But so far this year, Marlborough's caseload has not increased, she said. And Christine Spicher, Keene's welfare director, said the state is not enforcing the rule, because it has been ruled unconstitutional in four other states by state supreme courts. In New England, only Connecticut's clock has run out, and she hasn't seen any evidence of an influx from that state. Town welfare workers hear stories of people about to lose their homes, people who can't find homes, people whose cars have broken down so they can't get to work. The town has several trust funds, but most of the increase came out of tax dollars.
Sterling blames most of residents' financial hardships on lack of affordable housing.
When most of a check goes to pay the rent, there's not always enough to buy other necessities. Those ill with diabetes or heart disease come to the towns for help. But not all towns report increased caseloads. Chesterfield perhaps two or three, and Keene's caseload has dropped dramatically. It was a very reactive system.