To provide temporary financial support to Ashland families and citizens in need.
The objectives of the AEF are:
To provide emergency financial support for citizens of the Town of Ashland, who find themselves in need, who are unable to resolve that need without assistance, and who are unable to quickly get that emergency assistance from State, Federal or other sources;
To create a permanent fund from which moneys may be drawn to meet the emergency requirements of individuals and/or families living in Ashland;
To establish an association of individuals able to respond rapidly to emergency situations for which the Emergency Fund itself may not have adequate resources; and
To create a heightened sense of responsibility within the community of our duty to support our neighbors in need.
The Ashland Emergency Fund (AEF) provides financial assistance to recipients according to need, typically on a one-time basis. AEF support may continue until relevant assistance from state agencies is in place or until the crisis passes. Medical, heating, electric, rent and food are among the expenses for which the AEF offers support. And any Ashland resident can qualify: those receiving assistance are our neighbors and friends.
The Ashland Emergency Fund was founded in 1987 to assist townspeople who unexpectedly face financial challenges for which they have no realistic solution. Since its founding, the AEF has given approximately $500,000 to over 1000 Ashland citizens. Many of our friends and neighbors have benefited directly from the existence of the AEF. Expenses are covered and gifts are made with no strings attached and with no PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE of who the recipients are. The AEF is Ashland's behind-the-scenes, private place to which those in need have been able to turn for help.