Eligible residents and businesses must apply by this date to receive support from the Fund
Essex County Community Foundation announced today that the application deadline for support from its Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund is Nov. 5.
All eligible* residents and businesses impacted by the Sept. 13 Columbia Gas fires in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover must file an application by that date to ensure they receive the current $550 stipend gift – and any future gift – being granted by the Fund. If you lost gas service as a result of the crisis, and it was not restored by Oct. 1, you may be eligible to apply.
“The goal of the Fund is to gift $550 to every single household or business that is eligible,” said Beth Francis, president and CEO of Essex County Community Foundation. “We are urging people to spread the word about the application deadline to friends and neighbors – especially those without Internet and email access – so we can help as many people as possible.”
On Sept. 13, explosions and fires caused by over-pressurized Columbia Gas lines ripped through neighborhoods in the three communities, killing one man, injuring dozens of others and destroying homes. On Oct. 1, Governor Charlie Baker, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera and Andover and North Andover Town Managers Andrew Flanagan and Andrew Maylor initiated the Fund at ECCF to provide much-needed support to those affected.
As of Oct. 18, the Greater Lawrence Disaster Relief Fund has received over 10,000 applications, and 6,726 gifts of $550 – totaling nearly $3.7 million – have been delivered to those struggling from the long-term effects of being without gas service. The Fund has also been working with local nonprofits to provide additional services to those with the greatest need.
“Fund advisors, our nonprofit partners, volunteers and staff have been working so hard to make this all happen,” said Francis. “But again, we really want to make sure we are reaching all those who are eligible.”
The easiest way to apply is still online at www.GLDRF.org. Applications are also being accepted by calling 211 and by visiting an application drop-in center, though locations and drop-in center hours have changed, effective Oct. 22 – Nov. 9:
Hours and Locations for application drop-in centers for Oct. 22-Nov. 9
Lawrence Senior Center
155 Haverhill St., Lawrence
Monday: 11am – 7pm
Tuesday: 11am – 7pm
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 11am – 7pm
Friday: 11am – 3pm
* New applications will not be accepted after Nov. 5
Andover/North Andover YMCA
165 Haverhill St., Andover
Monday: 4-6pm
Tuesday: 4-6pm
Wednesday: 4-6pm
Thursday: 4-6pm
Friday: 4-6pm
* New applications will not be accepted after Nov. 5.
“If you are eligible, you must apply by Nov. 5,” said Francis. “We do not want anyone to miss out on the opportunity to receive the support they need.”
More Information at: eccf.org/
