The Wayland Community Fund just completed a successful year in which it was able to meet numerous requests for financial help from Wayland residents. Originally funded by a bequest from Suzanne Leavitt the fund is now supported primarily by contributions from Wayland residents and businesses.

During the last fiscal year the WCF paid almost 40 bills.  The largest number of payments were for assistance with overdue rent.  Some residents were facing eviction.  Utility payments were the next most common request as many residents faced shutoff or had oil tanks that were virtually empty.  Other payments went for food, medical bills, and children’s items.

Applicants must submit a request that includes financial information.  We do not provide cash; we pay bills.

Since it was established in December 1997 the organization has provided over $500,000 in assistance to people who live in Wayland.  Most of the people we help have multiple problems including health and medical issues, unemployment, and homelessness.  Some are grandparents supporting children on social security.  We have helped mothers with children and no home.  We have helped teenagers who had no place to live, no family or any economic resources.

The WCF is staffed by five unpaid volunteers.  We receive no public or taxpayer funding.   There are no overhead costs as the volunteers pay for mailings, brochure preparation, printing, and all incidental expenses.  One hundred percent of every dollar that is contributed goes directly towards helping people in Wayland.

For further information please see the Wayland Community Fund page on the Town of Wayland website.

Michael Patterson, Chairman