Many new things are happening at Hope Acts and we are pleased to welcome several new faces to our staff. 

Staffing Updates: Hope Acts welcomes Mathurin Ngoy as a Program Assistant for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Program. Mathurin assists clients at the Asylum Application Resource Center (AARC) and with our housing program. We extend best wishes and happy retirement to our wonderful Program Director, Julie Harrison. We are delighted to welcome Alice Kabore as our new Program Director for the Asylum Seeker Assistance Program and Hope House. 

Alice Kabore

Program Updates: Please check our website hopeacts.org for the latest information on how to make appointments for our various programs

  Asylum Application Resource Center (AARC) is now by appointment only. AARC provides interpreters, resources, and general support for asylum seekers who are filing their asylum applications without an attorney. This is not a legal program. Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Portland Public Library, 5 Monument Square. 

  Work Permit Clinic: Effective March 2023, the clinic is also at the Portland Public Library on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., by appointment only. We are pleased to report a new partnership with the Maine Department of Labor. A career consultant joins our staff at the library on Tuesdays, so anyone interested in obtaining career assistance is welcome to access this service. 

  Asylum Seeker Assistance Program/Basic Needs Support: Any asylum seeker needing assistance completing various forms, understanding paperwork, etc., is welcome to come to Hope House, 14 Sherman St., Portland. Appointments are encouraged. Services are provided on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays at Hope House from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

  Housing Intakes: While we are only able to assist a small number of applicants, individual asylum seekers and families may come to Hope House between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Tuesdays and Fridays. We offer limited housing at Hope House and through our partnership with the Quality Housing Coalition/Project Home. 

  Hope House English Language Program (HHELP): Our English classes remain online (WhatsApp and Zoom). Registration is on a rolling basis, so students can join at any time. Regist on our website hopeacts.org/english-language-program-hhelp/  

  For more information, contact Martha Stein, [email protected], (207) 217-4456.