We Are More Than A Shelter

York County Shelter Programs was created in 1979 to help people who had nowhere to turn. We started out as a homeless shelter (read more about us in our history) and over time became an agency that helps people address issues that may have led to homelessness – crippling challenges such as mental health issues and substance abuse. (Layman Way Recovery Center, which is part of our agency, is a residential treatment center for people with substance abuse issues.) We also help people who have experienced financial distress and find themselves unable to afford housing.

We have an emergency shelter for adults on Shaker Hill Road in Alfred, and we have a family shelter in Sanford. We assign a Navigator to every resident. The Navigator helps residents access the resources they need, including therapeutic help. We also connect people to community resources such as York County Community Action Program, which offers access to medical and dental help, as well as other types of assistance including childcare, housing and financial issues. YCSP also offers job skills training.

Ultimately, we seek to enable residents to find permanent housing. YCSP owns and manages over 130 housing units in southern Maine.

Our agency also operates the largest food pantry in York County, at 5 Swetts Bridge Road in Alfred. It is open Tuesday and Friday, 12 PM to 3 PM. On the first Tuesday and third Fr1day of every month we also have a Pet Food Pantry at the same location, from 11 AM-1 PM Tuesday and 12-1 PM Friday. Also, we offer a free lunch every Tuesday and Thursday at Sunset Tower, at 941 Main Street in Sanford, from 11:30 AM to 1 PM.

If you or someone you know is in need of shelter or food, call us at 207-324-1137 or email us at info@ycspi.org.