Anticipating an especially difficult winter for meeting heating and housing needs, the Wareham-New Bedford Elks recently awarded the Wareham Area Committee for the Homeless, also known as Turning Point, a check for $5,000 for rental assistance and home fuel assistance for neighbors in need. 

Turning Point serves homeless and people with housing insecurity in the communities of Middleboro, Wareham, Carver, Marion, Mattapoisett, Rochester and Buzzards Bay.

The donation check was presented by Richard Duffy, Sr., Chaplain and Bill Teed, Past Exalted Ruler and Esteemed Leading Knight of the Wareham-New Bedford Elks #73, at Turning Point’s office on 3 Viking Drive, Wareham.  

“As Lodge officer on behalf of our members,” said Teed, “I’d like to present this check for heating oil and rental assistance for individuals and families facing financial crisis and impending homelessness as rents and the cost of heating oil continue to rise.”

The money was raised through the Elks’ progressive bingo jackpot, said Duffy, who has been a lodge member for 46 years.

The Wareham-New Bedford Elks have been supporting Turning Point for over a decade, as well as a number of other nonprofits in the South Coast.

“This contribution is extremely timely”, said Turning Point’s Executive Director Shirley Santos. “The need for Turning Point and Baby Point services is growing in the South Coast area. The Elks have always been a great supporter of Turning Point, and support from local businesses, churches, and community partners are a critical component of our success.” 

Last year, Turning Point had a positive impact on more than 1,300 individuals and families through multiple programs.  Businesses, individuals, or other organizations who would like to donate may do so through the website at www.turningpointwareham.org or mail a check, payable to WACH, to Turning Point, 3 Viking Drive, Wareham, MA 02571.