From Mayor Jared Nicholson’s office: In order to provide financial assistance to households that have experienced an unforeseen emergency, the office of Mayor Jared C. Nicholson, in partnership with United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development (LHAND), is launching the Lynn Relief Fund (LRF).
The LRF stands as a critical, short-term financial support particularly for Lynn’s vulnerable communities, which complements existing resources administered by LHAND and others such as RAFT, LIHEAP, Home Base, ESG, and more.
While legal restrictions often limit the City’s ability to provide direct financial assistance to residents, this new partnership creates a vital pathway. Fueled by the impact of immigration enforcement on Lynn families, the program expands the scope to provide aid across varying types of emergencies.
“We recognize that for many in our community, a sudden emergency can feel like an insurmountable wall,” said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. “The goal of this relief fund is to provide immediate assistance that will serve as a bridge over a crisis, offering a form of mitigation that will help lead toward recovery.”
The fund will be available to provide direct assistance for reasons including being displaced by a fire, loss of income for reasons related to immigration, or victims fleeing domestic violence. Recipients can use the funds to meet essential needs like food, housing, utilities and more.
“LHAND is proud to partner with the City of Lynn and our longstanding United Way collaborators to launch this fund,” said LHAND Chief Executive Director Charlie Gaeta. “This work builds on years of dedicated support and expanding the assistance available to the Lynn community.”
The city will invest $50,000 into this project from discretionary funds accrued from filming productions in the city, while United Way is providing a generous $20,000 to get us underway. The United Way will also spearhead efforts to secure additional philanthropic and corporate sponsorships, while LHAND will manage the program’s application process.
“In a moment when many families are already struggling and the safety net is strained, an unexpected crisis can mean choosing between food, rent, or other essential needs. The Lynn Relief Fund will help ensure no one has to make those impossible choices. This community-driven response will help fill critical gaps—especially for immigrant families—while we continue pushing to strengthen essential services during this time of uncertainty and instability.”
Marty Martinez, President and Chief Executive Officer at United Way of Massachusetts Bay
“Lynn will always work to support and strengthen our most vulnerable residents through thoughtful partnership and collaboration,” said Council President Coco Alinsug. “This new program reinforces our commitment to standing by all residents in times of tragedy, particularly our immigrant community. We are incredibly grateful to UW and LHAND for helping make this possible.”
“The Lynn Relief Fund is about making sure our city can respond when residents need it most,” said Councilor-at-Large Nicole McClain. “By supporting immigrant families, individuals facing displacement or homelessness, and those fleeing violence, we are helping to create stability in times of crisis. When basic needs are met, it strengthens not just individual lives, but the safety and well-being of our entire community. Investing in our residents is how we build a stronger, more resilient Lynn, and I’m proud to support this effort.”
“I’m incredibly proud to support the launch of the Lynn Relief Fund an important step forward in making sure our residents have access to rapid, flexible support when they need it most,” said Ward 7 Councilor Jordan Avery. “Even before taking office, I had conversations with Mayor Nicholson about the need for something like this, and I’m glad to see it becoming a reality. This fund will play a critical role in helping people stabilize, recover, and get back on their feet. I commend the Mayor’s office and our partners for stepping up to meet this need in our community.”
The LRF through LHAND will begin accepting referrals from local service providers on Tuesday, May 12, 2026. Parties interested in making donations can click here or visit United Way’s website
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