Hilltown Elder Network (HEN)

The Hilltown Elder Network (HEN) provides eligible rural elders with in-home services, such as home chores or transportation assistance, to help ensure safe conditions for independent living. To receive HEN assistance, elders must be at least 62 years old, meet household income criteria, and have depleted or become ineligible for other forms of assistance, such as State Home Care. HEN assistance is not always available in every town.

Eligible elder participants receive assistance with cleaning, laundry, food shopping and meal preparation, and escorted transportation at no charge. A participant’s eligibility is determined during the intake process. Additionally, some over-income applicants have used HEN to locate a screened, experienced local caregiver who will provide services for private payment. HEN Caregivers are trained local residents who are paid for their services. Each caregiver is reference-screened and CORI-checked. HEN services do not include personal care. About 45 HEN Caregivers work regularly. Regional coordination and supervision is accomplished through Town Coordinators. HEN services are available during off hours, on weekends, and during bad weather when most for-profit providers cannot be consistently reliable. HEN coordinates fully with other provider agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging and Visiting Nurse Associations, so as to limit duplication and maximize the impact of services.

To connect to HEN services in your town, please contact your town’s HEN Coordinator:

For further information, please call HEN Program Coordinator Charlie Hayes at 413-296-4536 ext. 120 or email charlieh@hilltowncdc.org

In addition to funding from multiple CDBG grants, the Hilltown CDC accesses other funding for the HEN Program from the Schwartz Charitable Foundation, Highland Valley Elder Services, the Town of Williamsburg and donations or optional co-payments from private individuals.