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Give to your Community!
Donate to the Holiday Gift Card Program
Donations of gift cards from local merchants are especially welcome.
Each year, the Town of Concord’s Community Services Division, in collaboration with the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, organizes a town-wide Holiday Gift Card Program to provide low-income families financial support during the holiday season.
Please consider donating a gift card, in any amount, to a family in need. Gift cards from local stores are especially welcome, as are gift cards from supermarkets, pharmacies, restaurants, or big box stores.
Donations will be accepted through December 11th. Gift card donations can be mailed to Bonny Wilbur, Concord’s Community Services Coordinator, 55 Church Street, Concord, or they may be placed in the donation drop boxes located at:
- Town House, 22 Monument Square, drop box in entry lobby to the left
- Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, 19 Main Street, Suite #2
- 55 Church Street in West Concord, drop box outside to the right of entry
Questions? Contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator at tel. 978-318-3034, or bwilbur@concordma.gov
On behalf of Concord’s Community Services Division and the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest, we wish you a very happy, and healthy, holiday season!
Community Services Coordinator
The Community Services Coordinator serves as an information resource and referral to families and individuals under the age of 60. This full-time position was established in 2004 by the Concord Town Manager’s Office with a grant from the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest. Concord residents age 60 and older should contact the Concord Council on Aging, tel. 978-318-3020 for assistance.
Concord Housing Authority
The Concord Housing Authority (CHA) is involved in the development and administration of low and moderately priced housing for Concord residents. Applications for Section 8 housing vouchers, emergency housing, and general low-income housing information can be found at www.concordha.org. For more information contact the CHA office, tel. 978-369-8435.
Domestic Violence Services Network
The Domestic Violence Services Network (DVSN) supports individuals with risk assessment, safety planning, and referrals to viable, effective and appropriate resources. For more information contact DVSN at dvvap@concordma.gov, Office tel. 978-318-3421, Confidential Helpline tel. 888-399-6111.
Fuel Assistance Program
The South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) offers a fuel assistance program designed to help residents afford the cost of heat during the winter months. Eligibility is based on gross annual income and household size. Eligible households receive assistance paid directly to their heating vendor. Concord residents interested in learning more should contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator, bwilbur@concordma.gov or tel. 978-318-3034. Residents age 60 or older should contact the Concord Council on Aging, tel. 978-318-3020.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund
The Good Neighbor Energy Fund (GNEF), sponsored by the Salvation Army, is designed to assist individuals and families having a gross annual income between 60% - 80% of the state median income level with the cost of their heat during the winter months. Income guidelines and household size are key to determining eligibility. The GNEF benefit is paid directly to the utility company that provides heat to the home. For more information contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator, bwilbur@concordma.gov or tel. 978-318-3034. Residents age 60 or older should contact the Concord Council on Aging, tel. 978-318-3020.
Hugh Cargill Trust
The Hugh Cargill Trust was established over 200 years ago by Concord resident Hugh Cargill. The trust’s purpose is to provide short-term, emergency assistance to Concord residents in times of financial need. The Hugh Cargill Trust Committee acts on behalf of Concord’s Select Board, meeting monthly to review requests for assistance from Concord residents. Residents wishing to ask for assistance from this fund should call tel. 978-318-3100, upon hearing the recorded message dial extension 2030. In response to the recording, leave a message containing name, phone number, and the best time for a committee member to call back. Requests to the Hugh Cargill Trust Committee may also be made by email to HCTC@concordma.gov. All requests are kept confidential.
Mental Health Assistance
The William James INTERFACE Referral Service assists Concord residents in finding mental health services, helping to match the specialty needs of the caller with location and insurance requirements. They provide a wealth of information and resources on a broad range of mental health-related topics. INTERFACE offers a free, confidential HELPLINE, tel. 1-888-244-6843, from Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm. Callers are matched with licensed mental health providers from an extensive database, within approximately two weeks from their call for assistance. More information can be found at www.interface.williamjames.edu/community/concord-carlisle.
Nutritional Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) provides funds to supplement the budget of needy families so they can purchase healthy food and move towards self-sufficiency. Households must meet certain requirements to be eligible for SNAP and receive benefits. SNAP funds are loaded onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card. Benefits are automatically loaded onto the card each month. For more information go to www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps or contact Bonny Wilbur, Community Services Coordinator, bwilbur@concordma.gov or tel. 978-318-3034. Residents age 60 or older should contact the Concord Council on Aging, tel. 978-318-3020.
Open Table
Open Table’s mission is to address hunger by providing healthy food in a welcoming environment while respecting the dignity of those served. Open Table offers fresh market food pantry shopping by appointment in Maynard. They provide a welcoming community of support and assistance to families and individuals, including many seniors and children. More information can be found at www.opentable.org.Small Grant Program
The Concord Housing Development Corporation is accepting applications for the Small Grant Program, designed to provide assistance to Concord residents to make repairs and alterations to their homes for safety and health reasons. The grant assists homeowners with home repairs, with no obligation to repay. Applications are evaluated and prioritized based on health and safety considerations and financial need of the applicant. Grants are awarded twice a year, with applications due at the end of January and June. Contact Lara Plaskon, Program Administrator, Lara@RHSOHousing.org or tel. 978-287-1092 for more information.
Contact Us
Bonny Wilbur
Community Services Coordinator
55 Church Street
Concord, MA 01742
Email: bwilbur@concordma.gov
Phone: 978-318-3034
Fax: 978-318-3161
Office visits are by appointment only.
Quick Links
2021 Social Services Resource Guide
2018 Youth Risk Behavior Survey