Community Action in Aroostook, Washington, and Hancock Counties (CAAWHC) is launching a Mobile Service Unit (MSU) tour across Downeast Maine throughout the remainder of May, specifically designed to reach households who have not yet applied for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) this season. HEAP helps qualified homeowners and renters pay for heating costs, with benefits including assistance with fuel costs, emergency fuel delivery and, for those who qualify, energy-related repairs and utility payments. Applying for HEAP now also helps ensure households are better positioned for when the next heating season begins this fall.
With the HEAP program year ending on May 29, the MSU will bring application support directly to rural communities to ensure residents have every opportunity to receive assistance before the deadline. The MSU will also help connect community members with other vital programs and services.
The MSU will visit the following Downeast communities from 10 am to 2 pm on these dates:
May 14 & 15 Danforth Town Office -18 Central St.
May 18 Topsfield Town Office - 48 North Rd.
May 19 Princeton Town Office - 15 Depot St.
May 20 Beth Wright Resource Center - 163 Main St. Baileyville
May 22 Calais City Building - 11 Church St.
May 26 Cherryfield Town Office - 12 Municipal Way
May 27 Milbridge Town Office - 18 School St.
May 28 Sullivan Town Office - 1888 US Highway 1
May 29 Deer Isle Town Office - 70 Church St.
The MSU is a fully outfitted office RV designed to bring essential services directly to residents in rural and transportation‑limited areas. It allows staff to meet with community members, complete HEAP applications on‑site, and connect households with additional supports—all without requiring residents to travel long distances.
The MSU was developed in response to longstanding transportation barriers across Aroostook County. In ACAP’s Community Needs Assessment, 85% of respondents reported lacking access to a reliable vehicle, citing repair costs, fuel prices, and inspection expenses as major obstacles. These challenges limit access to basic needs, including heating assistance, healthcare, and social services.
During its first season in 2025, the MSU in Aroostook County:
Visited 25 rural communities
Completed 56 service days
Traveled more than 1,200 miles
Supported 460 applications for programs including early childhood education and home energy assistance
Building on this success, CAAWHC is expanding MSU access into Washington and Hancock Counties, ensuring that residents facing similar barriers can receive services where they live.
“We are excited to offer outreach visits with our Mobile Service Unit and look forward to being present in your community,” said CEO Jason Parent. “The MSU allows us to meet residents where they are and ensure that essential services are accessible to everyone, regardless of transportation challenges.”
The MSU outreach tour is part of an expanded effort by CAAWHC in response to rising heating oil prices. As households face the highest home energy costs of in recent time, CAAWHC strongly encourages residents who have not yet applied for HEAP to do so as soon as possible.
Aside from the MSU dates in Downeast Maine, residents of the three counties can complete HEAP applications in person on Walk‑In Wednesdays at CAAWHC Customer Service Centers in Madawaska, Presque Isle, Houlton, and Ellsworth, as well as at the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center at 163 Main Street in Baileyville, and the Machias Town Office at 17 Stackpole Drive in Machias. Walk‑In Wednesdays run every Wednesday through May 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. No appointment is required.
“Our goal is to help as many residents as possible complete their HEAP applications before the end of the program year,” said Director of Operations Tracy Collins. “The MSU and Walk‑In Wednesdays give families multiple ways to access support quickly and easily.”
Residents can follow CAAWHC on social media (www.facebook.com/acaparoostookcountyactionprogram)and visit the agency website (www.acap-me.org/) for updates on MSU locations, hours, and additional outreach opportunities.
Additionally, community members can call (207) 764-3721 for an appointment that can be conducted in person or over the phone. Alternately, applications can be completed on-line at: https://ecos.mainehousing.org.
