FINANCIAL

This program helps Westwood Residents with financial assistance. Assistance might be provided to elderly people with tight budgets and rising utility bills, children who need school supplies or medical treatment, or families who have experienced job loss or other financial crisis and are struggling to make ends meet. Every situation is unique and so assistance is provided in order received or by severity.

REQUEST HELP

Westwood Community Chest provides short-term, emergency funding for individuals and families in need of assistance. The Community Chest works closely with the Town of Westwood, the Westwood Council on Aging, Westwood Youth & Family Services, and other community agencies to help assist residents with basic needs including rent, utilities, and medical expenses. Examples of Community Chest support include:
● Paid a rent bill for a resident experiencing job loss who had fallen behind on rent
● Paid a heating bill for a veteran who was unable to keep up with rising expenses
● Funded emergency dental surgery for a resident
● Paid summer camp fees for families in need of safe summer activities for their children

**WCC is not able to reimburse applicants for camp fees already paid.

CONFIDENTIALITY

Applications to the Westwood Community Chest are strictly confidential.

● Once you submit your application, your information is reviewed by Community Chest staff (staff members are not part of the Community Chest Board). Staff may request additional information in order for your application to be complete.
● When your application is complete, all personal information or any identifiers are removed by Community Chest staff: name, address, school district, neighborhood, etc.
● Your anonymous application is then reviewed by the Community Chest Board. Board members view applications by number only (for example, “Applicant 32”).
● Following review, the Community Chest board will vote on your application.
● Staff will then tell you whether or not your application has been approved for funding. If approved, Community Chest staff will process all payments directly to the company or camp.
● From start to finish, your application is confidential.