Emergency Assistance Fund

Four Foundations Join Forces to Create
$1.1 Million Emergency Assistance Fund

Fund Helps Massachusetts Residents Struggling with Food and Fuel Costs

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Harwich Port, Mass., November 25, 2008 - The Eos Foundation of Boston and Harwich Port, the Highland Street Foundation of Boston, the Fireman Foundation of Boston, and an additional foundation donating anonymously have created a $1.1 million Emergency Assistance Fund. These funds will be immediately deployed to nonprofits across the state to help Massachusetts residents meet their food and fuel needs. The fund was officially announced today at the Greater Boston Food Bank, at a press conference featuring Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray.

This winter, residents throughout Massachusetts, will be feeling the effects of the triple threat of rising fuel costs, increased food costs, and home foreclosures. Unfortunately for some, food will become a discretionary expenditure, creating a difficult choice between paying for heat or food. Those with low and moderate incomes will face an even more daunting challenge - keeping up with mortgage or rent payments.

"Family foundations often quietly and anonymously donate funds to individual organizations and programs. As a group, Eos, Highland Street, Fireman, and the fourth foundation donating anonymously wanted to create this 'foundation consortium' to maximize the impact we can make, and to set an example of collaboration. During this economic crisis, it is more important than ever to step up to the plate and help those in need," said Andrea Silbert, Eos president.

"We applaud the efforts of these four family foundations in providing aid to people throughout Massachusetts who may be looking for assistance in the coming months," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. "These foundations recognize the breadth of the issues facing residents and their actions will hopefully spur others to step up and do the same."

"The recent economic turmoil, combined with increases in food and fuel costs, has set the stage for a financially troubling winter for Massachusetts residents," said David McGrath, Highland Street Foundation trustee. "We encourage our neighbors to consider charitable giving in whatever way they are able - financial support, donation of food products or volunteering to help those in need."

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