Untitled - Town of Windham

HUMAN SERVICESThe Town of Windham, as required by New Hampshire State Statutes, provides financial assistance forresidents when situations arise in their lives which prevent them from meeting their basic needs. TheTown is the safety net for our residents until their situation improves or aid is received through otheragencies/ programs. Residents in need of assistance must meet eligibility standards in order to quality forshelter, food, utilities, medical needs, and/or any other necessities. Assistance by the Town is temporaryin nature, and may be provided directly by the Town or by referral to the appropriate Federal, State orlocal agencies.The Town also contributes to social and service agencies in the local area, which provide valuable help toour residents. These agencies include Windham’s Helping Hands, Shepherd’s Pantry, VisitingNurse/Hospice, Center or Life Management, Community Caregivers, AIDS Response, A Safe Place,Rape & Assault Services, Big Brothers/Sisters of Greater Nashua, Community Health Services,Rockingham Community Action Program, and Meals on Wheels. The Town and these agencies worktogether to provide the most appropriate assistance for our residents. If persons applying are in need ofemployment, they are referred to the Department of Employment Security and our library for help withtheir job search.The Town of Windham assisted approximately 38 households in 2012, which is 10 less than last year.The total cost of assistance for 2012 was $40,386.72 which reflects an decrease of $5,950.42. It shouldalso be noted that many residents are met with and referred to other agencies for the most appropriatetype of assistance and these numbers are not reflected in the number of households assisted. Some of theother types of assistance we refer clients to are: Food Stamps, Food Pantries, Temporary Aid for NeedyFamilies (TANF), shelters, Medicaid, CHS, NH Medicaid, Fuel Assistance and other applicableprograms. These agencies assist our residents who are ill, struggling on fixed incomes or those who haveincurred job losses or reduction of pay. For example, Fuel Assistance aided 70 households in Windhamwith heating costs of $58,783.57 and one household with weatherization.The following represents a breakdown of the assistance granted in 2012:Food Vouchers $ 4.083.87Shelter Vouchers 24,553.25Mortgage Assistance 1,246.71Electricity Voucher 2,902.53Oil/Propane 5,071.39Gasoline 207.89Medical 988.76Funeral 750.00Miscellaneous 82.32Shepherd’s Pantry 500.00Total $ 40,386.72Reimbursements $ 359.94This year was somewhat better for our residents with some jobs found but wages are lower. Theeconomy and lack of jobs has still caused foreclosures and some residents were able to refinance at lowerrates to offset lower salaries. Hopefully 2013 will bring more jobs and financial relief to our neighbors.This office remains here to assist and help with other resources as long as the need continues.2012 ANNUAL REPORTS 99 TOWN OF WINDHAM, NH