For decades, we heard about PROP. A few years ago the name was changed to Opportunity Alliance. It administers the Foster Grandparents program, Senior Volunteers and many other services of interest to, and helpful for, senior citizens.

What else does this agency do and how can it help you?

Opportunity Alliance is the Community Action Agency for Cumberland County. It is the state’s designated crisis services provider for Cumberland County. There are many resources available from their agency, including the following, all of which are listed on their website:

Maintenance loans

The Department of Housing and Energy Services provides loans and grants for home repair, weatherization, fuel assistance, utility assistance, repair of heating systems and other like programs.

Heating assistance

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is for homeowners or renters who have high heating bills in relation to their income. LIHEAP benefits households by making a supplemental payment on their behalf directly to their fuel vendor, whether the fuel is oil, electricity, coal, gas or wood. LIHEAP does not provide funds to heat a home for the entire winter. The program also provides assistance with utility expenses such as electric bills and water bills. ??Rental housing and affordable housing

The Opportunity Alliance has long been concerned about the inadequate supply of affordable housing in Cumberland County and in Greater Portland, in particular. The agency has created over 100 rental units in Portland and Westbrook. If interested, call AVESTA Housing at 207-553-7780.

Weatherization

The program, for certified LIHEAP households only, provides a home energy audit, attic and wall insulation, and other energy-saving measures to reduce home heating costs. Priority is given to households with elderly or disabled members and to families with children under 24 months.

Heating system improvements

The Central Heating Improvement Program, or CHIP, provides grant funds to repair or replace malfunctioning heating systems. Priority is given to those households that have no heat during the winter heating season. In order to qualify, a person must first apply for LIHEAP fuel assistance and be certified as income-eligible. CHIP funds can also be used to repair or replace fuel oil storage tanks and chimney liners.

Fuel tank replacement

The Above Ground Fuel Storage program is funded by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection and replaces leaking or non-code, conforming above-ground fuel oil tanks. The program provides grants and low-interest loans to income-eligible homeowners.

Home repairs

The Home Repair Program provides zero-interest deferred, forgivable loans to finance health and safety repairs for income-eligible homeowners. Eligible repairs include roofs, heating systems, windows, electrical, chimneys, septic systems and other repairs necessary to bring a home to federal and state health and safety codes.

Plumbing assistance

The Plumbing Assistance Program, administered by The Opportunity Alliance with funding from the Portland Water District, helps income-qualifying Portland homeowners repair leaks and install water efficient devices in their homes.

For information about these or other programs, call toll free 1-877-429-6884 or TTY: 207-874-1180.