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Date: 12/9/2020
SOUTHAMPTON – A committee elected by the citizens of the town of Southampton, known as the Almoners, has been around for decades. The group was created with the purpose of administering interest generated from the bequests designated in the wills of generous town residents to help those in need.
Beginning in the late 1800s, three Southampton residents created their wills, wishing to turn over some money to the town following their passing. Whiting Street was the first man to do so in 1878; donating $2,000. Harriet Chapman passed away in 1896, leaving the town $1,000. Finally, Lydia Ann Searle administered $17,000 in 1908.
In today’s day in age, the lump sum left behind is not a lot. However, all of this money is in accounts held by the Southampton Town Treasurer, with access for only the Almoners to use on the people of Southampton.
Cindy Palmer, chair of the Almoners said that the concept comes from alms-giving; meaning “for the poor.” Including Palmer, there are three others in the group.
“We are interested in finding out town residents in dire situations. Whether that be assistance with heating, shelter, clothing, medical care, safety, and in some cases, food,” stated Palmer. “We do not give money directly to the individual or family. The Almoners funds are used to cover an invoice,” she added.
A few of their efforts have included building ramps for handicap access and paying a single mom’s monthly rent to avoid eviction. “If someone is receiving treatment for a medical condition and they can only get it in Boston, we might be able to pay for the cost of tolls and gas,” said Palmer.
In order for the Almoner’s to be of service, they must receive a referral. Referrals can be anonymous and made by anyone. Palmer receives these referrals directly through the town email. Some may even come from the town clerk, police chief or the Council on Aging.
Once the referral is acknowledged, Palmer claimed, “The referrer will never hear back.” High confidentiality remains throughout and the decision relies on the Almoner’s for how and if they will act. The importance of anonymity is stressed by Palmer, as people may know they are referred for assistance but may never know who made that referral.
Depending on the information provided, Palmer may contact the referring person with additional questions. She then discusses the information with her fellow Almoners and most likely gets in touch with the individual or family to determine their exact needs. A family can accept or reject the offer for help, resulting in no further inquiry.
Palmer has been a part of this elected board for the past three years, following her retirement from nursing. She received word of this position at the town caucus and was nominated for the board. With an aspiration to help the community, Palmer has only one year left to serve of her four-year staggered term.
The majority of individuals in Southampton are unfamiliar with the Almoners. Palmer said, “We are trying to make sure that during the pandemic we are upping advertisements.” She has sent emails to all town officials in hopes to spread the word.
“If someone discovers a family or person in need who has exhausted all other avenues where they can be helped, we want to be of assistance. If you’re concerned, anonymously consider making a referral; you may be really able to help someone,” added Palmer.
Besides referrals, financial donations can also be made to the Almoner's Fund. The donations are sent directly to the treasurer's office at the Southampton Town Hall, earmarked for the Almoner’s Fund.
To make a referral, please email almoners@townofsouthampton.org.