State budget includes $40,000 for Resilient Randolph Fund

Wicked Local, Randolph

December 14, 2020

Three members of Randolph's Beacon Hill delegation has secured an additional $40,000 in the fiscal year 2021 state budget for United Way's Resilient Randolph Fund for financial assistance and expanded food distribution for low-income residents. The budget was signed into law by Governor Baker Dec. 11.

State Reps. Bill Driscoll Jr. and Bruce Ayers, and state Sen. Walter Timilty helped secure the funds. The Resilient Randolph Fund was established in June in partnership with the Town of Randolph to rapidly disburse funds on behalf of Randolph residents who urgently need assistance with rent/mortgage payments, food, and other basic needs. United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, the Boston Foundation and Envision Bank have donated more than $170,000 to the Resilient Randolph Fund, but while more than 250 households have received assistance, there are still nearly 100 outstanding requests for help.

“The tremendous financial burden confronting so many residents, during this pandemic, has been unprecedented," Timilty stated. "In response, we have seen businesses and volunteers step up to help their fellow neighbor. Specifically, the Resilient Randolph Fund has been providing direct help to our Randolph residents in need of food and shelter, thanks to the assistance from the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley. ”As a result, my colleagues and I, in the Massachusetts State Legislature, fought for this funding to provide much-needed relief to the constituents whom we proudly serve."

All donations are being collected by United Way and distributed by South Shore Stars and NeighborWorks Housing Solutions, established local nonprofit organizations with a track record of administering assistance funds.

"Securing this funding was a priority for Randolph's legislative delegation," Driscoll said. "The rolling nature of economic recovery from COVID-19 underscores the importance of local support programs. “I am happy that the $40,000 allocation will make it possible to assist more Randolph families and move them off of the waiting list."

“During difficult times, the legislature continues to step up and approve funding for programs to help residents in need,” Ayers said. “I’m pleased that the House and Senate concur on the importance of the funding we’ve secured for Resilient Randolph. These funds, administered through the great work of United Way, will have a big impact on assisting our residents most in need during this pandemic.”

“During these very difficult times, local funding is so important to help many of our residents make ends meet,” said Randolph Town Manager Brian Howard. “We receive at least thirty inquiries per day from residents looking for food and financial resources. The Resilient Randolph Fund has already helped so many of our residents thanks to generous support from United Way, the Boston Foundation, Envision Bank, and many others including Randolph residents. Randolph is grateful to Rep Ayers and Driscoll and to Senator Timilty for securing much needed state support for this fund. We are in this together and Randolph will remain resilient.”

All gifts to the Resilient Randolph Fund are tax-deductible and 100% of the proceeds (net credit card fees) will go to individuals seeking assistance via the nonprofits already working in our community. Donations can be made by credit card or through a donor advised fund online or by sending a check to United Way of Massachusetts Bay, PO Box 412866, Boston, MA. 02241-2866. Please make checks out to United Way of Massachusetts Bay and include “Resilient Randolph Fund” in the memo of the check.