The situation of a Chatham senior facing difficulty paying ever-increasing property taxes recently brought to the attention of the select board (see story on page 1) raises the question of what help is available to the region’s elderly who face financial difficulties. 

In the past, local towns had their own welfare boards and separate funds to help elderly and disabled residents. Today, towns do not provide direct financial assistance to residents, but there are numerous local non-profits that can help under certain circumstances, including food insecurity, heating assistance and payment of rent, mortgage and some bills in specific situations.

There are more seniors who need assistance than is apparent given the town’s upscale reputation.

 “First and foremost is the food piece,” said Leah LaCross, Chatham’s community services director. Situations where seniors had to choose between food and medication — or even their own food and feeding their beloved pets — are not unusual, she said.

The Family Pantry of Cape Cod’s Healthy Meals in Motion program provides monthly food deliveries to the council on aging. Participants fill out an application providing information on household size and groceries needed, but LaCross noted that no financial information is required. The third Wednesday of the month a van arrives with the food, and participants drive up to the Center for Active Living and volunteers load the groceries into vehicles. 

When the program began two and a half years ago, there were 14 participants. Now there are more than 50, LaCross said. Participating in the program also allows seniors to sign up for fuel assistance, she added.

The council on aging — not just in Chatham but in other Lower Cape towns — also provides counseling and other services to seniors, including help with Medicare through SHINE counselors. Outreach coordinators can help identify services that seniors need, LaCross said.

 “They’re very creative,” she noted.

Examples include legal advice through WE CAN and several organizations that can provide short-term financial relief by paying unexpected bills or rent and utilities for those going through hard times. These include the Chatham Ecumenical Council, the St. Vincent DePaul Society, the Lower Cape Outreach Council and Homeless Not Hopeless. The COA does not provide financial counseling, however. 

The Cedar Street homeowner’s situation is, unfortunately, not unique, LaCross said. Many seniors want to stay in their homes, and while many may not have mortgages, upkeep and taxes can be a financial burden. Even with Chatham’s low tax rate, “it can be very hard to keep up with,” LaCross said.

 “It’s unfortunately far from rare,” she said.

Seniors who are able to can volunteer for the town in exchange for a $500 annual reduction in their property taxes. 

 “It’s helpful for seniors who utilize it, and it gets them involved in the town,” LaCross noted.

   Chatham - 508-945-5190
   Brewster - 508-896-2737
   Orleans - 508-255-6333
   Harwich - 508-430-7550

Family Pantry of Cape Cod – www.thefamilypantry.com, 508-432-6519

Lower Cape Outreach Council – www.lcoutreach.org, 508-240-0694

St. Vincent DePaul Society – 508-237-7983

Chatham Ecumenical Council – www.preventingcapehomelessness.org/

Harwich Ecumenical Council for Housing -- www.hech.org/

Homeless Not Hopeless – www.homelessnothopeless.org/