There’s a safety net in Holliston for residents who are experiencing a financial emergency, and it’s called the Holliston Community Action Fund (HCAF). The idea, says John Drohan, one of the organization’s founders, “is to get (Holliston residents) out of the hole and get you back on your feet, if you can’t pay mortgage, don’t have rent or housing, can’t pay an electric bill, if a child needs something for school they can’t afford, or if someone needs their car fixed so they can go to work.” 

 This month, you can help the HCAF in a fun way. For the second year, on October 9, MusicFest will take place from 5:30-9 p.m. at Rushford’s and Sons Tap Room, 747 Washington St., featuring Duo Colin Fields and Angelo Damato with Special Guest The Jasper Anthony Downtown Band. The event will include a live auction, silent auction and optional food truck meal.  

According to John Drohan, the Holliston Community Action Fund was born back in 2009 as “an altruistic, nonprofit part of the Holliston Business Association,” he explains, modeled something like the Army Emergency Relief Fund he’d observed during his military service, which would support soldiers experiencing a financial need. In addition, he says, “there was this idea of connecting it with the Department of Youth and Family Services (HYFS) in town, as there was an Ashland fund similar to this, and all of the applicants go through that department, which made a whole lot of sense to us” says Drohan. That partnership, he says, “was a match made in heaven.” The HCAF, which became a 501 c3 in 2013, generally writes checks to the party owed, such as a utility company, protecting the confidentiality of the residents who need short-term emergency financial assistance.

“The Community Action Fund has been instrumental to the community,” says Jackie Winer, Program Director of Holliston Youth & Family Services, “We have given out over $18K in financial assistance for things like rent and mortgage relief, utilities assistance, transportation, heat and energy, and families are always are so grateful for the hand-up and feel so empowered after they leave our office with the resources that they’re able to access via the CAF. It’s a wonderful organization. We’re so lucky to have that partnership.” 

The HCAF is able to do this thanks to donations. In past years, HCAF has conducted direct donation campaigns that have provided thousands of dollars for Holliston Families in need. The HCAF greatly appreciates the donations of individuals, as well as generous businesses like Vesta, Fiske’s, Lamont Plumbing and the Holliston Dental Associates. With your help, the Holliston Community Action Fund looks forward to making a difference again this year. Donations are gratefully accepted in any amount at any time, online, at https://hollistoncommunityaction.org.

If you are a community member in need of emergency assistance, please contact Holliston Youth and Family Services at 508-429-0620 or at https://www.townofholliston.us/youth-and-family-services

HCAF also promotes community involvement activities for our youth. Student involvement began in 2017. High school and middle school students work with parents on the committee to raise funds and boost awareness of the need for emergency support of our residents in need, as well as working towards community betterment projects.

“We have a really strong group this year,” says Drohan, estimating 30-40 students are involved. 

This 2nd Annual Fall Music Show fundraising event is $20 in advance or at the door.  There is limited capacity of 150, so get your tickets soon.  Contact [email protected] to reserve tickets.