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More Community Corner Forum highlights need for services
The town of Acton, seeking to better serve residents who are in need, held a Safety Net Summit this fall that included town and school officials, clergy, and representatives of nonprofit agencies.
Not long after the mid-November event, Acton posted a “Safety Net” link on its Web site (www.acton-ma.gov), listing contact information for help ranging from food pantries and community suppers to housing needs, medical assistance, transportation, and property tax relief.
Acton is close to filling a part-time position responsible for coordinating access to services. The town also created a printable resources guide for churches and other organizations that often deal with people in need.
The Safety Net Summit, which drew more than 70 participants, was spurred in part by the awareness that affluent suburban communities “don’t have the social services infrastructure to provide services when they are needed,” according to Board of Selectmen Chair Lauren Rosenzweig.
Rosenzweig noted, for example, that without local public transportation, car troubles can create major problems for a family that is already struggling to pay its bills. High rental costs in Acton also contribute to people’s economic vulnerability, she added.
According to Division of Local Services data, Acton is among the top 20 Massachusetts communities in median family income, but it is also home to notable immigrant populations from Brazil, India, China and elsewhere. Rosenzweig said the Safety Net Summit made clear the need for translators to assist immigrants seeking help.
More Community Corner Forum highlights need for services
Forum highlights need for services
The town of Acton, seeking to better serve residents who are in need, held a Safety Net Summit this fall that included town and school officials, clergy, and representatives of nonprofit agencies.
Not long after the mid-November event, Acton posted a “Safety Net” link on its Web site (www.acton-ma.gov), listing contact information for help ranging from food pantries and community suppers to housing needs, medical assistance, transportation, and property tax relief.
Acton is close to filling a part-time position responsible for coordinating access to services. The town also created a printable resources guide for churches and other organizations that often deal with people in need.
The Safety Net Summit, which drew more than 70 participants, was spurred in part by the awareness that affluent suburban communities “don’t have the social services infrastructure to provide services when they are needed,” according to Board of Selectmen Chair Lauren Rosenzweig.
Rosenzweig noted, for example, that without local public transportation, car troubles can create major problems for a family that is already struggling to pay its bills. High rental costs in Acton also contribute to people’s economic vulnerability, she added.
According to Division of Local Services data, Acton is among the top 20 Massachusetts communities in median family income, but it is also home to notable immigrant populations from Brazil, India, China and elsewhere. Rosenzweig said the Safety Net Summit made clear the need for translators to assist immigrants seeking help.
Written by MMA Associate Editor Mitch Evich
