Montclair Aids Seniors In ‘Economic Hardship’ Amid Heat Wave

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The Montclair community has been coming together over the past weeks to help local seniors who are struggling with “economic hardship” amid a heat wave.

The effort is a “testament to the spirit of this town,” according to Montclair Councilman Peter Yacobellis, who offered more details in a Thursday email.

According to Yacobellis, a new unofficial program with free pool passes is available to seniors 55 years and up who are experiencing economic hardship. It’s being run on a first-come, first-serve basis, with a cap of 20 seniors – and is on the honor system for seniors only.

Yacobellis said:

“Those 55+ who are approved, based on residency, will be given instructions to pick up pool passes in the coming days. Proof of residency in the form of a government-issued identification, utility bill, lease or deed is required at the time of pick-up at the Recreation Department at 205 Claremont Avenue.”

Seniors can sign up here. Once the cap is reached the portal will close.

The temporary pool pass program comes after the successful launch of the Montclair Families Economic Hardship Program, administered by Councilman Yacobellis and fully-funded by Deb Ellis and Hal Strelnick earlier this week.

In addition, anonymous donors who were heavily supported by Montclair Mutual Aid held an air conditioner giveaway for local, in-need families last week.

“Over the last 10 days, several donors both named and anonymous have reached out to me to help coordinate giving away 31 air conditioners, 22 family pool passes and now 20 senior pool passes to those experiencing economic hardship,” Yacobellis said.

In total, between $12,000 and $15,000 in cash and in-kind contributions has been raised, he said.

“I continue to be touched by how many people want to help make sure everyone in Montclair stays cool and enjoys the summer,” Yacobellis said. “This would not be possible without the generous support of both anonymous and public donors and significant logistical support, with regard to the air conditioners mostly handled by Montclair Mutual Aid.”

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