Centralized Helping Fund (CheF)

The Centralized Helping Fund (CHeF) is dedicated to providing compassionate and streamlined financial assistance to individuals and families in Augusta and throughout Kennebec County. Our mission is to support those facing financial hardship by offering timely, practical solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term challenges.

At Bridging the Gap, we believe that everyone deserves a chance to build a stable and secure future, regardless of the financial obstacles they may encounter. Our goal is to bridge the gap for individuals and families experiencing difficult times, helping them regain financial stability and independence. By offering emergency assistance and guiding people through their financial struggles, we empower them to overcome challenges and move towards a brighter future.

What We Do:

CHeF provides a variety of financial assistance services, tailored to meet the unique needs of each person we serve. Our support includes, but is not limited to:

Emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as rent, utilities, food, and transportation.
Short-term support to help individuals avoid eviction, utility shutoffs, or other immediate crises.
Referral services to other local resources and programs that can provide additional assistance or long-term solutions.
Financial education and guidance to help individuals and families manage their finances, plan for the future, and break the cycle of financial instability.

Who We Serve:

CHeF is here for residents of Augusta and Kennebec County, particularly those facing unexpected or ongoing financial difficulties. Whether it's due to job loss, medical emergencies, unexpected expenses, or other life challenges, we offer a helping hand to those who need it most.

How We Make a Difference:

By working with local agencies, community organizations, and other partners, CHeF ensures that individuals and families have access to the financial support they need, when they need it. We take a personalized approach to each case, understanding that no two situations are the same, and we aim to provide lasting solutions that not only address immediate concerns but also help people build a path toward long-term financial health.

We are committed to offering a compassionate, non-judgmental environment where individuals and families can seek assistance without fear of stigma. Together, we work to foster a more resilient, empowered community where people can recover from hardships and thrive.

For more information contact Sam or Sheryl at 530-0184

Centralized Helping Fund (CHeF) Bridges of Giving

Railroad Bridge

$500 Stops eviction and keeps a family housed.

Maine Kennebec Bridge

$1,000 Keeps a family's lights on and stops eviction for a family to keep them housed.

Memorial Bridge

$1,500 Helps pay for a security deposit to get a family housed, keeps a family's lights on, and stops eviction for a family to keep them housed.

Calumet Bridge

$2,500 Keeps someone in sober living for a month, helps pay for a security deposit to get a family housed, keeps a family's lights on, and stops eviction for a family to keep them housed.

Two Cent Bridge

$5000 Helps a family leave a domestic violence situation and find safe housing, buys a bus ticket for an individual to get to stable living with family, helps multiple families stay housed and multiple families to keep their lights on. It also helps families get through the cold winters by helping them with their heating bills.

10% of contributions will go toward administrative costs to ensure the fund is run properly by the Bridging the Gap resource department.