The mission of the Human Services Department is to enable individuals and families who find themselves in difficult situations to return to functioning as vital members of our society without relinquishing their dignity. The ultimate goal is to render assistance in a professional manner at the lowest cost to the town taxpayers.
Financial assistance is rendered in accordance with the guidelines adopted by the selectmen and governed by state law. By law there is no limit to the amount of assistance that may be granted to any one household. Nor is there any stipulation controlling the type of assistance that may be expended. Ultimately, assistance may vary from one time food or prescription assistance to many months of shelter costs or on-going medical costs, depending on the need presented and the requirement of the guidelines. Reimbursement is requested and clients sign an agreement to do so if they become financially able.
The office operates as mandated by state law RSA 165:1. Pursuant to law, citizens of our community are assisted and served or as law states “relieved and maintained”. The method of service is governed by the need presented. Each need and family situation reveals its unique problems and difficulties. Whether it is direct financial assistance to meet a basic need, help with budgeting, paper work or understanding and navigating the fragmented Social Services of New Hampshire, it is the responsibility of this office to perform these duties. This burden of responsibility became more realistic in 2004 when taxpayers voted to make the office full time.
2004 brought an increase in outreach to the community but interestingly a decrease in actual expenditures. Even with the continued lack of affordable housing, the soaring cost of prescription drugs, the necessary use of local shelters and temporary housing costs decreased.
The breakdown for 2004 expenditures is as follows:
Food |
$ 6,565.47* |
Housing |
$33,085.08 |
Fuel |
$ 2,975.99** |
Medical |
$ 4,576.53 |
Misc. |
$ 417.99 |
TOTAL: |
$47,621.06 |
*Individual food vouchers beyond food pantry distribution
**This figure does not reflect the $25,770.00 in federal fuel assistance allocated to clients in the town.
An additional $4,815.93 was expended from Town Trust Funds to meet special needs. Sixty-five households received direct financial assistance and an additional 110 households were assisted by other means. These figures do not reflect supplemental sources such as service organizations and private donations.
Operation Christmas 2004 was again a great success. 75 households received holiday food boxes and 60 households received additional holiday gifts. On behalf of all the recipients, sincere appreciation is sent to all who graciously gave of their time, money and energy.
No person should be without food, shelter or medical attention in our community. Please do not hesitate to make referrals or inquiries. All information is confidential.
| 
