With all the bad news on the economy there are a lot of folks who will be hit hard and some may have to make choices they thought they would never have to make. I thought I would do some web surfing to try to find local resources. I have come up with the following:

Southbridge Interfaith Hospitality Network – This site provides information for people in need of meals, shelter & comprehensive assistance to homeless families.

Mass Resources.Org - This website provides free public resources for those in need of food, healthcare, and other basic services. This website also provides an Eligibility Checker to see if you may be eligible.

The United Way of Southrbidge, Sturbridge, & Charlton – The United Way is here to help. Contact 2-1-1 for helpful resources in our community.

Meals on Wheels, Southbridge – This link provides the phone number & address of the Meals on Wheels location.

Tri-Valley Inc. – This website offers a multitude of services for those who may need them.

Some folks will have to turn to space heaters as an alternative means of heat – some may have to use their kitchen stoves – some will have nothing.

A space heater can be dangerous – and it is not meant to run constantly, clothes may get caught in them –so many different scenarios, so many times a reality.

We need to be aware of these situations – If you know of someone, perhaps a neighbor or a friend is having a hard time trying to make ends meet and must choose between heat & food or food & rent, try to help by directing them to local resources – maybe have them over for dinner – talk with them and let them know you’re there for them.

If someone you know is in need of help and they may be to "proud" to ask for help, maybe you can anonymously make the call for them to your local United Way or the Tri-Valley Inc. to see if there is anything they can do to help. Maybe even calling a local church – They may be able to assist or direct you towards someone that could.

Notes of Interest!

There is a food drive by the Boy Scouts taking place on the Town Common on Saturday, November 8, 2008 – The Boy Scouts will be camping out and accepting donations!

The Downtown Partnership has launched their "Warm Up Southbridge" drive – Donations can be made at several locations throughout town – Big Bunny – Big Y – Southbridge Senior Center. Donations Accepted: Coats, Gloves & Mittens, Hats, Socks, Scarves, Blankets.