Wayland Community Fund Surpasses $500,000 in help to Wayland Residents

Since December 1997, The Wayland Community Fund has provided half a million dollars in short-term financial help to people in Wayland.  Assisting with rent, utilities, particularly heating oil, food, medical expenses, children’s’ clothing, and many other items, the WCF has, for the past 18 years, served as a vital safety net for Wayland residents.

Staffed by five unpaid volunteers, the WCF has no operating costs.  Volunteers cover their own expenses.  100% of every dollar contributed goes directly toward providing help.  

The WCF is funded, in part, by a bequest from long-time Wayland resident Suzanne Leavitt and by contributions from people in Wayland.  The organization receives no funding from Wayland or any public agency.

Whom have they helped over the years?  Many recipients have serious, sometimes terminal, medical conditions.  They are unable to even handle co-payments. Grandparents living on social security are raising young children.  There have been teenagers left on their own with no family or other support.  There are homeless in Wayland.  You just don’t see them.  Two women were living in their cars.  One had a child.   Some people, who were out of work, only needed a small boost to help them get on their feet.  Others have more complex problems that take a longer time to resolve.    

Applicants must have lived in Wayland for at least one year, as stipulated in the bequest, and they are required to submit financial information and copies of their bills.  The WCF sends payment directly to vendors such as utility companies.  Applicants are not given cash.

For more information please visit the WCF page on the Town of Wayland web site or look for the brochures in the town building and library (also online here).

If you would like to help support the Wayland Community Fund so they can continue their vital work please send a tax deductible check to the Wayland Community Fund, Wayland Town Building Wayland MA 01778.

Submitted by:  Michael Patterson, Chairman, WCF

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