Hilltown CDC Social Services Programs 

The Hampshire County Hilltowns served by Hilltown CDC suffer from a lack of social service programs, especially for elders and families. Though Community development organizations often focus on economic development, maintaining affordable housing and community planning, Hilltown CDC includes Social Services as a priority area. Hilltown CDC is dedicated to filling the social services gap in the Hilltowns and remains acutely aware of area social needs and is committed to the intensive nature of ongoing fundraising for social programs in rural areas. 

Mass. Community Development Block Grants form the base, though not the total extent, of funding for Hilltown CDC social service programs, which require many supplementary funding sources in order to insure stability and provide continuity.

Northern Hilltown Food Pantry

The Northern Hilltown Food Pantry has been serving the northern Hampshire County Hilltowns since 1990.  Once a program of the Hampshire Community Action Commission, the Pantry is again regularly serving eligible residents under the guiding hand of the Northampton Survival Center.  The new Pantry is located at the rear entrance to the Goshen Town Hall where over 200 individuals, representing over 100 families, share in the monthly distribution of emergency supplemental foods.  Distributions are scheduled on the 3rd Wednesday afternoon of each month.  Scheduling and eligibility information may be obtained by calling 268-7578 or 586-6564.  This much needed and heavily utilized program is now included within Hilltown CDC’s annual CDBG grant applications as a social service activity.  Survival Center Executive Director Heidi Norton-Smith, and Hilltown Pantry Manager Diane Meehan coordinate the Pantry. 

Interview with Diane Meehan, Manager, Hilltown Food Pantry