“Families can’t move up the economic continuum to self sufficiency unless their basic needs are met,” says Jeffery J. Hayward, vice president of public policy at the United Way of Massachusetts Bay. The AGM member devotes about 15% of its grantmaking to basic services. “But these needs far surpass the capacity of private-sector philanthropy. We need to inform policymakers at the federal level of the unmet need. The federal government is not doing enough to provide basic services. Foundations have to advocate for more public support.”

“Utilities are telling their customers to call us,” says Beth Chambers of Catholic Charities. “Where’s the help on their end?” New tools are emerging, according to energy advocates. “Massachusetts is a good state for the low-income energy consumer,” says John Howat, senior policy analyst at the National Consumer Law Center, “but not good enough. The ‘Heat Bill’ requires utilities to implement arrearage management [a program that discounts and forgives a portion of unpaid bills]. But they can ask for at least 25% of the back bill as down payment. Given what they already owe, a lot of households will find this benefit out of reach.”

In September, the Boston Foundation released its third annual Housing Report Card, which ranked Greater Boston as the most expensive metropolitan area in the United States, with high housing costs a significant factor. In a region where even middle-class households strain to keep up with the basics, the cost of living is pushing the vulnerable to the brink of homelessness. Now in its third and final year, the Homelessness Prevention Initiative is engaging 19 nonprofits across the state in developing best practices to serve households at risk. Funders are the Boston Foundation, the Starr Foundation, Tufts Health Plan, the Massachusetts Medical Society and Alliance Charitable Foundation.

In Lawrence, MA, where 84% of the children live in households below the federal poverty threshold, Lazarus House Ministries serves neighbors in need. Its free services include a daily soup kitchen, a weekly food pantry, medical and dental clinics, a preschool program and thrift shops where, twice a year, parents can obtain up to four sets of clothing for their children and themselves.

Associated Grant Makers (AGM) is a regional membership association of foundation staff and trustees, corporate grant makers, donors, and philanthropic advisory services. AGM supports the practice and expansion of effective philanthropic giving and builds connections with nonprofit leaders in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.