Over the years, the fund has raised and disbursed hundreds of thousands of dollars to Melrose residents and families in need, helping them maintain housing, purchase groceries or small necessities, and warm their homes even in the coldest of the winter months.

The Office of Mayor Paul Brodeur is kicking off its 2022 fundraising campaign for the Melrose Emergency Fund, which provides financial relief to Melrose residents and families in a state of financial emergency.

Since its founding in 1996, the Melrose Emergency Fund has been connecting and providing Melrose residents in need with the resources, programs and the financial assistance they need to create an equitable and collaborative community. Most of the help the fund provides is for basic needs—food, fuel, utilities, and rent.

“Every year, we observe first-hand the long-standing tradition of neighbors helping neighbors here in Melrose,” said Mayor Brodeur. “The Emergency Fund keeps our community members financially afloat, safe, and healthy all year-round. We ask you to consider donating this year to help the many Melrose families trying to get out of debt with utility companies, maintain housing in Melrose, or put food on the table. The residents receiving your donation are those who are often forced to make the difficult decision between buying groceries or paying utility bills. Thank you for your continued generosity.”

The fund depends entirely on donations from the public, and every donation goes directly to aid Melrose residents. Over the years, the fund has accepted and disbursed hundreds of thousands of dollars in donations to Melrose families. In fiscal year 2022, the Melrose Emergency Fund received $44,964.00 in donations and disbursed approximately $18,365 in rent and mortgage assistance; $4,169 in utility assistance; $2,911 in miscellaneous assistance; and $362 in temporary housing assistance.

Donate to the Melrose Emergency Fund

To donate, send a check to Melrose Emergency Fund, Mayor’s Office, 562 Main St., Melrose, MA 02176 or bring it directly to the Mayor’s Office on the second floor of City Hall. Checks should be made out to the City of Melrose, with “Melrose Emergency Fund” in the memo line. Contributions may also be made through the City of Melrose Online Bill Payments webpage.

There is no overhead because city staff administer the funds as part of their regular duties. All applications are confidential. For questions regarding donating to the Emergency Fund, call (781) 979-4440.

Reach out if You Need Assistance

Community members in need of financial assistance can apply online or download an application on the City’s website at www.cityofmelrose.org/emergencyfund. All applications are reviewed by the Melrose Emergency Fund Advisory Board.

Every individual and family assisted by the Emergency Fund also has an opportunity to work with the City’s team of social service team to develop a plan of action to gain financial stability and health and wellness.

Learn about More About the Melrose Emergency Fund

Listen to the latest episode of the Brodeur Bulletin Podcast (BBP) to dive deeper into the history and purpose of the Melrose Emergency Fund with Mayor Brodeur and Rachael Cordella, social services coordinator for the Council on Aging. All BBP's are recorded in studio at MMTV.