WORCESTER—As economic pressures continue to strain households across Central Massachusetts, the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts has awarded $250,000 in emergency financial assistance grants to three community action agencies, including a major allocation to a Worcester-based organization serving some of the region’s most vulnerable residents.
The funding, announced in mid-December, is intended to help families meet immediate basic needs such as housing, utilities and food at a time when demand for emergency assistance is rising and public safety net programs face growing uncertainty.
According to the foundation, the grants were awarded proactively in response to increased requests for help driven by rising living costs, shifting federal policies and instability in public funding sources. The goal is to give trusted local agencies the flexibility to respond quickly when households face urgent financial crises.
“In this time of great need, the Health Foundation is committed to partnering with three trusted community action agencies to provide financial assistance that will address important basic needs throughout Central Massachusetts,” Amie Shei, president and CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, said in the announcement. “These organizations share a commitment to underserved populations, and their expertise and compassion will ensure that critical financial assistance reaches those who are struggling to make ends meet.”
The largest share of the funding — $100,000 — was awarded to Worcester Community Action Council, a longstanding nonprofit that provides a range of services including fuel assistance, housing support and food access to Worcester residents and others in the region.
“These resources arrive at a pivotal moment for the neighbors we serve,” Marybeth Campbell, CEO of Worcester Community Action Council, said in the release. “Rising costs for basic essentials and diminishing public supports have created a perfect storm of economic insecurity. This generous philanthropic investment will make a meaningful impact when it’s needed most.”
Two other community action agencies also received funding: Making Opportunity Count, which serves north-central Massachusetts, received $100,000, while South Middlesex Opportunity Council was awarded $50,000. The foundation said the allocations were based on the approximate portion of its service area covered by each agency.
Community action agencies act as local administrators of federal and state assistance programs and often serve as first points of contact for residents experiencing financial hardship. By directing the funding through these organizations, the foundation says its trying to ensure aid reaches those who may not qualify for other programs or who live in communities with fewer available resources.
“The need for emergency assistance is especially acute now, and having flexible resources means that we can respond quickly and thoughtfully to what people coming to us need in that moment,” Kevin Reed, executive director of Making Opportunity Count, said in the announcement.
Susan Gentili, president and CEO of South Middlesex Opportunity Council, said the funding comes at a critical time as households struggle to keep up with rising costs.
“The stress created by financial hardship can be overwhelming,” Gentili said. “This emergency assistance grant comes at a critical moment and will serve as a lifeline for people across our region as they work to meet their basic needs.”
The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, based in Worcester, focuses its grantmaking on improving health outcomes across the region, with health defined broadly to include housing stability, food security and other social determinants of health. Since its founding in 1999, the foundation has awarded more than $60 million to organizations across Central Massachusetts.
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