Above: If you are a Southborough resident struggling to pay your fuel bills, cover an emergency expense, or give your children a happy holiday, SYFS wants to help. (images cropped from Town website)
There’s been a lot of talk about rising fuel costs this winter. A reader reached out with information about fuel assistance she heard on WBUR. That reminded me that every year, the Town offers to help qualifying residents apply for Fuel Assistance.
In looking at the Town’s website, I was further reminded that it’s not the only Needs-Based assistance Town agencies offer that might be especially needed this fall/winter.
Southborough Youth & Family Services’ website notes:
For those who find themselves struggling financially and in need of some support, our office may be able to help. Following specific criteria, we are able to offer Southborough residents assistance through the following programs. . .
If you are a Southborough resident experiencing financial hardship and would like to connect with a member of the Southborough Youth and Family Services (SYFS) staff to learn more about their Need-based Services, please complete [this form] and a staff member will be in touch with you by phone within 24-48 business hours. . .
For more information on any of these services, please contact Christina McCarthy at 508-481-5676 x 1
Below are the programs that are listed:
Fuel Assistance
SYFS explains:
Our office can facilitate the application process for SMOC of Framingham’s fuel assistance program and can provide additional information on other energy assistance programs. Our department is an intake site for Southborough residents under the age of 60 years old. Residents 60 years and older can contact the Southborough Senior Center for help with fuel assistance. Fuel Assistance is available from November 1st through April 30th annually.
According to the Southborough Senior Center, residents 60+ years old can contact their Outreach Coordinator Cynthia Beard at 508-229-4453.
Emergency Funds
SYFS also offers:
Financial assistance to residents experiencing financial hardship for situations such as car repair, loss of electricity or heat, medical expenses etc.
For an application, click here.
Winter Wishes
Earlier this week, I wrote about SYFS’ call for the community to support Winter Wishes. Below is the information for families looking to receive help through the program:
This program provides support to families with school-age children in need during the holiday season through the donation of gifts from the surrounding community and local organizations and businesses.
To apply, click here.
If your family qualifies for this program, you may also want to mark your calendars to check in early 2023 for updated details for next summer’s camperships program. (The currently posted information was for last summer.)
Transfer Station Sticker Waivers
The waiver requirements and application are available on the same page of the Town website that lists the Transfer Station’s rules and other details.
Meals on Wheels
This program wasn’t on SYFS’ website and isn’t directly offered by the Town. But the Southborough Senior Center’s website explains that the program for seniors age 60+:
is a federal and state funded nutrition program, administered by the Executive office of Elder Affairs, which allows local agencies to provide nutritious meals to elderly citizens. The program in Southborough is administered by our local area agency on aging which is BayPath Elder Services and is served out of the Westborough Senior Center. A noontime congregate meal is also served Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
For more details, click here.
