Peterborough Area Community Aid

Emergency Aid

Our Emergency Aid Program was started in 1996 to help Peterborough residents with emergency assistance. In 2022, the program was expanded and now provides assistance to residents of all 13 towns served by the Peterborough Food Pantry.  

People are often referred to us by a town welfare officer or social worker. We work with our community partners to verify that people are eligible to receive emergency funds. We have a history of working with discretion and encourage those in need to apply.

Most of the Emergency Aid we provide is for car repairs. We live in a region of New Hampshire where there is no public transportation so having a car is essential for driving to work and getting to medical and other appointments.  

We work with a number of area garages and are happy to direct you to one if needed. An estimate of the work must be included with the application. Estimates are good for 30 days!  

We cover car repairs needed to pass inspection or make the car safe to drive. We do not cover routine maintenance like oil changes. We also do not cover annual vehicle registration. Finally, we pay the garage after all work has been completed.  

Occasionally we will consider an emergency request for something other than a car repair. All of these requests must come to us through a town welfare officer or community resource specialist (local providers include Grapevine, MATS, River Center, Southern NH Services).  

People can apply once per year up to $1,500, not to exceed $3,000 over a consecutive three year period. Exceptions may be granted with special Board approval.  

Below is a link to the Emergency Aid application. You can download and print it or pick up a copy at the Food Pantry. The completed application can be dropped off at the Food Pantry during our open hours or mailed to us at: PACA, PO Box 116, Peterborough, NH 03458. Please note, mailing may delay response time.  

If you have any questions you can call Katie Wilson, our Emergency Aid coordinator, at 603-377-3459.  

Emergency Aid Application - Download