Tri‑County CAP outlines outreach plans; Hancock commissioners appoint two local representatives

Jason Parent, executive with Tri‑County Community Action Program, told the Hancock County Commissioners on March 3 that Tri‑County CAP has taken over programs and services formerly provided by Downeast Community Partners and is working to reach more households eligible for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) in Hancock and Washington counties.

Parent told the board the agency’s outreach had not previously reached many eligible households and described current efforts to expand access. He said Tri‑County CAP is also exploring acquiring former Downeast Community Partners properties in Ellsworth and Blue Hill to preserve local program operations and service sites.

Parent presented two nominations to represent Hancock County on the Tri‑County CAP three‑county board. The commissioners appointed Nicole Beers, principal of Bucksport Elementary School, and Josephine Cooper of Lamoine, a founder of Friends in Action, as public‑sector board members. The motion to appoint Beers and Cooper passed 3‑0 (mover: Commissioner Clark; second: Commissioner DiBella).

The appointments were approved without additional conditions. The county did not specify a start date for the board terms in the meeting record. Tri‑County CAP’s future steps, including any property acquisitions, will depend on further agency planning and possible approvals not detailed at the meeting.

The commissioners’ action closes the nominations presented at the March 3 meeting; Tri‑County CAP representatives said they will continue outreach and follow up with the county as needed.