$15,000 earmarked for Turning Point in state budget passed by House

Jul 15, 2015

Within the $38.1 billion state budget passed by the House of Representatives on Tuesday is a $15,000 earmark for Turning Point Day Resource Center for the Homeless and Near Homeless in Wareham.

“It was more important than ever to try to get Turning Point some much needed State assistance,” state Rep. Susan Williams Gifford (R-Wareham) said. “This funding will help them to keep up with the ever growing demand of their services due to escalating numbers individuals and families having difficulty meeting their financial obligations.”

Turning Point is a nonprofit organization that helps the homeless, and the near homeless, stay off the streets by providing money for rent, heating bills, medical care, car payments and beyond.

The earmark in the category of Housing states that not less than $15,000 shall be expended for Turning Point.

Gifford was successful in securing funds for Turning Point last year. However, before it could be utilized, the earmark fell prey to then Gov. Deval Patrick’s cuts in November of 2014, in attempts to balance the state’s budget.

According to Representative Gifford, the town of Wareham will receive $12,558,607 in Chapter 70 aid under the Fiscal Year 2016 budget plan, along with $1,823,940 in unrestricted general government aid.

The budget now heads to Gov. Charlie Baker for his review. He has until July 18 to sign the budget and return it to the Legislature with any vetoes.