Melrose Emergency Fund
History of the Melrose Emergency Fund
The Melrose Emergency Fund was originally established in 1996, after 25 families were displaced by two fires. Mayor Richard Lyons proposed, and the Board of Aldermen approved, a fund to accept donations “for the purpose of providing relief and aid to resident families found in emergency need,” and the Mayor’s Office was given sole control of expenditures. Since that time, the fund has accepted and disbursed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to Melrose families, with a focus on basic needs such as food, rent, and utilities.
How the Fund Works
Several years ago, responsibility for day-to-day administration of the fund was transferred from the Mayor's Office to the Council on Aging, under the supervision of the Mayor. The Mayor’s Office remains responsible for fund-raising and managing donations. The Melrose Emergency Fund Advisory Board supplements the current system by offering technical assistance and advice to the fund administrator. All client information remains strictly confidential, but the fund administrator provides a quarterly report to the board outlining expenditures in broad terms (i.e. total amounts spent on food, rent, etc.).
Donate to the Fund and Make a Difference in Your Community
Those wishing to contribute to the Emergency Fund may do so via check payable to the City of Melrose with "Emergency Fund" in the memo line. Contributions can also be made online (through the city’s online bill payments webpage, under the “Make a Donation” heading).
Checks can be sent or brought directly to the Mayor’s Office at 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176. The office is located on the second floor. Checks should be made out to the City of Melrose, with “Melrose Emergency Fund” in the memo line. For questions regarding the Emergency Fund, call (781) 979-4440.
Apply for Financial Relief Through Fund
If you need assistance from the Emergency Fund, please either make an inquiry to the Melrose Emergency Fund Advisory Board or download an application to complete. All applications are kept confidential.
Applications should be mailed, scanned/emailed, or hand delivered to the Melrose Council on Aging, located at 235 W. Foster Street, or the Mayor’s office, located at 562 Main Street. Scanned or digital applications should be emailed to emergencyfund@cityofmelrose.org.
Learn More
For more information regarding the Emergency Fund and its policies, please review the Policies and Procedures for the Melrose Emergency Fund.