As the weather turns cold and winter holidays are upon us, folks in Bedford may be looking for some help. The Bedford Health and Human Services Department (HHS) has a variety of programs for Bedford residents who might need a hand this season. In addition to the weekly food bank, and continued assistance at the Bedford Plaza hotel, HHS has assisted in enrolling 117 Bedford residents in Project Ezra run by Temple Isaiah in Lexington. Project Ezra provides a hot turkey meal prepared and delivered by volunteers on Christmas Eve. In October, HHS helped families enroll in the Beacon Santa Program which provides assistance for purchasing holiday gifts.
- Winter coats, hats, and gloves. Anyone in need of a winter coat is invited to pick one up during Town Center hours. Just walk in and get a clean coat – all youth sizes are readily available.
- Heating Costs. All Massachusetts residents are encouraged to explore eligibility for the Home Energy Assistance Program. HHS Staff can help income-eligible residents apply and enroll in the program that provides direct assistance with heating costs (even for renters with heat included in rent).
- Food. Anyone who is experiencing food insecurity this holiday season can reach out to the HHS and be connected to programs such as SNAP, the Bedford Food Bank, and other urgent resources.
The Health and Human Services Department, which includes Youth and Family Services, the Health Department, Council on Aging, Food Bank, Recreation Department, and more can be found in the Town Center Building.
The Town Center building is the yellow building at 12 Mudge Way; parking is around the circle in the front of the building, around the back of the building, or in the parking lot adjacent to the town playground. HHS offices are generally open from Monday 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Friday 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Christopher Bang, Community Social Worker with the Health and Human Service Department, reminds folks that “Anyone in general who is experiencing hardship this holiday season or beyond and is in need of resources and/or connection to services can reach out to the HHS department at 781-275-7727.”
A few programs for people looking to help this holiday:
- $25 Gift Cards to Target, TJMaxx/Marshalls, Ocean State Job Lot, Amazon, or Walmart can be dropped off at a drop box in the lobby of the Bedford Police Department to give to families at the Bedford Plaza Hotel and within Bedford to purchase holiday gifts.
- Bedford Fire Annual Toy Collection will take place Saturday, Dec. 9, and Dec. 16 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. New unwrapped toys can be dropped off in the rear parking lot of Bedford High School.
- Donate to the Bedford Food Pantry that helps support the Bedford Food Bank at https://www.bedfordfoodpantry.org/content/donate
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