Hope House (a program of the nonprofit Hope Acts) provides transitional housing for 13 asylum seekers, and also serves a continuous flow of asylum seekers and immigrants who pass through Hope House’s doors each week in search of services to help navigate life in Maine. Staff members and trained volunteers work to provide resources for people who are both housed and unhoused. Services include helping people understand documents and mail, housing assistance, work program application assistance, assistance making appointments and filling out forms, and other non-legal assistance. The English Language program has grown significantly, and Hope House English conversation groups are meeting in person again this summer for the first time since the pandemic began. In partnership with Maine Immigrant Rights Coalition (MIRC) and other immigrant support groups, Hope Acts is ensuring that asylum seekers are able to get to Boston for court hearings. Hope Acts is always looking for volunteers who might be able to support an individual as they get used to life in Maine – especially those who speak some French, Lingala, or Portuguese. Outreach from landlords who own rental properties and are interested in renting to a New Mainer would be most welcome
