WCAC Enews: Celebrating the Gift of Community Action

Community Action News

DECEMBER 2022

THE GIFT OF COMMUNITY ACTION

As we come to the close of 2022, I'd like to take a moment to celebrate the gift of Community Action and the opportunity it brings to partner in service to and with our neighbors, peer organizations and community at large. Since its inception, community action agencies, like WCAC, have helped low and moderate-income families stave off poverty and make steps toward economic security. Through programs such as Head Start, job training, housing, food security, energy assistance, and financial education, community action agencies tailor their services to meet the needs of the individuals and communities they serve. Together, with our collaborative and mission drive partners, we help put a human face on poverty, advocate alongside those whose voice has historically been muffled by systemic inequities and create opportunities for growth. Today there are more than 1,000 community action agencies in existence, working in every state in the United States.

Beyond community action's ability to pivot to whatever needs our community might be facing, I'm proud of the collaborative spirit in which we work. Detailed within this month's newsletter is an array of additional community resources and information about many of the partners we are fortunate to work with in support of our collective community.

In the spirit of this season of giving thanks, and spending time with friends and family in celebration, and on behalf of WCAC's entire Board of Directors and staff, I want to wish you good health, good tidings and best wishes for a happy and healthy 2023. I am looking forward to the great things to come in 2023.

SUPPORT WCAC WITH AN END OF YEAR DONATION

FINANCIAL WELLNESS

The financial implications of the celebrations this time of year brings can be overwhelming to many of us. WCAC’s Resiliency Center staff invite you to take a moment to reflect on whether the financial decisions you are able to make choices about both reflect your goals and values and bring you the joy of the season rather than added stress. Among our favorite suggestions is “give yourself permission to not build debt” and “make a list of low/no-cost activities to participate in.” See more suggestions here.

Did you know that WCAC's Resiliency Center has three coaches on staff to discuss budgeting, debt, improving your credit score, and ensuring your accessing all of the benefits you’re eligible for and the community resources available? Reach out free of charge to have a quick question answered, or work with a coach over time to achieve your goals in 2023.

Another valuable resource to consider- WCAC partners with Axuda to offer no-fee, no-interest, no credit-check loans to any individual for up to $600. These flexible loans are ideal for smaller requests and possible for clients to whom a traditional loan is not an option. Requests are funded within about 30 days and require a bank account at any institution. Learn more about Axuda here and connect with a WCAC coach to discuss loan terms and the easy application process if interested.

HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE

WCAC’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), best known as fuel assistance or home heating assistance, helps homeowners and renters pay home heating bills and past due balances on utility bills. Financial assistance is available for income-eligible households to help pay home heating bills incurred between November 1 – April 30 of each year. First time applicants can apply online using the online application available here.

Returning clients can submit applications with updated income verifications via mail, email, fax or drop off in person. Please note, given the volume of applications we receive it can take quite some time for your application to be processed. Please be patient. You can check the status of your application through our 24/7 automated phone system by calling 508.796.2423 and follow the voice prompts.

If you are facing a no-heat emergency or utility shutoff, please email ENERGY@wcac.net.

Additional financial empowerment resources include:

Affordable Connectivity Program -The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.

Elder Home Repair – Central MA Housing Alliance's Elder Home Repair is a unique program targeting the special needs of fixed and often low-income elder homeowners. The program supports the age network concept of ‘aging in place’ by helping assure a physically safe and healthful home. Specifically, the program corrects unsafe housing conditions (while contained at a manageable scale), which if left unattended, threaten the immediate health and safety of elders at home as well as the structural integrity of their homes. Charges are for materials only; there is no fee for labor.

WE ARE FAMILY

Family Resource Centers comprise a statewide network of community-based providers offering multi-cultural parenting programs, support groups, information and referral resources and education for families whose children range in age from birth to 18 years of age. Family Resource Centers are located in 24 communities throughout Massachusetts to provide easy access to information and assistance related to health care, safety, employment training, education and peer support. In each of these communities and centers, the goal is to support families to strengthen their bonds, connect to others, and engage in their community. Locally, we are fortunate to have FRC's located in both Southbridge and Worcester. WCAC enjoys a close working relationship and often co-locates with both centers.

FIGHTING FOOD INSECURITY

Food Pantries – A comprehensive list of Worcester area food pantries, locations and hours of operation.
Food Help Worcester – Connects Worcester residents in need of food assistance with local providers of healthy food and meals.
Woo Fridges – Woo Fridge believes having daily access to fresh food is a human right. Community fridges located throughout the City of Worcester are open 24/7, leaving limited barriers in the way of someone accessing fresh, healthy food of their choosing.
The Bridge Fridge – The WellStorm, Inc. aims to bridge the gap in accessing resources. Engaging community in building connections, mutual aid, and support for people experiencing homelessness, mental health struggles and food insecurity. The group manages a community fridge located in Southbridge.
Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) – state program managed by the Department of Transitional Assistance which puts money back on a client’s EBT card when it is used SNAP to buy healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP farm vendors/farmers markets.

Coming in January...

VITA Free Tax Preparation

The Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition is ramping up to provide its 20^th year of free tax preparation through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program at four sites in Worcester, including WCAC’s program which will operate both in-person and remotely.

The program utilizes volunteers to provide IRS-certified tax preparation to low and moderate income households, saving upwards of $300 per return that clients would otherwise pay for professional preparation. As long as full documentation is provided, VITA can assist with up to three years of prior state and federal tax returns in addition to current year season returns.

Online scheduling of VITA appointments will be available starting January 1st.

Learn More Here