Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Community Services Coordinator Laura Ducharme are pleased to announce the launch of the Acton Emergency Assistance Program.

With this program, Acton households with short-term financial assistance for emergency needs are able to use grant funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The program is also developed to provide emergency assistance for rent, mortgage, utilities, and childcare.

Grants will total up to $1,000 in a 12-month period.

To be eligible, an applicant's gross household income must fall below ARPA income eligibility guidelines for low- and moderate-income households.

“We are pleased to offer this program to Acton residents in need or who face an unexpected emergency, and encourage residents to apply," Town Manager Mangiaratti said.

Seeing that this program has a rolling timeframe, assistance will be provided on a first-come. first-served basis. The Town reserves the right to alter that basis for exigent circumstances.

When approved, the funds will be paid directly to the vendor -- for example, a landlord, utility company, etc. -- and not the applicant.

The application form may be found here.

For more information, or assistance in applying for a grant, please contact the Community Services Office at 978-929-6651 or lducharme@acton-ma.gov.