Tri‑County Community Action team to offer energy and assistance intake at townhouse next week

Town staff told the Selectmen that Tri‑County Community Action will operate an outreach unit next Tuesday and Wednesday beside the townhouse to help residents with benefit screenings, with a particular emphasis on energy assistance ahead of winter. The outreach unit will provide application help and referrals to programs that residents may not know exist.

Staff reported distributing flyers at post offices, the food pantry and to neighboring towns; the town will also place a sandwich‑board sign and send an e‑blast to encourage turnout. The outreach is intended to identify residents eligible for a range of supports—energy assistance was singled out because of seasonal need—but staff emphasized the unit will assess each person’s situation and link them to any appropriate programs.

Why it matters: The event is a targeted community service effort to connect low‑ and moderate‑income residents with benefits and services they may otherwise miss. The town encouraged residents to come in for screening even if they think they won’t qualify for a specific program.

Key details - Event timing: Two‑day outreach next Tuesday and Wednesday (dates promoted via flyers and e‑blast; staff to publish further details). - Focus: Intake and enrollment assistance, with staff specifically noting energy assistance applications ahead of the winter season. - Outreach: Flyers posted at local distribution points; administrative staff will include the event in an upcoming e‑blast and on the town website.

Next steps: Staff will attempt to add program eligibility summaries to the next e‑blast and website posting and to continue efforts to maximize turnout for the first outreach event.

Ending: Selectmen thanked staff for organizing the outreach and encouraged residents to take advantage of the service.