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mental health needs, residents are referred to the Edinburg Center in Waltham for crisis stabilization, and sliding scale fee therapeutic services (though time-limited). Local hospitals are also available for crisis intervention and ongoing supportive services through their psychiatry departments. Over the past year, approximately 8 individuals and families have approached the Social Services department seeking assistance with emergency shelter and housing. Approximately 40 individuals during the past year sought Fuel Assistance, excluding those Lexington residents who were previous recipients through this program. Since December 2004,12 Lexington residents were provided with emergency financial assistance for various needs, including overdue rent and utilities, outstanding medical bills, and septic cleaning. Please refer to the report from the Lexington Food pantry regarding number of referrals over the past year. The numbers are rising, due largely in part to cutbacks in social programs and the increases in cost of living (particularly regarding property tax rates). Also, the number of applicants for programs such as Fuel Assistance is on the rise given the increased heating costs. Most of our referrals are Lexington residents. Predominantly, those disconnected individuals and families who come to us are not Lexington residents, but are seeking temporary shelter at Battle Green Inn or are looking to relocate to this area. The Social Services Department receives intake via phone or in person, and typically it will schedule aone-on-one visit to discuss the individual's situation and have the client identify his or her need. From there, referrals to appropriate agencies to assist are made either in conjunction with the client or on their behalf. For requests seeking financial assistance, an application is completed and supporting documentation is collected to validate the need for financial assistance. Requests are then presented to either the Director of Social Services or the