Mansfield Community Assistance Fund for helping with utility bills.

Four different private and non-profit companies have partnered together to help the less fortunate in Mansfield pay their utility bills. Donations are collected by these companies, and the dollar amount is often matched, as part of the Mansfield Community Assistance Fund. All funds are then paid out to income qualified families to help them pay their energy costs, whether light, gas, heating oil, electric, or anything else.

The fact is that a financial crisis can hit anyone. It may be a medical emergency, illness, cancer, death of a spouse, divorce, disability, or anything. In some instances, it takes too long to qualify for government assistance such as LIHEAP. Or maybe the person still does not qualify based on income. In certain instances when a financial crisis hits, and when donations allow it, the Mansfield Community Assistance Fund may help pay utility bills. However the program is only for residents of the town of Mansfield.

Qualifications for energy help from Community Assistance Fund

This utility bill assistance program is intended to fill the gap in what the federal government (or state of Massachusetts) does not pay for. As the fact is that there are times in which a low to moderate income family makes a little too much to qualify for public aid such as LIHEAP or weatherization. Or maybe an “upper lower income” family can’t qualify for cash aid. This is when the Mansfield Community Assistance Fund may step in to assist with utility or heating bills.

In addition to that, another situation in which the program may help is when a family needs more immediate, emergency assistance. As it can often take time to apply for LIHEAP, as well as get the first funds from the state or federal government. If a Mansfield resident is about to lose their power or heat, or can’t wait for the government money, then the Community Assistance Fund may help pay the bills during that timeframe.

Also, of course there needs to be funding available. The four groups that oversea the program, and approve applications and collect funds, are Town of Mansfield Council on Aging & Social Services, the West Side Benevolent Circle, the local Mansfield Bank and Financial Institution as well as Mansfield Electric. If there is no money available in this charitable program then of course no one can be assisted.

 

 

Donations can be collected/submitted year round. However, there is generally a push for funds every few months of the year. Contributions can be made using a credit card if the donor were to contact the West Side Benevolent Circle. Any dollar amount is appreciated and 100% of the money goes to pay utility bills. In addition, donation envelopes can be sent to contribute to the Mansfield Community Assistance Fund, and the address is c/o West Side Benevolent Circle, P.O. Box 506, Mansfield, MA 02048.

To apply for help from the community fund, or to get more information on donating, how it is structured, or any other support dial West Side Benevolent Circle at (508) 339-3397.