Brookline Community Foundation Commits to 20% Increase in Emergency Support for Brookline Residents Living in Poverty

As part of its three-year strategic plan, the Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) is committed to reducing poverty through an expanded financial safety net, a strengthened service network and more pathways to economic security so that residents can get help when they need it and find stability over the long term. As a first step towards reaching this goal, in 2014, BCF will increase distributions from its Safety Net Fund by 20%, bringing total BCF Safety Net Fund grants to $120,000.

 “Too many of our neighbors are living in poverty (13% of town residents) and many more struggle to make ends meet,” said BCF Executive Director Jenny Amory.  

The BCF Safety Net Fund provides $100,000 annually for items such as food vouchers, money for fuel or back rent as well as support from a case manager to residents in need. In 2013 alone, 850 people received financial support from the Fund, which is administered by the Brookline Community Mental Health Center.

“The grants from the BCF Safety Net Fund meet critical needs and show the difference we can make when neighbors are helping neighbors,” said Cindy Price, Executive Director of Brookline Community Mental Health Center.

Here are just a few examples of how the BCF Safety Net Fund has made a difference:

A local hospital referred an elderly man who had diabetes and suffered from a traumatic head injury.  He had been sleeping on a pile of clothes for many years and had trouble maintaining his apartment.  The BCF Safety Net Fund provided him with a bed and help to clean his apartment. 

A homeless mother and her children recently moved into public housing fleeing domestic violence. She had five children but only two beds.  The Brookline Housing Authority offered a safe apartment and the BCF Safety Net Fund paid for three more beds.

An elderly man who is disabled had lived with his mother until she died.  Because he had little money, he was keeping the heat at 50 degrees through the very cold winter.  He became ill with pneumonia and was hospitalized.  The BCF Safety Net Fund provided enough heating oil so he could stay warm and healthy when he returned home.

To contribute to the BCF Safety Net Fund, please call Jenny Amory at 617-566-4442 or go online:  give.brooklinecommunity.org and select “BCF Safety Net.”                                                                          

The Brookline Community Foundation shines a spotlight on community needs, inspires
philanthropy and awards strategic grants to build a more vibrant, engaged and equitable Brookline.