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Home > Departments > Council On Aging > COMMUNITY SERVICES
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| BROWN BAG DISTRIBUTION | This food commodity program is for senior citizens 55 years of age and older who meet specific low income requirements. An application must be filled out and mailed to the Western Mass. Food Bank, Inc. The distribution is held on the 2nd Tuesday of the month at St. John's Lutheran Church, 60 Broad Street from 10:00am to 11:00am. Any donation is greatly appreciated. Please call the COA at 562-6435 for more information about this program. Applications are available at the Council on Aging/Senior Center.
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| SHINE (Serving the Health Information Needs of Elders) | | SHINE Counselors are trained and certified by the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide free information, counseling and assistance to seniors on topics such as Medicare, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medicaid/MassHealth, Medicare Prescription Drug plans, Insurance Claim forms and other health insurance options. If you have any questions or need an appointment with Karen Noblit, our SHINE Counselor, please call the Council on Aging at 562-6435. |
| FUEL ASSISTANCE APPLICATIONS | Fuel Assistance applications for the 2009/2010 heating season are available at the Council on Aging/Senior Center. There are income guidelines and documentation is required. Please contact Karen Noblit at the Westfield Council on Aging at 562-6435 for more information.
**Must meet income guidelines, however, do not have to be a senior citizen to apply**
Income Guidelines for the 2009/2010 heating season:
Family Size:
1 Person Income must be Below: $29,126
2 People Income must be Below: $38,087
3 People Income must be Below: $47,049
4 People Income must be Below: $56,011
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| FOOD STAMPS/SNAP BENEFITS | | The Westfield Council on Aging has Food Stamp/SNAP Benefits applications available upon request. There are eligibility requirements for this program, please contact Karen at the Council on Aging for more information or to schedule an appointment. |
| Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP) |  |
The state-funded Home Modification Loan Program provides loans to make modifications to the primary, permanent residence of elders, adults with disabilities, and families with children with disabilities.
Such modifications allow people to remain in their homes to live independently in their communities.
There are six agencies throughout the state that administer the program for MRC (Mass Rehabilitation Commission).
If an accessible bathroom, ramp or stair lift, or wider doorways would improve your quality of life and help you remain in your home, take advantage of this loan!
Home Modification Loans of up to $30,000 are made at 0% or 3% rate, depending on household income. With generous income guidelines most homeowners qualify for a 0% loan, with repayment required when the home is sold or transferred.
Any homeowner is eligible who is a frail elder or has a disability, has a household member who has a disability, or rents to an individual with a disability may apply for this loan. The residence's owner must apply for the loan.
*The following are 2009/2010 Income Guidelines for the program:
Household Size
1 Person
Income Below $63,100 qualifies for 0% Loan
Income between $63,101 and $126,200 qualifies for 3% Loan
2 People
Incomes Below $72,200 qualifies for 0% Loan
Incomes between $72,201 and $144,400 qualifies 3%Loan
*Income guidelines are based on the total gross household income.
Based on the income guidelines above, from $1,000 up to $30,000 may be borrowed in either a deferred payment loan (DPL) or an amortized loan, which is secured by a promissory note and/or a mortgage lien.
If you think you might be eligible, contact the provider agency below to start the application process.
HAP, Inc.
(Metro Springfield area and Northampton)
Marta Alvarez
413 233-1615
Pioneer Valley Planning Commission
(other Western Mass cities/towns)
Laurel Foley
413 781-6045
Please click on the links below for more information regarding this program. |
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