Town welfare dollars for 2007 continue a trend up, mainly due to housing and fuel. Many people who are working or receive state benefits cannot find affordable housing, or pay for fuel oil. Likewise rent is up, also due to heating costs.

 Over the past years I have seen the costs related to everyday living turn up, while welfare funding and Social Security seem to be standing still at 3%. An average rent in Ashland is about seven hundred to over a thousand dollars. While the average Social Security check hardly covers housing alone.

 Churches in Ashland, and our Community Center, do a great job supplying people in need with food.

_{In 2007 our residence received help with $31,967.00 for shelter related costs, $1,371.00 in emergency food vouchers, Help with Electric and fuel totaled more than $11,000.00. Prescriptions $448.00, Water and sewer $345.00.}

_{$45,268.59 was the total amount, paid in vouchers for emergency assistance. Of that $31,967.79 went for shelter costs. Just over two hundred fifty vouchers were written for emergency assistance.}

_{As welfare director I see first hand the concerns of our citizens for basic needs. We help with information on housing, jobs, and guide clients to the proper agency to provide short and long term needs.}

_{Welfare Officer, Robert B. Hicks}

₂₀₀₇