Video by Patty Stocker
Council on Aging/Town of Westford Social Worker, Alison Christopher, talks with WestfordCAT’s Patty Stocker about myriad financial assistance resources available to Westford residents who are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown. Christopher details the numerous programs designed to help those who are struggling with paying their rent or mortgage especially now that the eviction and foreclosure moratorium is over in the commonwealth.
“Housing is always a critical need for individuals and families”, said Christopher. “The pandemic has made that critical need even more relevant to public health. If people are forced to leave their homes, they are at risk of needing shelters or doubling up in others’ homes-both of which increases the risk of spreading COVID in close quarters. Therefore, the state is offering significant financial aid programs for eligible households.”
The many assistance programs for those who are having trouble paying their utility bills are discussed as well as help finding food insecurity relief. Christopher also talks about the Westford COVIK-19 Relief Fund which is accepting both applications and donations and WRAP (Westford Rental Assistance Program), a new financial resource that contributes $500 a month to help with a resident’s monthly mortgage.
