HOPKINTON — Town Manager Norman Khumalo and Director of Hopkinton Youth & Family Services Dawn Alcott are pleased to announce that Hopkinton’s Youth & Family Services department has disbursed dozens of grants to Hopkinton residents disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic, and is continuing to accept applications.
In 2021, a $4 billion spending package was passed at the state level to invest in the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 economic recovery. The legislation utilizes $2.55 billion in funding from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and $1.45 billion in funding from the state budget surplus for Fiscal Year 2021. The Town of Hopkinton was allocated a $90,000 grant by the Commonwealth, which is allowing the Town to help residents who have been disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic through this Economic Recovery Grant program.
Since the grant application became available in November 2022, the Town helped 36 families in the first month, with each household receiving up to $1,600.
“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic negatively impacted many people in our community, and we are pleased to see those in need taking advantage of this opportunity to recover from some of the economic challenges they’ve experienced,” Director Alcott said.
As a result of strong demand, applications will continue to be accepted until further notice. Applications should be submitted to Hopkinton Youth & Family Services by mail, 18 Main St., Hopkinton, MA 01748, or via the mail slot on the Town Hall front door. One grant award will be made per household. Grant disbursements will be delivered via check mailed to the resident.
“The Town of Hopkinton continues to be ready and willing to do what we can to help those in need, especially amid the 64% increase in electricity costs, plus heating oil costs this winter,” Town Manager Khumalo said. “We are pleased to have already helped over 30 families through this program, and I thank our Youth & Family Services and Accounting teams for processing the applications and disbursing this important funding.”
The grant application is available in the following languages:
- Grant Application (in English)
- Arabic Application
- Spanish Application
- Urdu Application
- Russian Application
- Portuguese Application
- Chinese Application
- Korean Application
Qualifying COVID-19 pandemic impacts may include: job loss, furlough debts, overdue utility bills, education loss, medical expenses (including behavioral health), cost of fuel/gasoline, costs of basic needs impacted by inflation, inability to address home or car repairs to cover other expenses, or other needs.
Applicants must provide proof of current Hopkinton residency and documentation of proof of need, which includes: Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Fuel Assistance Eligibility Letter; SNAP Eligibility Letter; Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) Eligibility Letter; Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children Eligibility Letter; Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Eligibility Letter, or a letter of receipt of Financial Assistance from the Hopkinton Public Schools.
Residents who have never applied to the programs listed above and/or believe that they may qualify are encouraged to contact the Outreach/Social Services Department through Hopkinton Senior Services at 508-497-9730, or Hopkinton Youth & Family Services at 508-497-9781.
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