DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JANUARY 21, 2022
Whiting Street Fund Committee Seeks Grant Applications from Local Agencies and
Organizations to Address Housing Insecurity and Homelessness
NORTHAMPTON - Mayor David J. Narkewicz announced today that the Whiting Street Fund Committee has issued its annual request for grant applications from local organizations and agencies and is seeking proposals from organizations helping to address housing insecurity and homelessness.
The Committee, an advisory body made up of five residents appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council, is charged with overseeing the distribution of income earned on a fund held in trust by the City of Northampton. Mr. Whiting Street, a successful Northampton businessman, left $25,000 to the City of Northampton in his will in 1875. Street, who reportedly valued thrift and hard work, attached specific stipulations to his gift, instructing that the money be used “for the relief and comfort of the worthy poor.”
For 2022, the Committee is charged with recommending the distribution of $45,000, as either single or multiple grants, from the Whiting Street Trust for addressing housing insecurity and homelessness. Housing insecurity is generally defined as the lack of security in an individual’s housing that is the result of high housing costs relative to income, poor housing quality, unstable neighborhoods, or overcrowding. Homelessness is defined as a lack of a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence, and if living in a shelter designated for temporary living accommodation or in a place not designated for human habitation.
Applicants for a Whiting Street Fund grant must be a not-for-profit organization or governmental agency and all funds must be used for direct service to city residents. Applications are due on December 13, 2021, and are available on the city website at: https://northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/18368/2022-Whiting-Street-Application
Awards will be made on or before February 1, 2022. For more information, please contact City Treasurer/Collector Kristine Bissell at kbissell@northamptonma.gov or by calling 413-587-1296.