For the second time in a month, the Town Council has been called upon to promote greater awareness of town assistance available to residents in need.
Citing uncertainty and cuts in public benefits such as SNAP nutritional food assistance and heating assistance for financially struggling families, John Rudolph of Oldfields Road expressed concern at the council meeting Nov. 10 that individuals in need may not know about the town’s general assistance program and other help available within the community.
In 2024, just $3,200 of the town’s $38,000 general assistance budget was accessed by people in crisis, Rudolph noted. In the current year budget, the town has designated $40,800 for general assistance and social services. The state Department of Health and Human Services reimburses municipalities for 70% of general assistance costs they incur; the remaining 30% is funded by the towns.
“People in need are not stepping forward, perhaps because they are not aware that help is available,” Rudolph suggested, adding, “I encourage the town to do more proactive outreach to those sitting around their kitchen table without enough to eat.”
Councilors agreed more awareness of assistance is needed, and council Chair John James praised efforts by town residents to help other community members.
“How this town has rallied around federal workers not getting paid, and those not receiving SNAP benefits, is amazing,” James said.
