When just about anyone hears the phrase “Community Chest” the historic Monopoly boardgame most likely jumps to the front of one’s mind.  Taking a CHANCE or seeing what COMMUNITY CHEST cards had to offer you is always interesting when you land on these two board sections.  What might you draw: get out of jail free, go straight to jail, collect $100, or pay $50 dollars?

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In Oldham County, there is a local agency turning 80 years old in 2025 which has practiced the “be kind” mindset for almost 8 decades.  The agency is called Community Chest of Oldham County.  Community Chest helps residents of Oldham County with financial assistance for those in need of emergency assistance relating to rent, utilities, medicines and more.  We also help with resource advice about other agencies and government assistance programs.  As time has gone by, thousands of Oldham residents have benefited from our agency since its founding in 1945. 

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Over the last 30 years, funding from Metro United Way, the Mahan Foundation, private donations, and other grants have given the agency the funds to help others in Oldham County.  Assistance is paid directly to providers, landlords, an utility companies.  Clients are not given checks directly.  We are not a recurring source of help.  This help consists of but is not limited to the following:

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     - Helping to pay some or all the bill for an individual/families’ rent for an apartment/house for a month

     - Helping to pay some or all the utility bill whether for electric, gas or water for one month

     - Helping with a house payment in some cases

     - Helping to pay for needed medicine while waiting for other health programs to start

     - Purchase of a window air conditioning unit when someone has documented health issues

     - Helping stranded individuals buy a bus ticket to get back home to another state

     - Helping someone with food when other resources have not been available

 

Oldham County is a prosperous county.  However, of the approximately seventy thousand residents, five percent of those live near or below the poverty line.  Around 3,500 individuals in our county find themselves in unplanned circumstances and needing one-time help to make it over their tribulations.  Community Chest helps between 10-15% of residents near the poverty level each year.

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During calendar year 2024, our funding receipts were greatly reduced by one of our granting sources.   Also, a new Executive Director replaced a 30-year director with abundant knowledge and experience.   As we move into 2025 and beyond, our Exec. Director and board members are working together to broaden our funding sources, monitor the rising cost of rents and utilities, and review the level of assistance given clients during “belt-tightening” times.