Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Mission: To insure that every Surry resident has a neighbor to call on if/when physical, social, or environmental conditions affect their quality of life.
Overview: Thanks to a team of our neighbors, Surry has become a part of the Age-Friendly Coastal Communities initiative. The intent is to match available resources and neighborhood volunteers with members of our community who can benefit from services such as:
- Regular check-in calls. For community members who may feel somewhat isolated and possibly concerned about health or safety, especially during the winter months, this program will allow you to check-in regularly by phone with the Town Office or a neighborhood volunteer.
- Transportation for health care needs. Individuals unable to drive themselves can arrange for neighbor drivers to take them to medical, rehab appointments or pharmacy trips.
- Minor repairs, weatherizing, or chores. For those who need help with activities such as weatherproofing, installing smoke detectors, tweaking plumbing, changing lightbulbs, lifting, minor household repairs, etc.,
- Sand/Salt Bucket delivery During the icy winter season, request a bucket of sand to insure a safe walkway to your mailbox, car, etc…
Volunteer: The NHN planning team is in place to plan and implement some Age-Friendly programs in Surry but residents are needed to connect to their neighbors. If you currently monitor the security of your neighbor, you are a Neighbor Helping Neighbor. Those residents with additional time or talent to share with the community are invited to add their names to the list of us able to provide occasional tasks.
You can help – by joining the team to volunteer as a contact for a friend or neighbor, driving another resident to important health care appointments or using your skills to solve household or outdoor challenges for someone in our community who might benefit – please leave your information with the Town Office at 667-5912 or e-mail agefriendlysurry@gmail.com.
if you are currently in need of check-ins, a ride, or emergency assistance, contact Town Office at 667-5912 or e-mail agefriendlysurry@gmail.com.
Neighbors Shoveling Neighbors (NEW Oct 2023) - NHN is proposing a town shoveling scheme where those capable pay it forward. You may not need assistance now but you may someday. If you are able to shovel we’d like to pair you or an older child with a neighbor who is no longer able. If payment is offered, up to you to accept.
Guidelines: NOT within 2 hours of storm end but BEFORE 12 hours have passed; Only a simple path to main door, to garage or car, or for fuel delivery. If you have a nearby neighbor, offer your help. If you do not know a near neighbor, contact 664-0980 or agefriendlysurry@gmail.com but please let us know if you found someone. You can be the example of Surry neighborliness!
Join Surry Bone Builders for Fun and Health - our group meets 9:00 Tuesday and Thursday at the Old School. All gender, age, and ability can benefit from increased bone density. We are FREE, all equipment provided. Stop by to check us out!
Resource Guide - If you provide a service within Surry and the Peninsula, post your listing so that local residents can use local providers. And if you are looking for local services, check the on-line listing. Healthy Peninsula Skills & Services Directory Boost our local economy, hire folks you may know!
Maine State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) - It’s the time of year where those on Medicare/Medicaid are able to check coverage, compare new offers, and perhaps save money. If you have Medicare insurance, or expect to have it soon, you may have questions or need help to understand your Medicare benefits. Free trained health insurance counselors are available to provide you information about Medicare and other health insurance issues. You can also learn about programs in Maine to help lower the cost of prescription drugs and other out-of-pocket medical expenses. Change period ends Dec 7, call 1-800-262-2232 to speak to a SHIP counselor.
Looking to purchase or repair a home - The USDA offers affordable mortgage and loan programs to build, purchase, or repair rural homes. Check the USDA site. Check the link for Maine Homeowner Assistance Fund (the local supplier). Maine Housing and USDA - Single Family Housing Programs
Useful programs from MaineHousing - From weatherization to repairs, grants to loan, heat or electric assistance to mortgage help. Check out these newest programs or visit Maine Housing
Aging trailer - If you own a manufactured home or trailer built before 1976 you may qualify for a a grant for a new model from MaineHousing. Info at: Pre1976 Mobile Home Replacement Initiative (207)626-4663 or flyers available at Town Office. More offers for Trailers - If you own a manufactured home, heat with oil or gas, receive any State or Federal assistance, you may be eligible to replace heating system with heat pumps. Call (call 866-376-2463) or complete this survey Efficiency Maine
Electric Rate Break - Homes using heat pumps for 50% or more of their winter space heating may benefit from a different electric rate. Call Versant’s Customer Contact Center at 855-363-7211 if you believe you may benefit from the optional heat rate or Efficiency Maine
Community Aging in Place Grant - offers home safety checks, minor maintenance repairs, accessibility options for Mainers 55+ or those with a disability. For info: (207)288-4770 or Grant Information
SaluteME - has housing grants or loans specifically for Veterans. SaluteME Grant Information
Tax Prep - Maine residents with low/moderate incomes may not need to file federal taxes, but may benefit from filing a Maine form for a sales tax refund and a real estate tax refund. These refunds are also available to some who are income eligible and who must file federal taxes. AARP tax volunteers will be available to do taxes free for low and moderate income people in various locations in this area.