportunities can be found in…”
Article: “Career Paths & Options for the Visually Impaired (Low Vision & Blind)”
Updated December 9, 2024: “While you have countless career options as someone who is visually impaired, you need particular resources and accommodations to succeed in the workplace. Numerous organizations make it easy for you to access the various resources that can help you understand your rights and detail reasonable accommodations the employer should avail to you to help you deliver accordingly. Even so, you need to prepare to maximize your productivity in whatever role you take… “
Article: “15 Part-Time Jobs for Retirees (No Degree Required!)”
Updated May 26, 2025: “When they need extra income, many retirees often look for a part-time job. But even for those positions, college-degree requirements sometimes can be an obstacle that prevents older workers from getting hired….The following jobs, listed alphabetically, are positions that tend to offer part-time work without requiring a degree. Average wage data is from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), except where noted.”
Non-Profit: Eastern Maine Development Corporation: Workforce
The Eastern Maine Development Corporation, a private nonprofit organization since 1994, works with employers and education partners to create training tailored to Maine’s growing industries.
“If you’re looking to get back into the workplace, further your education, or change career paths, we can help you find meaningful employment at no cost to you. Invest in your business and employees by working with EMDC to hire, train, and retain a skilled workforce.”
Housing Resources
The housing crisis has hit Maine hard, especially in rural communities, and has left many people struggling to find affordable housing. Homesharing is one way to address Maine’s severe shortage of affordable housing while also benefiting older residents looking to remain in their homes. In 2023, state lawmakers tasked MaineHousing with creating and testing out an effective, accessible way for homeowners with a room to rent to match with potential tenants.
Nesterly is an on-line platform, third party organization that brings people together who want to share their homes with those seeking affordable housing who may also lend a helping hand in exchange for partial rent. It uses technology to make it safe and convenient for households to rent a spare room to a renter interested in lower cost, longer term living options. The Nesterly platform manages listings, helps screen homeowners and renters, and provides a way to collect rent that removes that responsibility from the homeowner.
Article: “Assisted Living in Maine”
This informational website AssistedLiving.Org is owned and operated by Caring.com, one of the largest for-profit senior care referral networks in the United States (read more about Caring.com here). The website presents data-driven research and insight into senior care for each state. Their Maine-specific assisted living article here explores available data on assisted living in Maine communities, costs by location, and available payment options in Maine.
“We have gathered data on over 20,000 assisted living facilities across America and 80 in the state of Maine. Our research indicates that the average cost of assisted living in Maine surpasses average costs for the rest of the country by nearly $1,000 per month. However, for residents who are Medicaid-eligible, room and board costs may be significantly lower than the national median.”
Non-Profits: Local Emergency Housing
- Emmaus Center, 51 Main Street Ellsworth, 207-667-3962. Visit their website
- H.O.M.E. Inc., Orland, ME, 207-469-7961. Visit their website
Article: “Maine Landlord Tenant Rights“
The informational publisher iPropertyManagement.com is a national, independent, for-profit educational resource for information on property management and tenant-landlord law.
“Maine law gives landlords and tenants responsibilities and rights whenever a written or oral rental agreement exists, or if payment is accepted as rent. Maine Statutes Title 14 Chapter 709 details the specifics, such as the right to timely rent payments and a livable dwelling.”
Food Security Resources
Resource List: Healthy Acadia’s January 2025 “Food Resource Guide: Hancock & Washington Counties”
Healthy Acadia is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community health in Hancock and Washington counties.
Their January 2025 guide to food pantries, community meals, state & federal resources and other information is available in pdf format here: English | Spanish
Free Community Meals in Ellsworth
1. Everybody Eats, St Dunstan’s Episcopal Church 134 State St. Ellsworth, Mondays 3:00-6pm
2. Welcome Table, First Congregational Church, 2 Church St. Ellsworth, 207-667-8321, Wednesdays 2:30-4 pm Must call before 2 PM to reserve a meal.
Local Ellsworth Food Pantries
- Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry, 137 Downeast Highway Ellsworth, (207)667-4363, website
- Pantry boxes available for delivery or pickup. Call for appointment.
- Emmaus Center Food Pantry, 52 Main Street Ellsworth, 207-667-3962, website
- Monday-Friday, Hours 10 AM-2 PM Please call the shelter the day before to sign up.
- Also offering food items from Shaw’s and Hannaford’s, Tuesday and Thursday, Hours 8:30 AM -10 AM
Clothing & Transportation Resources
Clothing
1. Emmaus Center 51 Main St. Ellsworth 207-667-3962 Monday, Wednesday, Friday 10 AM-2 PM, website
2. Community Closet, 330 Water Street, Ellsworth ME, (207)-460-0219, website
Transportation
Downeast Community Partners 207-664-2424 free rides by appointment, website
MidCoast Public Transit
Midcoast Public Service now has a base in Ellsworth. They serve all of Washington and Hancock Counties with 2 different types of service (routes will be extended in the future):
- DASH (downtown area shuttle) offers in-town service in Bucksport, Calais, and Ellsworth
- Their demand response service operates more like a taxi service and rides can be scheduled anywhere throughout the Washington and Hancock counties dependent on availability (call 207-664-0012).
Current Services are available between 7:30 AM and 4 PM, Monday through Friday.
Everyone and anyone regardless of age or income is eligible. This is public transportation just like metro buses in cities but designed for rural communities.
View MidCoast Public Transit’s informational PDFs here and here.
Education Resources
Article: “Veterans Guide to Vocational Schools and Apprenticeship Programs”
This article publisher, Early Childhood Education Degree, is an informational website on early childhood educator careers, created and maintained by informational publisher Sechel Ventures.
Updated March 2025: “If you’re a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, you may have access to educational benefits through the GI Bill and similar programs. In addition to helping veterans attend traditional four-year colleges, these benefits can also be applied to vocational schools and…”
Article: “Educational Resources for Individuals Working with Blind & Visually Impaired Children”
Updated September 2023: Early Childhood Education Degrees, “Whether you are a dedicated parent, a passionate educator, a concerned healthcare professional, or an advocate for inclusive education, this comprehensive guide aims to illuminate the pathways that lead to a brighter future for these remarkable young individuals. Join us as we uncover a multitude of resources, techniques, and organizations that stand ready to empower blind children and ensure they thrive in their early childhood experiences.”
Information: Substance Use Prevention Education (SUPE)
SUPE is the evidence-based drug abuse prevention informational website sponsored by Drug Rehab Services, a family-owned business that assists families in finding the best drug rehab centers for their families’ specific rehabilitation needs. Their model tracks the latest research on effective prevention and rehabilitation. SUPE offers a host of free articles, video content, and grade-school training programs.