Bridging the Gap
envisioning a community in which everyone is given the opportunity to thrive & live with dignity
209 Eastern Avenue, Augusta, ME 04330 207-248-1782 bridgingthegapaugusta@gmail.com
Addies's Attic Clothing Bank
Basic Essentials Hygiene Pantry
Resource Connection & Support
Building Bridges Volunteer Program
Augusta Community Warming Center/Drop-In Center
Bridging the Gap is a non-profit program of Emmanuel Lutheran Episcopal Church & a Partner Program of United Way of Kennebec Valley
Programs & Services
Bridging the Gap (BTG) is a low-barrier community resource serving individuals and families who are experiencing poverty. It may be generational poverty that has been occurring for decades or new and unexpected. Often, folks will be facing additional challenges including homelessness, re-entry after imprisonment, substance use disorder, domestic violence, mental illness or being new to the country.
BTG believes that responding to immediate basic needs is important and necessary. We are equally committed to identifying, emphasizing, offering and working on long-term solutions at individual and systemic levels.
BTG's five components reach nearly 3,000 people every year.
Addie's Attic Clothing Bank
Addie’s Attic is a free clothing bank which began as a ministry of Saint Mark's Episcopal Church. Since 1998, people have generously shared their gently used clothes with the Attic and these are sorted and arranged so that customers can easily choose items that catch their eye.
The Attic inventory is rotated seasonally and includes men's, women's and children's clothing from newborn to plus sizes. During the colder months, boots and warm winter coats are available. Sheets, blankets and towels are also kept in stock as much as possible.
The Attic is overseen by a Bridging the Gap staff person and operated by an amazing crew of volunteers.
Anyone who needs access to free clothing is welcome. HOURS: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am - 2pm
INTERESTED IN DONATING CLOTHING? CLICK HERE or CALL THE ADDIE'S ATTIC MANAGER at 458-7088
Everyday Basic Essentials Hygiene Pantry
Everyday Basic Essentials Hygiene Pantry started in 2009 at Saint Mark's Episcopal Church as a free supplementary source for products important to health which are not included under the SNAP program such as toilet paper, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, tampons, sanitary pads, diapers and wipes.
While many people take such items for granted, the reality for some is quite different. Sometimes a person must choose between an adequate supply of diapers for their child and paying the fuel bill or between getting a car repair and buying tampons. And toothpaste and shampoo can make a huge difference in making a first impression at a job interview.
Anyone who needs access to free hygiene items is welcome.
HOURS: Tuesdays & Thursdays 10am - 2pm Click here for more information.
Community Warming Center
The Augusta Community Warming Center has been a seasonal community resource since 2009. It is a low-barrier safe place for people to be during the day throughout the coldest months of the year. The Center is open from late fall through March. The coffee pot is always on and staff are available for support with resource connection.
Although the Warming Center was initially started to offer daytime shelter to those who have none, everyone is welcome and there is no age requirement.
Drop-In Center
The Warming Center closes on March 31st every year. In an effort to maintain a
small bit of continuity, BTG has established Drop-In hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10am - 2pm.