Holden Chapel members, and regular attendees may apply for short-term financial assistance from the Elder’s Fund. While we give priority to requests from members and regular attendees, we consider requests from others whenever possible. We can only offer one-time, short-term assistance. We cannot provide long-term, repeated assistance. We help with food, heating costs and certain housing expenses. Also, we cannot help with medical expenses, credit card payments, taxes, or legal expenses.
Steps to Applying for Financial Assistance
Follow the steps below to make application. The process generally takes two weeks.
1. Complete the Aide Request Application.
An aide request application can be found on the Media/Resources page on this website. Please read that page carefully. While completing the application, gather the required documentation that must accompany the application.
2. Return the completed application and the required documentation to the church.
Return the application in one of three ways. In person to the church office. By mail to Elder’s Fund, Holden Chapel, 279 Reservoir Street, Holden, MA 01520.o By Fax, 508-829-4443, Attention: Elder’s Fund Bills and other documentation must be in the name of the person requesting assistance.
3. Move through the review process.
Before applications can be considered by the Elders, applications are reviewed and verified. This process normally takes 72 hours, and may include, with the applicant's concurrence, background checks on the applicant and all adults residing in the household. Refusal to permit a background check may jeopardize assistance. If the identity of any applicant cannot be verified, or if any information provided is proved to be false, no assistance will be given.
4. Move through the interview process.
Applicants may be asked to meet with Financial Peace budget coaches to clarify issues of need and to assist in other ways to deal with financial shortfalls. Completing an application and being interviewed does not guarantee that assistance will be provided. If assistance is approved, payment will be made by check to the service providers (mortgage company, utility company, etc.). No cash in any form will be given to the applicant. An interview —budget coaching and committee consideration—often requires probing, asking detailed, difficult, and potentially uncomfortable questions, and analysis of the applicant's situation and spending habits. Applicants should be prepared for this potentiality.
Have Questions?
If you have more questions about financial assistance, call the Chapel or, contact us online. We reply to inquires when staff and volunteers are in the office (Monday–Thursday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.).
Other Helping Organizations
Wachusett Food Pantry – 508-829-2749
Mary Queen of the Rosary Food Pantry – Spencer – 508-885-3332
