Maine Needs was founded on the belief that the things you donate should reach the people that need them most, at no cost. Through the power of social media and word of mouth, an incredible community has formed to support the basic material needs of people throughout Maine.

Since 2020, we’ve distributed more than 906,000 essential items and filled more than 34,000 requests.

Our primary focus is on our community members with the highest needs.

• Unhoused populations 

• Veterans 

• Refugees

• People fleeing domestic violence 

• Asylum Seekers 

• People leaving incarceration

• People experiencing financial hardship.

We need more space.

In partnership with more than 400 providers across 125 organizations, Maine Needs fills hundreds of requests a week for individuals and families statewide.  Our lack of space means we can’t take in the donations necessary to meet urgent needs, or welcome the amount of volunteers who are eager to help.    

How YOU can help.

We’ve signed the lease on a 16,000 square foot building that will allow us to transition from a donation center to a community resource hub.  With the increase in space, we will be able to create an efficient flow for receiving donations, filling requests and coordinating pickups with providers.  We’ll have space to host more volunteers to fulfill requests, assemble cleaning kits and mend donated garments, and host community-building events and fundraisers for underfunded nonprofits.   

Our goal of $1.5 million will support the cost of our new space and stocking it with needed resources for the next 3 years.

When each of us gives what we can, together we make a meaningful impact in the lives of tens of thousands of people in Maine. By digging in and helping however we can, we strengthen the community for all of us. 

Please give what you can and know that your contribution will matter to many. Please share this with your friends and family, so that together we can create a safety net for others.

SINCE OCTOBER 2020:

906,203 essential items distributed

4,000+ volunteers have joined

125 partner organizations and 412 providers supported 

16 Maine counties reached

47,820 followers on social media