365Dad Inc.

365DAD’s mission is to connect, equip and transform men with positive parenting practices to build better families through education, support, and services.

Services: Group & Meeting Facilitation, Program Training, Outing Coordination, Professional Development, Consultations and Service Referrals.

Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm

ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development)

ABCD is a nonprofit human services organization that each year impacts 100,000 residents with the tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to succes

Services: Adult Education Classes (GED preparation, English for Speakers of Other Languages), Employment and Job Training, Health Services, Food Pantries, Fuel Assistance, Housing Assistance, Early Education and Care, Youth Services, Citizenship Assistance, and Elder Services.

Some ABCD neighborhood sites offer assistance with the Earned Income Tax Credit, tax preparation, and financial literacy. Call for further information about each program.

The Downtown office is open Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Allston-Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center (NOC)
640 Washington Street, Suite 203
Brighton
617-903-3640

Asian American Civic Association
87 Tyler St. 5th Floor,
Chinatown, Boston
617-426-9492

Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center
110 Claybourne St.
Dorchester
617-288-2700

East Boston Area Planning Action Council (APAC)
21 Meridian St.
East Boston
617-567-8857

Roxbury/N. Dorchester NOC
565 Warren Street
Roxbury
617-442-5900

JFK Family Service Center
23A Moulton St.
Charlestown
617-241-8866

Mattapan Family Service Center
535 River St.
Mattapan
617-298-2045

Mystic Valley Opportunity Center
11 Dartmouth St
Suite  104
Malden
781-321-2501

North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center
1 Michelangelo St.
Boston
617-523-8125

Parker Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Service Center
714 Parker St.
Roxbury
617-445-6000

South Boston APAC
424 W. Broadway St.
South Boston
617-269-5160

South End Neighborhood Service Center
554 Columbus Ave. Boston
617-267-7400

All services are available to residents of Boston, Malden, Medford, and Everett. Fuel assistance, Head Start, and some workforce development/job training and senior programs are available in additional suburbs. Suburban residents from towns other than those listed above should call for eligibility.

AdCare Treatment Centers

Adcare‘s mission is to improve the lives of patients and families by providing safe and effective recovery-based substance use treatment.

Services: Inpatient, Outpatient, Families, and Criminal Justice Services (including substance use treatment, adult education, life-skills programs and vocational readiness, reentry support, and more).

Online services offered include: Virtual Support Meetings and AdCare Telehealth Services

Phone line is open 24/7 year-round.

AdCare Hospital
107 Lincoln St.
Worcester, MA 01605

AdCare Outpatient at Quincy
1419 Hancock St. Ste. 201
Quincy, MA 02169
Phone: 617-328-0639

AdCare Outpatient at West Springfield 
117 Park Ave
West Springfield, MA 01089
Phone: 413-209-3124

AdCare Outpatient at Worcester 
95 Lincoln St.
Worcester, MA 01605
Phone: 508-453-3053

AdCare Outpatient at North Dartmouth 
88 Faunce Corner Rd
North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Phone: 508-999-1102

Adult Education Program: Boston Centers for Youth & Families

The Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) Adult Education Programming builds invaluable skills for life and work. BCYF offers a flexible and supportive approach focused on their students. Programs take place at BCYF community centers in Boston. Each year, thousands of adults take part in BCYF education programs, including: Taking the HiSET or GED high school equivalency exams to expand career prospects, and taking English as a Second or Other Language (ESOL) classes

 Services:

• English As A Second Language or Other Language (ESOL) classes are available at all levels. This includes those with little or no knowledge of English, to those able to conduct simple conversations. Classes currently take place at the following locations: BCYF Curtis Hall, BCYF Jackson Mann, BCYF Perkins, English High School, and the Mario Umana Middle School Academy. BCYF Jackson/Mann Community Center offers a unique family literacy program where parents and children can take part in classes at the same time.
• High School Equivalency (HSE) preparation classes are available to adult learners at all grade levels. These classes help prepare you to take the HiSET or GED high school equivalency exams. The goal is to give you the ability to earn scores that exceed passing requirements.
• Online learning courses are also available to help participants build computer skills to succeed in higher education and the modern workforce. Online learning also provides flexibility for students to access a quality education from their local community center or home.

Central Office: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Community Center schedules vary.

Age Strong Commission

The Age Strong Commission aims to enhance the lives of people 55+ with meaningful programs, resources, and connections.

Services: Information and Referrals, Transportation, Food Resources, Ways to Save, and Housing. Services remain open and available by phone. In-person meetings are made by appointment only.

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Must be 55 or older.

AHOPE: Boston Health Commission

AHOPE is a harm reduction and needle exchange site providing a range of services to individuals actively battling substance use disorder including integrated HIV, hepatitis, and STI testing.

Services: Free legal, and anonymous needle exchange. Referrals to HIV, Hepatitis, and STI treatment. Overdose prevention education and training. Risk reduction supplies to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infection. Risk reduction counseling, supported referrals to all modalities of substance abuse treatment. AHOPE services are available at the walk-in center at 774 Albany Street and through mobile van and outreach sites around Boston.

AIDs Action Committee: Fenway Health

AIDS Action is New England’s largest provider of services to people living with HIV/AIDS and populations at risk of infection. For over a decade, AIDs Action has been a part of Fenway Health, which works to make life healthier for city residents, the LGBTQIA+ community, people living with HIV/AIDS, and the broader population.

Programs:

• Check-In: Staff offer information, referrals, as well as a sensitive and caring ear.
• Care Access & Case Management: AIDS Action staff members work individually with clients to address barriers to good health, such as lack of insurance, homelessness or unstable housing, unmet mental health and substance use needs, and other personal and systemic barriers.
• Community Outreach & Education: AIDS Action conducts outreach and education to communities and populations most affected by HIV in the metro Boston and Lynn areas.
• Housing: Housing programs help connect people living with HIV/AIDS to a range of housing services and options, including transitional and permanent affordable housing, supportive congregate and scattered site housing, and rental and utility assistance.
• Legal Services: The goal of the department is to advocate for the legal rights of those living with HIV/AIDS in the Boston metropolitan area and throughout Massachusetts.
• Youth on Fire: Youth on Fire (YOF) is a drop-in center for homeless and street-involved youth, ages 14-24, located in Harvard Square, Cambridge.

Cambridge
359 Green St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-661-3040

Alcoholics Anonymous

AA offers participants information on alcohol and substance use disorder treatment. Meetings and hotline available.

Meetings: Local online and in-person meetings re listed on website. Listings of online meetings outside the area can be found at https://aa-intergroup.org/.

Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 9:00pm; Weekends and holidays: 12:00pm - 9:00pm

Allston Brighton Food Pantry & Thrift Shop

The Allston Brighton Food Pantry provides nourishing foods and services to all members of the community at no cost.

Services:

• Grocery Distributions – Staff distribute bags of groceries directly to clients every Wednesday and two Saturdays a month
• Weekly Community Suppers – Staff provide free hot, nutritious take-out meals to nearly 200 guests every Wednesday.
• Nearly New Thrift Shop – Onsite thrift store sells greatly discounted clothing, shoes, coats, household goods, kitchen appliances, and other items. Staff also offer “Thrift Store Dollars” to provide items for free to those in need, particularly those seeking gender-affirming clothing. (Open Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays)
• Allston-Brighton Community Fridge – Free community fridge/pantry that provides 24/7 self-service access to food and supplies (hand sanitizer, feminine hygiene products, etc.) that clients can take and leave as needed.
• Community Support – Beyond food and clothing, staff provide guests with referrals to other social services in Allston Brighton. Our Trans BIPOC Pastoral Resident offers limited one on one counseling for those in crisis, and our trained volunteers connect with guests who are seeking community social connection.

Alternative Commitment & Registration Support Unit

The Alternative Commitment and Registration Support Unit (ACRSU) is a unit of the private counsel division that works to ensure that indigent clients are well-represented in sexually dangerous persons (SDP) proceedings in Superior Court, in Sex Offender Registry Board (SORB) proceedings before the SORB and Superior Court, and in the appeal of SORB and SDP cases to the appellate courts.

Services: Client Resources, Professional Resources

American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts (ACLUM)

For nearly 100 years, the American Civil Liberties Union has worked every day in the courts, in the legislature, and in communities to defend and preserve the individual rights and liberties guaranteed by the Constitution, Bill Rights, and laws of the United States.

Services & Issues: Criminal Law Reform, Economic Justice, Free Speech and Expression, Freedom of Religion and Belief, Government Transparency, Immigrants’ Rights, LGBTQ+ Rights, Police Accountability, Privacy and Surveillance, Racial Justice, Reproductive Freedom, Voting Rights, Women’s Rights

For information related to incarcerated individuals, visit: www.aclu.org/prisoners-rights.

Western Massachusetts Legal Office
39 Main Street
Northampton, MA 01060

For information, contact:
Bill Newman, Director, Western Mass. Legal Office
(413) 586-9115
info@aclum.org

Immigration Protection Project of Western Massachusetts
For information, contact:
(413) 727-8515
Learn more about the Immigrant Protection Project

Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence

ATASK is a nonprofit, community organization serving pan-Asian survivors of domestic and intimate partner violence. Their mission is to prevent domestic and intimate partner violence in Asian families and communities and to provide hope to survivors. ATASK is committed to serving survivors of domestic violence representing all ages, ability levels, education levels, race, national origin, cultures, religions, gender identities, and sexual orientations.

Services: 24-hour multilingual helpline: (617-338-2355), Community-Based Services (crisis intervention, safety planning, medical and healthcare advocacy, housing advocacy, referrals), Emergency shelter program, Legal Advocacy, ESOL, and Community Engagement.

Multilingual Helpline available 24/7

ATASK advocates available Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:00pm

Lowell, MA

Asian-American Civic Association

The Asian-American Civic Association provides non-English speaking individuals and those who are economically disadvantaged with education, occupational training, and social services enabling them to realize lasting economic self-sufficiency.

AACA provides a range of services, including English classes, social services, job training, college preparation and a post-graduate retention program.

Services: Bayara Buddy Guards, Employment Center, Youth Center, Immigration Services, Benefits Help, Housing Counseling, Tax Preparation, ESOL, Career Advancement for Professionals (CAP), Workplace Education, Smoking Cessation, and Child Care & Early Education.

Training Programs: Asian Business Training and Mentorship Program, Banking & Finance, Building Maintenance, Alternative Fuels and Emissions Program, Youth Enterprise Program.

Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm

Back On My Feet Boston

Back on My Feet Boston empowers people to achieve economic independence through running and community. Staff work with people experiencing homelessness or substance use disorder who currently reside within shelters and recovery facilities.

– Team Hope meets at 5:45 am outside of 8 Farnham Street, Boston
– Team Common Ground/Vets meets at 5:45 am near the Park Street MBTA Station at Park / Tremont Streets, Boston

Members commit to running/walking with one of their six teams in the Boston area Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. After 3 mornings of participation, they are able to receive team gear, including a pair of running shoes. After 30 days in the program, members with 90% attendance earn the opportunity to move into the second phase of the program called Next Steps, which provides educational support, job training programs, employment partnership referrals and housing resources. Members can earn financial assistance to remove barriers to employment and housing such as work supplies, transportation and security deposits.

All interested members and volunteers must complete paperwork prior to attending their first run.

Potential members must be clean and sober to participate. Cannot accept level 3 sex offenders.

Barbara McInnis House: Boston Health Care for the Homeless

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program provides “medical respite care”, short-term medical and recuperative services, for homeless people who are far too sick for life in shelters but not sick enough to occupy a costly acute care hospital bed. The Program’s 104-bed medical respite facility is located in Jean Yawkey Place on the campus of Boston Medical Center.

For patients and providers looking for more complete information on services provided at the Barbara McInnis House, please see their FAQ sheet. For providers looking to admit a patient, please see their admittance requirements before filling out an admission form.

Always open

Bay Cove Human Services

Bay Cove Human Services is a private, non-profit corporation that provides services to individuals and families who face the challenges of developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorder, homelessness and/or aging. Call the main office number to be directed to the appropriate program.

Programs: Substance Use Services, Early Intervention Services, Healthcare Integration Services, Housing & Homeless Services, Developmental Services, and Mental Health Services.

M - F: 8:30am - 6pm. There are scheduled dosing hours on weekends.

Program restrictions may vary. Please call 617-371-3000 for more information.

Bay State Community Services

Bay State Community Services (BSCS) is a comprehensive social services agency that provides counseling outpatient services, day programming, peer recovery support, recovery coaching, and child and family home-based services. BSCS hosts the Quincy and Plymouth Family Resource Centers.

Service hours may vary. Please call the main number (617-471-8400) for more information.

Quincy: A New Way Recovery Center
85 Quincy Avenue, Suite B
617-302-3287

Quincy: Family Resource Center
1120 Hancock Street
617-481-7227

Quincy: Outpatient Counseling and Recovery Support
1120 Hancock St.

Braintree: Home Based Child & Family Services
400 Washington Street
781-817-6675

Plymouth: Home Based & Child and Family Services
430-3 Court Street
Phone: 508-830-3444

Plymouth: Family Resource Center
430-3 Court Street
774-283-6531

Walpole: Turning Point Recovery Center
32 Common Street
508-668-3960

Baystate Reentry Network

The BRN programs ensure that clients can maintain their commitments within and to the legal system and navigate programs to assist their transition as they leave incarceration.

Berea Seventh Day Adventist

Berea Seventh Day Adventist believes that food should not be a privilege but a basic human right and that no one should ever go hungry. The Berea Church food pantry is open on the 1st and 3rd Thursday of each month from 8:00am to 11:00am. However, if you have a food emergency, please call the Pantry at 617-427-2201.

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 1:00pm

Please bring a photo ID to the food pantry for pick up, as well as bags for carrying food items.

Bethel Baptist Church

Bethel Baptist Church is open to all. Rev. Franklin Murray, Sr., is lead Pastor of the Bethel Baptist Church in Roxbury, MA and offers worship services on Sunday at 7:30am and 11:00am.

Other Services: Sunday School & New Member’s Class (9:30am), Bible study (Wednesday at 5:30pm and 6:30pm), Prayer Service (Wednesday at 7:30pm), and Free Meal and Food Pantry (Call for days, times and eligibility requirements).

Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 4:15pm

Boomerangs: More Than Words

The Boomerangs store has moved and is now run by More Than Words, a non-profit social enterprise that empowers system-involved youth to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business. The new Boomerangs store provides customers with the same sense of community that existed for years at Boomerangs. This store allows More Than Words the opportunity to expand its program that supports young adults in foster care, court, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.by More Than Words offers new, vintage, and gently used clothing, books, housewares, electronics, and furniture for sale.

Visit the More Than Words website to learn more about the store front and available programs supporting justice-involved youth.

This organization primarily serves system-involved youth age 16-24.

Boston Area Rape Crisis Center

The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center (BARCC) provides free, confidential support and services to survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends. BARCC works with survivors of all genders from the immediate crisis after sexual violence to years and decades later, with the goal of empowering survivors to heal and seek justice in ways that are meaningful to them. They assist survivors as they navigate the healthcare, criminal justice, social service, and school systems.

Services: Hotline (by phone 24-7 at 800-841-8371 and webchat at barcc.org/chat), 24-7 Medical Advocacy, Case Management (assistance with housing, health care, and more), Individual and Group Counseling, Legal Advocacy (including immigration services).

Hotline and medical advocacy: 24-7
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.

BARCC’s Office at Casa Myrna
451 Blue Hill Ave.
Boston, MA 02121

Waltham Office:
24 Crescent Street, Suite 202
Waltham, MA 02453

Anyone 12 years or older welcome.

Boston Center for Independent Living, Inc.

The Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) assists people with disabilities in living as full a life as possible.

Services: Adult Skills Training (including areas such as employment, housing, social/recreation, education, and financial issues), Information and Referrals (affordable and accessible housing, health insurance, CORI, civil rights for disabled persons, transportation, home modifications, equipment, and other related services), Peer Mentoring, Individual Advocacy, Personal Care Assistance Program (for people with a disability who need physical care assistance and have MassHealth Standard coverage), and Youth Services Program (for individuals ages 14 to 22 that includes peer mentoring, skills training, information and referral, and advocacy).

Monday through Friday: 8:45am to 5:00pm

Dorchester Office: 1526 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122

Any individual/family member who self identifies with a disability.

Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are not turned away and are assisted based on staff availability.

Boston Community Justice Support Center: Suffolk County Court House

The Community Justice Support Center (CJSC) at Suffolk County Court is one of 18 CJSCs across the state. Clients attend CJSC to participate in programs designed to improve their lives and avoid further criminal justice involvement.

Services: Each CJSC offers about 15 different programs, including cognitive behavioral treatment for Substance Use Disorder (SUD), employment counseling, and Adult Basic Education, GED/HiSET, and post-secondary preparation.

Typically, CJSC attendance is ordered by the court pursuant to G. L. c. 211F § 3, but it can also be a condition of parole or pre-release supervision. For people going home after being incarcerated, attending may be a choice.

Boston ElderINFO

The mission of Boston ElderINFO is to be the resource that meets all the information needs of every Boston elder, person with a disability, and caregivers to live with dignity, safety, and independence in our communities.

Services: Information and referral programs are available for those interested in Healthy Aging Classes, Money Management Programs, Counseling Options, and Resources on Home Care Services.

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Must be an older adult.

Boston Food Pantry: American Red Cross

The Boston Food Pantry is operated by the American Red Cross of Massachusetts. Since 1982, they’ve worked to alleviate hunger and food insecurity among low-income communities throughout the Boston area. Staff provide food and nutrition resources to individuals and families through mobile distribution programs and a Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). Their Food Recycling program diverts food waste from landfills transporting it to local farms where it is recycled into compost.

Services: Staff and volunteers provide nutrition education, and SNAP benefits application support. The Pantry’s mobile distribution programs – the Boston Public Schools (BPS) Grove Hall Alliance Initiative, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center (EBNHC) and Head Start (HS) Initiatives – provide healthy food and nutrition resources to community members who are experiencing food insecurity.

Wednesday & Saturday: 9:00am - 11:00am

Entrance door is on Proctor Street

No registration or sign-up required. No questions asked.

Boston Health Care for the Homeless

Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) seeks to provide access to the highest quality health care for all homeless men, women, and children in the greater Boston area. Services are provided at medical centers, shelters, and on the street.

Services: SPOT Program, Case Management, Community Care in Reach (CCiR) Mobile Addiction Program, Dental Care, Family and Youth Services, Hepatitis C Care, HIV Care, Medical Respite, Mental Health Care, Primary Care, Recovery Services, Street Team, Veterans Services, Women’s Health

Services are provided at the following locations: Barbara McGinnis House, Boston Medical Center, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, Casa Esperanza, EMPath, Entre Familia, Family Care Clinic, Finland Clinic, Jean Yawkey Place, Kingston House, Lindemann Mental Health Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, New England Center & Home for Veterans, Pine Street Inn, Rosie’s Place, Southampton Street Shelter, St. Anthony’s Shrine, St. Francis House, St. Mary’s Center for Women & Children, Stacy Kirkpatrick House, Suffolk County House of Correction, Transitions, Women’s Lunch Place, Woods Mullen Shelter, Y2Y Harvard Square.

Visit this link for more information: www.bhchp.org/location-hours/

Boston Project Rebound Reentry Services

The mission of Boston Project Rebound Reentry Services, Inc. is to facilitate the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into the community by assisting with education, employment, support in parole or probation, obtaining benefits, housing, building relationships, spiritual support, and supportive connections to other services in the community post release. Project Rebound serves both formerly incarcerated individuals, and those who are still incarcerated in correctional facilities, including individuals convicted of sex offenses.

Project Rebound recently moved locations but continues to serve individuals statewide, with virtual support options available to all Massachusetts residents.

Services:

• Veterans Laws & Benefits
• Birth Certificate Access
• Housing Availability
• Sex Offender Resources
• Reentry Program Options
• Employment Resources
• Legal Resources
• Self-help Resources

Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC)

The Boston Public Health Commission, the country’s oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. The Commission’s more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services. See website for information on various services available.

The Help Desk hours are from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

Boston Rescue Mission

Boston Rescue Mission offers a variety of programs and resources that prevent and end homelessness and support the recovery, health, faith, and independence of those who have a history of substance use disorder, incarceration, and homelessness.

Services:

• Preventing Homelessness: Outpatient Counseling, Sober Living Communities, Food Pantry, Job Readiness
• Paws for Serenity – Animal Assisted Therapy
• Ending Homelessness, One Person at a Time: Emergency Overnight Shelter, “Dry” Sober Deds and Support Services, Rapid Rehousing & Stabilization Program, Safe Haven Veterans Program 
• Veterans Programs
• Meal Programs: In House Meal Program, Saturday Morning Outreach

Boston Senior Home Care

Boston Senior Home Care (BSHC) is a private, nonprofit human services agency dedicated to ensuring that older adults and individuals with disabilities, particularly those of limited means, can remain safely in their homes with dignity and independence. Since 1974, BSHC has provided adults 60 years of age and older with affordable in-home care and community-based services. Today, BSHC also offers long-term services and supports for people with disabilities of all ages, education to help individuals maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage their chronic diseases, as well as resources and supports for caregivers.

Their mission is to empower individuals to achieve the highest level of health, wellbeing and social connection by providing a wide range of services and supports, including:

Services: Community Partners Program, Community Transition Liaison Program, Home Care, One Care Program, Adult Family Care, Caregiver Support Program, Supportive Housing, Options Counseling, Senior Care Options, and SNAP Food Assistance Program.

Monday through Friday: 9:00 to 5:00

Must be an elder or an individual with disabilities above the age of 16 years of age, or a caregiver.

Bowdoin Street Health Center (Beth Israel)

Bowdoin Street Health Center provides health services to clients and their families. They have been an active participant in the Dorchester community for over 40 years and offer care for infants, children, teens, adults and seniors.

Recognizing how social and economic factors in the community can also influence an individual’s health status, Bowdoin Street actively engages with community organizations and public entities to prevent violence, improve access to healthy, affordable foods and promote wellness through exercise and stress reduction.

The Center is also an innovator in transforming its practice into a Patient-Centered Medical Home, improving patient outcomes through stronger provider-patient partnerships in co-managing one’s health. Bowdoin’s approach includes a self-care program, a multidisciplinary care team, group medical visits, screenings for depression and home visits.

Services: Adolescent Case Management, Adult Medicine, Family Practice, Geriatrics, OB/GYN, Pediatrics, Optometry (Eyecare), Physical Therapy, Mental Health Services, Nutrition Services, Podiatry (Foot care), and Community Health Programs.

Monday through Thursday: 8:00am to 7:00pm
Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
Saturdays (mostly): 9:00am to 1:00pm

Bridge Over Troubled Waters

Bridge Over Troubled Waters offers a comprehensive range of services to youth ages 14 to 24 in a positive and safe environment.

Services:

• Street Outreach & Mobile Medical Van: Street Outreach is Bridge’s daily “foot patrol” of trained outreach workers who make regular consistent contact with homeless youth on the street throughout a range of neighborhoods in Boston and Cambridge. The Mobile Medical Van (MMV) connects with the street outreach team each weeknight. The Van provides medical attention, survival kits, clothes, food and referrals.
• Runaway Program: Bridge is the local respondent for the national runaway hotline offering 24-hour access to a counselor and a safe overnight accommodation away from the streets for homeless youth ages 14-17 for up to 72 hours.
• Traditional Day Program (TDP): Visit the second floor of the Bridge building for a free breakfast or lunch. You can shower, use the lockers, do your laundry, attend a workshop, and see a case manager.
• Medical Care: Bridge offers weekly free medical services staffed by healthcare professionals at the 47 West Street Facility.
• Counseling & Support Services: Get help for substance abuse, family & peer relationships, survival needs and other crisis intervention services.
• Emergency Residence: Short-term transitional residence at the 47 West St. location for homeless youth ages 18 to 24. Youth commit to counseling, employment and continue their education. During the winter months, Bridge opens up the Warming Center, as an adjunct to the ER, each night to youth who need overnight shelter.
• Education & Career Development Program: Classes for youth to attain their HiSet. Flexible schedule, rolling admissions, guidance counseling for youth who wish to enter or continue college or vocational program.
• Transitional Living Program: Long-term transitional residential program. Residents are required to maintain employment, continue their education, and meet weekly with a counselor.
• Single Parent Home: Transitional living program for pregnant and parenting homeless young women and their children. Serves up to 10 families at any given time and may stay for up to 2 years.
• Housing: Bridge offers a variety of supportive services for youth seeking housing. Liberty House is the next step for young adults who have participated in their Transitional Living Program in Brighton. Bridge also currently participates in rapid re-housing programs for youth based on the “housing first” model.

Intake: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Mobile Medical Van Hours: Monday through Friday: 5:00pm to 6:30pm in the Boston Common, and 7:00pm to 8:30pm at Harvard Square

Youth aged 14 to 24.

BRIDGES Returning Citizens Center, MassHire Metro North

The Bridges Returning Citizens Center, operated by MassHire, supports job seekers who were recently released from incarceration to find stable employment.

Services:

• Career coaching and strategies for finding jobs
• Case management and referral to support services
• Access to training opportunities
• Resume and cover letter writing
• Referrals to employers

Office Hours are Monday through Friday: 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Brie’s Way

BRIE’S Way is a training center where System Impacted Youth (SIY) and Survivors of Incarceration (SOI), can access workshops in Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurship, and Justice 4 Housing’s innovative Hands On Defense (HOD) Model Workshops.

Services: Digital Literacy, Entrepreneurship & Innovation Program, Hands On Defense Training

Open from 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Bristol Lodge Men’s Shelter

The Bristol Lodge Men’s Shelter, run by Middlesex Human Serices Agency, provides temporary, emergency shelter accommodations for 45 homeless adult men (18 or older).

It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are in need of a bed, please call the office number to participate in the pre-screening process.

Upon completion of the intake process, clients are given access to individualized case management services, meant to address and provide referrals for a wide spectrum of topics, including housing, employment, mental health, substance abuse, financial insecurity, nutrition and more.

Open Daily from 4:00pm to 8:00am.

• 18+
• Dry facility: Participants must remain sober and free of intoxicating substances of any type
• 90-day maximum stay, plus a 30-day waiting period before readmission

Bristol Lodge Women’s Shelter

The Bristol Lodge Women’s Shelter, run by Middlesex Human Service Agency, provides temporary, emergency shelter accommodations for 12 homeless adult women. It operates on a first-come, first-served basis. If you are in need of a bed, please call the office to participate in the pre-screening process.

Upon completion of the intake process, clients are given access to individualized case management services, meant to address and provide referrals for a wide spectrum of topics, including housing, employment, mental health, substance abuse, financial insecurity, nutrition and more.

Open Daily: 4:00pm to 8:00am

• 18+
• Dry facility: Participants must remain sober and free of intoxicating substances of any type
• 90-day maximum stay, plus a 30-day waiting period before readmission

Brooke House, Community Resources for Justice

Brooke House is a 65-bed Community based Residential Reentry Program for male returning citizens. Residents receive evidence-based case management services and in-house clinical services that emphasize successful reentry.

Brooke House accepts men referred by the Suffolk and Norfolk County Sheriffs’ Departments, the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the Massachusetts Parole Board, or the Massachusetts Probation service.

Brookline Food Pantry

From its inception in 1984 as an emergency food pantry with a single location at St. Paul’s Church, the Brookline Food Pantry has grown to meet the increasing need of residents who are food insecure. The Pantry now serves over 600 households each week, as well as an average of 400+ students through the Thrives weekend food program.  Pantry clients represent every age and background, including children and seniors, recent immigrants and longtime residents, the well and the disabled.

Services: The Brookline Food Pantry is open to Brookline residents who are in need of food assistance. For those who are unable to go to a pantry location, BFP offers emergency food delivery.

Harvard Street Location:
Wednesdays, 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Thursday, 10:30am to 1:00pm
Friday, 10:30am to 1:00pm

High Street Community Room Location:
Tuesday, 3:00pm to 7:00pm

Veterans Community Room: 226 High Street Brookline, MA 02445

Food Pantry Requirements: Brookline residents (limited capacity to serve residents in Brookline’s neighboring towns of Jamaica Plain, Brighton, Allston, and Roxbury). Residents are permitted to shop at one of the pantry locations once a week, and must have a valid ID.

Shoppers must also meet financial and food insecurity guidelines such as (but not limited to) receiving services from:

• Mass Health (Medicaid)
• Commonwealth Care
• SNAP (Formerly Food Stamp Program)
• Department of Transitional Assistance (Child Services)
• EAEDC (Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children)
• RAFT (Residence Assistance for Families in Transition)
• Unemployment Benefits
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children)
• Veterans’ Assistance
• TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
• WIC (Women, Infants & Children up to age 5 at nutritional risk)
• Clients may also qualify if they are recently unemployed, or lost past services such as Meals on Wheels, Springwell, etc.

If you are unsure of whether you qualify, please call Elizabeth Boen, Director, at 617-800-5339

Emergency Food Delivery Requirements: Clients must live in Brookline, be disabled or high risk due to age, immune-compromised, or other related medical conditions, or have a referral from local social service agencies (not required).

To see if you qualify for home delivery services, please call 617-800-5339.

Cambridge & Somerville Programs for Addiction Recovery (CASPAR)

CASPAR, (Cambridge And Somerville Program for Addiction Recovery) is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1970 in response to the growing need for substance use disorder treatment.

Services:

• First Step Street Outreach: brings lifesaving supports to unsheltered homeless adults who are impacted by behavioral health challenges, substance use, and medical complications associated with life on the streets.
  • Call 617-592-6895 for more information.
• Emergency Services Center (ESC):24-hour shelter for adults, with no sobriety requirements for admission. The ESC uses a reserved bed system for 52 beds, and a lottery system for 8 emergency beds. The shelter is located at 240 Albany St., Cambridge.
  • Call 617-661-0600 to learn more
• Residential Recovery Programs: provides gender specific recovery treatment in Cambridge and Somerville for adults 18+ who have completed detox (or are otherwise not at risk for withdrawal) and seeking to stabilize in early recovery.
  • Call 617-623-5277 for CASPAR II
  • Call 617-661-6020 for Women’s Place
• Enhanced Residential Recovery Program: provides enhanced residential recovery treatment for adults 18+ who are experiencing co-occurring substance use disorder and behavioral health challenges.
  • Call 617-628-8188 for New Day
  • Call for 617-623-5277 CASPAR I

For residents of Cambridge or Somerville.

Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services

For over 40 years, Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services (CASLS) has provided free legal assistance to low-income families and individuals residing in Cambridge, Somerville, Arlington, Belmont, Woburn, and Winchester.

Services: CASLS helps clients in their service area to gain access to some of the most basic necessities of life including affordable housing, emergency assistance and shelter for homeless families, assistance with state and federal public benefits, childcare vouchers and related non-cash benefits, MassHealth and other medical assistance programs.

Main Office: 197 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114

Cambridge Center for Adult Education

Established in 1871, Cambridge Center for Adult Education is a non-profit organization located in the heart of Harvard Square. They provide exceptional hands-on multidisciplinary educational classes, from art and cooking to theater and life & wellness, to languages and literature. They welcome students from all walks of life to develop their professional skill set, take up a new hobby, or simply to have fun and make new friends in a community of life-long learners.

Services: Virtual Arts & Crafts, Food & Wine, ESL, World Languages, Performing Arts, Humanities, Life & Wellness, Business & Technology.

Monday through Thursday: 9:00am to 8:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 7:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am to 4:00am

Must be 18 or older.

Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women

The Cambridge Commission on the Status of Women (CCSW) is dedicated to serving and advancing women and girls across economic, social, political, and educational spheres throughout the city. CCSW advocates on behalf of women and girls by engaging with City departments, agencies, officials, and organizations to address systemic barriers. Through policy recommendations and innovative program development, CCSW works to expand opportunities and create a more equitable Cambridge while raising public awareness around key issues affecting women and girls.

The Cambridge Women’s Commission recognizes, supports, and advocates for all who self-identify as women or with womanhood, including transgender, gender fluid, and non-binary persons. CCSW stands with and for all women and girls regardless of immigration status, sexuality, race, ethnicity, ability or religion.

Services: Advocacy and Policy Development, Programs and Public Awareness, Community Engagement and Outreach.

Monday: 8:30am to 8:00pm
Tuesday through Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am to 12:00pm

Cambridge Community Learning Center

The Cambridge Community Learning Center (CLC) provides free programs to adult learners. We help our students through education, skills development, and community participation. We have more than 15 types of services, including English classes and job training programs. We can also help you prepare for your high school equivalency test, get ready for college, and become a U.S. citizen. More than 400 people study with us each semester.

Services:

• Learn English
• Earn Your Diploma
• Get Job Training
• Prepare for College
• Become a Citizen
• Volunteer with Us

You must have a GED, HISET or a high school diploma. (Foreign high school diplomas must be translated into English)

Cambridge residents have priority

Cambridge Council on Aging & Senior Centers

The Cambridge Council on Aging (COA) works to promote and support the health and independence of Cambridge adults age 60 and older. Through the two Senior Centers, located in Central Square and North Cambridge, COA offers a variety of recreational classes, monthly support and discussion groups, special events and guest speakers, trips in and around New England, technology support, and other opportunities that help enhance the lives of older adults. We also offer Medicare consultations and provide referrals to local agencies to support the health, wellness, and safety of seniors.

We welcome seniors to spend time in our Senior Centers connecting with others, enjoying a meal, or engaging in a class or activity. Our staff are happy to assist seniors on a walk-in basis or by appointment.

Services: Meals, Social Services and Support Groups, Activities and Classes

Cambridge Senior Center
Monday: 8:30am to 8:00pm
Tuesday through Thursday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Friday: 8:30am to 12:00pm

North Cambridge Senior Center
Monday through Friday: 8:30am to 5:00pm

North Cambridge Senior Center: 2050 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA. 02140

Must be a Senior over the age of 60

Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee

The Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is an anti-poverty agency fighting to empower people and mobilize resources to fight poverty’s causes and impacts.

Services:

• College Assistance
• Financial Education
• Food Pantry
• Free Tax Preparation
• Health Insurance Assistance
• Housing Assistance
• Public Benefits Assistance 
• SNAP/Food Stamp Assistance

Monday through Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 1:00pm

Cambridge Multi-Service Center

The Multi-Service Center (MSC), a division of the Department of Human Service Programs, is a collaboration of case managers who help people with their housing challenges. Staff serve members of the Cambridge community who are low-income, experiencing housing instability, or experiencing homelessness.

MSC staff also work closely with departments across the City, including the Office of the Housing Liaison, the Community Development Department Housing Division, and the Human Rights Commission, as well as other nonprofit partners, to connect Cambridge residents with a variety of housing resources.

Services:

• Case Management Serivices: Contact Stehpanie Grey at sgray@cambridgema.gov
• Homeless Case Management Services: Contact Jose Gonzalez at jgonzalez@cambridgema.gov
• Housing Search Support: Contact Ryan McCluskey at rmccluskey@cambridgema.gov
• Cambridge Coordinated Access Network: Call 617-349-7715
• The Carey Program: Contact Cynthia Voto-Vivian at cvivian@cambridgema.gov
• Cambridge Haitian Services: Contact Jean Jeune at jjeune@cambridgema.gov
• Muti-Service Center Partners: Office of the Housing Liaison, Eliot Community Human Services, Cambridge and Somerville Legal Serivices, and DeNovo

Walk-in hours
Monday: 9:00am to 7:30pm
Tuesday through Thursday: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Friday: 9:00am to 11:30am

Cambridge Public Library

The Cambridge Public Library offers an array of innovative services that reach beyond research and circulation.

Services:

• Meeting rooms for Cambridge based non-profit organizations
• Delivery service for homebound patrons
• Literacy programs including ESL, citizenship and basic computer classes
• Assistive technology
• Museum passes
• Tax assistance
• Social services: the Library Social Worker is available to meet by phone or in person.

Monday through Thursday: 9:00am to 9:00pm
Friday & Saturday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Sunday: 1:00pm to 5:00pm
Book drop open 24/7

Boudreau Branch: 245 Concord Ave. 02138 (Temporarily closed) (617-349-4017)

Central Square Branch: 45 Pearl St. (617-349-4010)

Collins Branch: 64 Aberdeen Ave. 02138 (617-349-4021)

O’Neill Branch: 70 Rindge Ave. 02140 (617-349-4023)

O’Connell Branch: 48 Sixth St. 02141 (617-349-4019)

Valente Branch: 826 Cambridge St. 02141 (617-349-4015)

Cambridge Women’s Center

The Cambridge Women’s Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. CWC offers a safe space for learning, emotional support, empathy, and empowerment through self-determination.

Services:

• Drop-in Program: CWC’s low-threshold Drop-In Program offers a range of free services to meet the varied and individual circumstances of those in our community.
• Groups & Workshops: CWC offers a wide variety of weekly, monthly, and occasional support groups and workshops. Some groups are open to all, while others are open only to those with lived experience (such as survivors of sexual violence, those with addictions, or with a physical illness).
• Resource Database: CWC provides resource referrals on a variety of topics, including homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, sexual abuse, substance use, mental health, and trauma.

Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.

The Cambridge Women’s Center is a physical and digital community space open to anyone for whom woman is a meaningful identifier or lived experience. It is also open to children (including boys up to 14 years accompanied by mother or caretaker).

Participants are signed in at the front door (front name or pseudonym). There is no formal intake process, and no personal information is required or requested.

Casa Esperanza, Inc.

Casa Esperanza, Inc. is a bilingual and bicultural behavioral health center that specializes in providing a continuum of comprehensive behavioral health, primary care, and support services in Spanish and English to the Latine community in Massachusetts.

Services:

• Men’s Program: 4-6-month residential treatment program for men recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. For more information, click here.
• Latinas y Niños Center: 6-12 month residential treatment program that focuses on the unique cultural and social needs of Latina women in recovery and their children.
• Familias Unidas Relapse Prevention & Outpatient Services Program: For more information, click here.
• Conexiones Clinical Stabilization Services: 14-day bedded program providing clinical stabilization services to men and women in recovery from alcohol and substance use
• Peer & Graduate Services 
• Supportive Housing

Administrative Office: 14 Summer Street, Suite 402, Malden, MA 02148

Tewksbury Hospital Campus: 365 East Street, C-2 Saunders Building, Tewksbury, MA 01876

Casa Myrna

Casa Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of domestic violence awareness efforts and of shelter and supportive services to survivors. Their comprehensive range of services, available in both Spanish and English, provide survivors with tools to recover from the trauma of abuse and begin to build sustainable self-sufficiency.

Services: SafeLink Hotline, Community Advocacy, Housing Advocacy, Emergency Transfers, Legal Advocacy, Economic Stability, Counseling, Children’s Services, Residential Programs

Supportive services are available by appointment during standard office hours.

Hotline is available 24/7

Catholic Charities Boston

The Catholic Charities of Boston operates a number of community service centers in eastern Massachusetts. Each center provides a wide variety of support services including basic needs, emergency assistance, education and training programs, transitional housing for families, childcare, and family counseling, and support.

Services: Basic Needs, Child Care, Children & Youth, Counseling, Community Interpreter Services, Education, Elder Services, Family Support, Nurse Assistant Training, Post Adoption & Search, Refugee Services, Shelter Services, Sunset Point Camp, Teen Center at St. Peter’s.

Catholic Charities Program Locations
Catholic Charities Labouré Center
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8500
Also home to Refugee and Immigration Services & Community Interpreter Services

Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigration Services
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8100

Catholic Charities North
117 North Common Street, Lynn
781-593-2312

Catholic Charities South
169 Court Street, Brockton
508-587-0815

Catholic Charities Yawkey Center
185 Columbia Road, Dorchester
617-506-6600

Merrimack Valley Catholic Charities
70 Lawrence Street, Lowell
978-452-1421

Catholic Charities Child Care Locations
Yawkey Child Care Center
185 Columbia Road, Dorchester
617-506-6600

Nazareth Child Care Center
19 St. Joseph Street, Jamaica Plain
617-522-4040

Lynn Child Care Center
37 North Federal Street, Lynn
781-598-5547 ext. 230

Malden Early Education and Learning Program
77 Salem Street, Malden
781-397-6055

Peabody Child Care Center
13 Pulaski Street, Peabody
978-532-6860

Labouré Child Care Center
275 West Broadway, South Boston
617-464-8500

Home Based Family Child Care
6 Pleasant Street, Suite 220
Malden, MA
781-605-3330

Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery: Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

The Center for Violence Prevention and Recovery (CVPR) works to improve the health and well-being of people impacted by multiple forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, community violence, and homicide by providing trauma-informed services and programs.

Programs: Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence, Community Violence.

All of CVPR’s direct service programs are:

• Available to everyone of any culture, gender, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, and religion
• Available in multiple languages through Medical Center interpreters
• Primarily offered in-person at sites in Boston, and can be accessed by telephone

Charlestown Adult Education, Workforce, & Reentry

The Charlestown Adult Education, Workforce, & Reentry program is run by the Boston Housing Authority (BHA). The primary mission of this program is to equitize and advance opportunities through their seamless pipeline of services to ensure that all clients succeed.

Services:

• Education: HiSET/GED, ESOL, Digital Literacy, Summer Classes, Post-Secondary Education
• Workforce: Career Services, Training Programs, Tax Assistance, Internships
• Reentry: Reentry Support, Workforce Development
• Diversion: Pathways to Success, Rapid Re-housing, YouthConnect Referrals

Monday through Friday: 9:30am to 4:30pm

Common Cathedral

Common Cathedral works to serve the physical and spiritual needs of the community, welcoming anyone who would like to participate.

Services:

• Sunday Worship: Located at Brewer Foundation on the Boston Common
  Every Sunday at 1:00pm
• Common Art: Provides space, materials, and caring support staff to unhoused and low-income individuals as they develop their artistic abilities; breakfast and lunch are served. Every Wednesday from 10:00am to 2:00pm (Located at Emmanuel Church Parish Hall, 15 Newbury Street, Boston)
• BostonWarm: Day warming center, located at Emmanuel Church Parish Hall on Newbury Street. Available Fridays 8:00am-12:00pm
• CityReach: Overnight urban outreach program for youth. The program provides young people with the opportunity to learn about homelessness from people who experienced it and participate in street ministry to offer hospitality food and clothing to those in need.

Community Resource Initiative

Community Resource Initiative is a public health nonprofit that provides access and support across drug assistance, insurance navigation, prevention, and research.

Programs: The Houses of Correction Program covers medication costs for HIV-positive residents in Massachusetts county jails. Enrollment occurs by submitting an application that is filled out collaboratively by jail staff and clients. Jail staff then submit the application by fax or email. Contact meeson@crihealth.org for more information

The PrEPDAP Program covers the cost of pre-exposure mediation for Massachusetts residents at risk of HIV infection. This program can cover the costs for residents released from jail. Applications for enrollment can be found online or by phone. Contact prepdap@crihealth.org for additional details.

Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

No cost to MA residents (below 500% of the Federal Poverty Line).

Community Servings, Teaching Kitchen

The Teaching Kitchen at Community Servings is a job training program that consists of a 12-week curriculum covering all factors of working in a professional kitchen. This includes food safety, nutrition, knife skills, quality food preparation, and Servsafe certification.

Trainees learn by completing daily hands-on classes with a chef instructor, as well as through participation in a culinary internship in the Community Servings kitchen, where over 3,000 meals are made from scratch each day. The program also includes job readiness classes, resume writing, mock interviews, digital and financial literacy, and one year of job placement and job retention support for all graduates.

Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm (arrive no later than 8:45am each day).

No formal classes are held on Fridays, but trainees are welcome to complete additional, voluntary culinary internship hours.

Must be a citizen or be legally registered. Proficiency in English. High school diploma/GED/HiSET not required. CORI friendly; not SORI friendly.

Community Work Services (CWS)

Founded in 1877, Community Work Services (CWS) helps people obtain employment and achieve greater self-sufficiency through innovative job training, placement, and support services.

Services:

• The Career Design School 
• Total Facilities Management
• Warehouse and Fulfillment
• Job Readiness Program
• Hospitality
• Culinary Training Program
• At Your Service- Hotel Training (Certificate Program)
• Get Ready!
• Economic Development
• Occupational Health
• Workforce Development

Office and Program Hours: Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 4:00pm

All of CWS services have specific eligibility requirements. Interested candidates are encouraged to attend an agency tour to learn more about the program and their requirements. Tours are held year-round, every Wednesday at 1pm. Reservations are not required.

Council on American-Islamic Relations

The Council on American-Islamic Relations – Massachusetts (CAIR-MA) is a chapter of America’s largest Muslim civil rights organization. CAIR-MA’s mission is to enhance understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims and build coalitions that promote social justice and mutual understanding.

The CAIR-MA provides legal assistance and information on religious discrimination (anti-Muslim, Islamophobia) in employment, housing, law enforcement issues, harassment, hate crimes, and travel issues.

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

De Novo Center for Justice and Healing

De Novo provides free civil legal assistance and affordable psychological counseling to low-income people in the Greater Boston area and to immigrants and refugees statewide.

De Novo offers legal assistance in the areas of housing and homelessness prevention, family law/domestic violence, immigrant and refugee rights, and disability benefits, providing free legal services to victims of crime regardless of their income.

Services:

• Legal Services: Family law, Immigration, Housing, Disability Benefits
• Counseling Services: Individual psychotherapy, Couples counseling, Group psychotherapy

To request legal assistance, contact Intake and Referral Line at (617) 661-1010 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday

Department of Mental Health Forensic Services

DMH Forensic Mental Health Services include court-based forensic mental health assessments and consultations for people facing criminal or delinquency charges and civil commitment proceedings.

Services: Jail Diversion Program, Court Clinics, Inpatient Forensic Evaluations, Specialty Court Services, Justice-Involved Veterans, Forensic Transition Team, Certification and Training, Segregation and Specialized Mental Health Unit Audits, Collaboration with Criminal Justice Information Systems and the Sex Offender Registry Board.

Disability Law Center

The Disability Law Center (DLC) is committed to promoting the civil and human rights of all persons with disabilities.

DLC’s core function is to keep people with disabilities safe from abuse and neglect wherever they live and receive services. DLC does this primarily by monitoring for abuse and neglect as well as investigating suspicious deaths and allegations of abuse and neglect.

Services:

• Education, support, and representation regarding legal rights and services for individuals with disabilities
• Legal services to eligible people and groups whose cases meet DLC’s focus areas which are: Civil Rights, Human Rights, and Institutionalization. See the FY 2026 Focus Areas Fact Sheet for more information.

Domestic Violence Ended (DOVE)

DOVE is a multi-service organization providing comprehensive direct services and support for victims of dating and domestic violence, as well as their children. DOVE’s services include crisis intervention, danger assessment and safety planning, supportive counseling, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and representation, and community outreach, education, and training.

Services: 24-Hour Crisis Hotline, Emergency Shelter, Community Based Advocacy & Counseling, Legal Advocacy Program, Prevention & Education, Support Groups, Civilian Domestic Violence Advocacy, Children’s Services, LGBTQ Services, Chinese Advocacy Program

Office Hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Crisis hotline: 24/7

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation

Dorchester Bay runs a number of economic development programs, including a Reentry Program for returning citizens and the Workforce Development Program. These programs are available to Boston residents, offering individualized pre-and-post job counseling and placement, and skill-building opportunities.

Dorchester Bay’s Reentry Program is available to citizens returning to the community after incarceration. The program supports a successful return to the workplace through job placement and other support services. Referrals are made on a case-by-case basis.

Call to schedule an appointment. Walk-ins accepted Tuesday through Thursday.

Dress for Success Boston

The mission of Dress for Success is to empower women to achieve economic independence by providing a network of support, professional attire, and the development tools to help women thrive in work and in life.

Services: Suiting, Career Advancement, Leadership, Employment Retention, Job Training

Monday through Friday: 9:30am to 4:00pm

East End House Community Food Pantry

East End House’s Community Food Pantry provides individuals and families in need with fresh fruits and vegetables, canned and dry goods, meats, and dairy products. Community members are welcome to come to the pantry four times per month.

Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00am to 6:00pm

Food Pantry Hours:
Tuesday: 1:00pm to 2:00pm
Friday: 1:00pm to 2:00pm

Eat End House serves individuals and families in need in the Cambridge and Greater Boston area with no residency restrictions. On your first visit, you will be required to fill out an intake form. Bring ID and a form of income verification. Acceptable forms of verification include pay stubs, Medicare/Mass Health card, a DTA/EBT card, a referral, a benefit statement, or any other document that proves your income status.

Ecumenical Social Action Committee (ESAC)

ESAC is a community based non-profit organization that works with vulnerable residents of many Boston neighborhoods by creating stability in homes and for families. ESAC strives to promote healthy, stable, and integrated neighborhoods and communities by connecting residents with necessary services and resources.

Services: Senior Home Repair and Falls Prevention, Foreclosure Prevention, Senior Housing Stabilization, ESAC Youth Opportunity Collaborative (EYOC), Freedom to Achieve Stable Tenancy (FAST) Program.

ESAC provides services to Youth or Older Adults. Some programs require Boston residency or low to moderate income.

Elizabeth Stone House

Stone House has operated as a haven for healing and renewal for over 50 years. The Stone house makes a difference in the community by caring for and protecting adult and child survivors of domestic abuse, and helps them rebuild safe, secure, independent lives of purpose.

Services:

• Intervention and Ongoing Advocacy: Crisis Intervention, Meeting Basic Needs, Advocacy and Accompaniment
• Individual Help & Personal Counseling: Sustained Individual Help, Financial Stability, Immigration Issues
• Support Groups & Life/Skills Education
• Housing: Emergency Shelter, Transitional Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rent-Subsidized Housing
• Families and Children: Case Management & Advocacy, Family Strengthening Activities, Parenting Support Groups & Classes, Full-Day Child Care, Child Care During Programs/Visits

EMERGE (Intimate Partner Abuse Education)

EMERGE is an organization committed to ending partner abuse in intimate relationships. EMERGE provides counseling and education to men and women who have abused their partners. All programs satisfy court/probation and DCF requirements.

Services: Intimate Partner Abuse Education Program (IPAEP), Caring Dads Program, Training programs for individuals working with survivors of domestic violence (Introductory Training Program, Advanced Training Program), Resources for Survivors

Spanish groups are held at Curtis Hall Community Center, 20 South St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 and virtually.

Group members must admit to having been physically, emotionally, verbally, economically, or sexually abusive to a partner in an intimate relationship to enroll in the Abuser Intervention Program.

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) was established in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. HLC also distributes funding to municipalities, oversees the state-aided public housing portfolio, and operates the state’s Emergency Family Shelter (EA) program.

Services:

• Housing Assistance for MA Residents & Landlords
• Emergency Shelter for Youth & Adults
• Emergency Support with Rent or Mortgage Costs

General Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45am to 5:00pm

Income restrictions apply.

Faith Kitchen at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church

Faith Kitchen serves fresh, healthy, made-from-scratch meals every second and last Tuesday evening of the month at St Peter’s Episcopal Church.

Faith Kitchen is a cooperative effort of Faith Lutheran Church, Temple Beth Shalom, When Pigs Fly Bakery, and other members of the Cambridge community.

Serving meals every second and last Tuesday of each month, starting at 6:00pm - 7:30pm. You may arrive as early as 5:30 if you'd like to enjoy hot coffee or tea.

Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring is an emergency shelter for individual adults experiencing homelessness. The main goal is to help people get stabilized and on a pathway toward permanent housing and self-sufficiency. Father Bill’s & MainSpring provides supportive services, access to on-site shower facilities and a medical clinic, and referrals to community agencies, including those in mental health, substance use disorder, housing, and employment. Staff can also provide three meals a day.

Services: Emergency Services (shelter, outreach, meals and basic needs), Prevention & Diversion, Rehousing & Supportive Services, Supportive Housing, Youth Services Program

24/7

Administrative Office: 430 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301

Emergency Shelters:

• Yawkey Housing Resource Center: 39 Broad Street, Quincy, MA 02169 (617-770-3314)
• Smith Family Housing Resource Center: 124 Manely Street, Brockton, MA 02301 (508-587-5411)

Guests must prove a connection to the greater Quincy/Brockton/South Shore area. Sex offenders must register with Quincy/Brockton Police Department.

Fathers’ Uplift Inc.

Fathers’ UpLift works to assist fathers in overcoming barriers that prevent them from remaining engaged in their children’s lives. Fathers’ Uplift utilizes a three-tiered approach to their mission, focusing first on impacting individuals, then on building families, and finally on enabling societies and communities to better serve and support fathers and families. Staff ensure services are accessible to both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking populations in the community to maximize feelings of trust and familiarity.

Services:

• Clinical Support Program: Clinical therapy services for men and families to help them navigate challenges related to parenting and expressing their feelings.
• Therapeutic Coaching Services: Personal mentorship/guidance and holistic assistance with employment, houselessness, custody challenges, and more. Participants in the Fathers’ Homecoming Program meet with case managers for up to 6-months prior to reentry to build a plan of care. Upon release, participants are provided with a “Bag for Dad” and transportation to their current place of residence.
• Youth Services: Supporting fatherless youth with programming to address the root cause of fatherlessness and stop cycles of father absenteeism.
• Male Engagement Institute: Trainings, curriculum, and internships provided with the goal of guiding mental health agencies, government agencies, and schools of social work on how to best serve and support fathers and families.
• USTR Fellowship: Our United States Therapist Recruitment Fellowship is designed to increase the number of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) therapists in the fields of mental health, behavioral health, and addictions.

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday: Appointments only
Sunday: Closed

Federation for Children with Special Needs

The Federation for Children with Special Needs provides services supporting families whose children have special educational and healthcare needs, as well as families of culturally and economically underserved populations.

Services: Family TIES, MASFEC, MFV, MassPAC, Community Outreach, PTI, Pathways for Parents, Postsecondary Transition, RTSC, Caregiver to Caregiver Respite Network, School Finder Project 

Fenway Health

Fenway Health advocates for and delivers innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education. They center LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities.

Services: Primary Care – Adults & Children, Women’s Health, Transgender Health, Behavioral Health, Eye Care, Dental Care

The Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center is a program of Fenway Health that provides safe, non-judgmental care for young people ages 12-29 who may not feel comfortable going anywhere else.

1. Ansin Building: Monday through Thursday: 7:30am to 7:30pm; Friday: 7:30am to 6:30pm; Saturday: 8:30am to 1:30pm
2. South End: Monday through Thursday: 8:00am to 7:00pm; Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm
3. Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center: Monday through Thursday: 9:00a to 7:00pm; Friday: 8:00am to 5:00pm

Fenway: South End (142 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116)

Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center (75 Kneeland Street, Boston, MA 02111)

First Church in Cambridge

First Church in Cambridge is a congregation living their calling of radical welcome and abundant grace to serve the needs of their community.

Services:

• Homeless Ministries
• The First Church Shelter: Their 14-bed men’s shelter operates 365 days a year and makes a long-term investment in individuals, including a full spectrum of support services to assist in residents’ specific needs as they seek stable housing. The Shelter opens at 4:00 every afternoon and guests depart by 8:00 in the morning. On weekends the shelter is open all day. (Contact: Jim Stewart, jstewart@firstchurchshelter.org or 617- 661-1873)
• The Friday Café: A weekly daytime drop-in program, offers a welcoming space where homeless and housed adults can gather and get to know each other. The Cafe is open Fridays from 12:00-3:00pm. (Call 617-851-5074 or Email fridaycafe@firstchurchcambridge.org for more information)

The First Church Shelter accepts referrals from credible service providers in the greater Boston area, including hospitals, other shelters, and social service agencies. Must be 18+; drug and alcohol-free; not able to admit guests who are experiencing an acute psychiatric emergency; no registered sex offenders.

Food Not Bombs

The Boston chapter of Food Not Bombs serves a free and healthy vegan meal every week. Run solely by volunteers, at Food Not Bombs serves one meal from 1 – 3 pm weekly at James Cronin Park, at the intersection of Franklin Street and Western Ave in Cambridge. Everyone is encouraged to come eat, volunteer, and share ideas. All are welcome.

Current Location: James P. Cronin Park, at the intersection of Franklin St. and Western Ave. Food is served from 1:00pm to 3:00pm.

Freedom Hill Community Church

Freedom Hill Community Church serves many communities around Boston’s North shore with resources like food, clothing, immigration assistance, after-school programs, children and youth programs, Christian education, prayer and worship services.

Services: Children, Youth Group, Women, Food Pantry, LifeGroups.

Food Pantry Hours: Tuesday evenings from 6:30pm to 8:00pm

All are welcome.

Friday Night Supper at Arlington Street Church

The mission of the Friday Night Supper Program is to serve a hot nutritious meal in a safe and dignified environment every Friday to anyone who wants one. Each guest is served a nutritious three-course meal consisting of soup, dinner, and dessert at their table by their courteous volunteer servers. They also provide clothing, shoes, toiletries, and other essential items to their guests following meal service. Twice per month, the Friday Night Supper Program provides basic essentials to its guests through a request and need-based system.

Services:

• Clothing Closet: On the second and fourth Friday of the month, from 5:00pm to 6:00pm, guests can put in their request for clothing at the table near the piano. The clothing closet opens up at 6:30pm.
• Resource Cards: The FNSP has a series of “People Cards” that provide information on free resources in Boston. They have one for Food and Shelter resources, Health care resources, and useful resources (employment/education services, legal assistance, etc.).

Every Friday between the hours of 5:00pm-7:00pm. Guests can begin to line up in the public alley off Arlington Street at 4:30pm.

No registration or sign-up is required, no questions are asked.

Friends Meeting at Cambridge

Friends Meeting at Cambridge is a faith-based organization made up of Quaker residents who volunteer to run several community groups where all are welcome.

Services: Groups available to community members include –

• Ad Hoc Disability and Accessibility Awareness and Coordination Group
• Family Worship Group
• LBGTQ+ Community Group
• Prayer Circle
• Sharing Circle is comprised of formerly incarcerated individuals and their loved ones. Begins at 6:00 accompanied by a home cooked meal.
• Young Adult Friends Monthly Potluck (members must between 18 and 35) Occurs every 4th Sunday at 6:15 pm

Sharing Circle: Every Wednesday at 6:00pm
Young Adult Friends Group: The fourth Sunday of every month at 6:15pm

Gamblers Anonymous

Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem. Information about meetings is available on the website.

Services: Gamblers Anonymous Literature, Recovery Program, Unity Program

Hotline accessible 24/7

The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop gambling. There are no dues or fees for Gamblers Anonymous.

Garment District

The Garment District is a large and unique retail clothing store, stocking all styles of women’s and men’s new and used clothes, shoes, and accessories.

Services: By the Pound: shoppers may buy clothing for $2 a pound

Sunday through Friday: 11:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 10:00pm

Gavin Foundation

The Gavin Foundation operates more than a dozen adult and youth programs independently or in collaboration with other agencies. See more information below and on the website.

Services:

• Inpatient Treatment: McGahan Center
• Residential Programs: Charlestown Recovery House, Gavin House, Hamilton House, Eileen’s House for Women, Graduate Centers
• Community Programs: Center for Recovery Services, Devine Recovery Center
• Collaboration Programs: Access to Recovery (ATR), Recovery Coaches Program, Services Over Sentences, Behavioral Health Support for  Justice Involved  Individuals.

GLBTQ Legal Advocates and Defenders (GLAD)

GLAD provides legal information and referrals on issues related to sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression. These issues include employment and housing discrimination, harassment, HIV testing rights and privacy, access to health care, family law, insurance, immigration, youth and student rights, and many others.

Services: GLAD Law Answers, ID Project, Lawyers Referrals

Goodwill Boston Career Center

Goodwill Boston Career Center connects jobseekers and employers through a wide range of customized services – all available at no cost. Whether you’re starting your career, changing fields, or reentering the workforce, Goodwill offers:

• Daily access to our resource room and career tools
• Ongoing workshops, hiring events, and training opportunities
• Direct connections to employers looking to hire

Services:

• Recruitment Events
• Career Workshops
• Job Seeker Resources
• Employer Resources

Office Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday: 9:00am to 2:30pm

Greater Boston Legal Services

Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) provides free legal representation and legal advice to low-income individuals and families in civil cases in the Boston area. GBLS also engages in systemic litigation, class actions, and legislative advocacy on behalf of its clients.

Services:

• CORI, Record Sealing, & Reentry: For help with criminal and juvenile record sealing, expungement & CORI problems: Email cori@gbls.org or leave a message with your name, address and phone number at 617-603-1797.
• Consumer Rights: Predatory lending and loan modifications
• Debt Collection & Bankruptcy: Filing for bankruptcy, contesting consumer dept
• Education and School to Prison Pipeline: Assisting students facing expungement, special education advocacy, students with disabilities advocacy
• Employment Law: Workers rights and unemployment benefits, wage theft, paid family and medical leave, sick leave, visas for immigrant survivors of labor trafficking or workplace crimes
• Family: Divorce, custody and child support, domestic violence, emergency orders of protection
• Government Benefits: Food Stamps, SNAP, Childcare benefits
• Healthcare Benefits & Nursing Home Rights: Medicare & MassHealth Advocacy, protection for nursing home residents
• Housing: Eviction defense, tenants’ rights, foreclosure prevention
• Immigration: Citizenship support, unaccompanied minors, asylum status
• Shelter: Access to emergency shelter for families and pregnant women
• Social Security, SSI, and State Benefits: Social security disability and retirement benefits, advocacy for SSI and emergency assistance for elderly and disabled
• Taxes: tax preparation, earned income tax credit, IRS assistance

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

People who have not yet done intake are asked to call during the following times if it is not an emergency. To find out if GBLS can help you, call our intake line at (617) 371-1234 Monday through Friday, 9:30AM-12:30PM.

Cambridge/Somerville Office
60 Gore St., Suite 203, Cambridge, MA 02141, 617-603-2700

Roxbury Courthouse
85 Warren St. Roxbury, MA
Walk-in clinics on the 3rd Thursday of the month from 9:00am – 12:00pm

Dorchester Courthouse
410 Washington St. Dorchester, MA
Walk-in clinics on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:00am – 12:00pm

Greater Love Tabernacle, Inc.

The Greater Love Tabernacle (GLT) is an inner-city ministry in Dorchester that began in 1989.

Services:

• Prison Prevention Ministry: supports members of the congregation with family and friends who were incarcerated. Members of the clergy and volunteers provide one-on-one mentoring for justice-involved youth and adults. As part of this program, the Future Hope Apprenticeship looks to assist with job opportunities in the construction trade, along with life skills, education, and job readiness training for a sustainable future.
• HIV/AIDS Ministry: Their mission is to increase HIV & AIDS awareness in the Christian community while empowering them to serve people infected and affected by HIV/AIDS. As an outreach ministry, they are particularly interested in reaching those with little knowledge about the disease to better assist in prevention and treatment.

Haley House

Haley House uses food with purpose and the power of community to break down barriers between people, empower individuals, and strengthen neighborhoods.

Services:

• Food & Meals: Soup Kitchen, Food Pantry, Clothing Room
• Urban Agriculture: Thornton Street Farm & Community Garden
• Live-in Community
• Housing
• LiFT Reentry Program

Soup Kitchen Hours:
Breakfast Meal Service, Monday through Friday 6:15am to 9:30am
Afternoon Meal Service, Friday 2:25pm to 5:30pm
Sunday Meal, 12:00pm to 1:30pm

Food Pantry Hours: Open Thursdays 7:00am to 10:00am

Clothing Room Hours: Tuesday 6:15am to 9:30am

Harbor Health

Harbor Health Services is a non-profit public health agency with a mission to help individuals achieve their full potential through access to local, affordable services that promote health. Harbor provides medical, behavioral health, dental, and support services to more than 34,000 patients in Boston, the South Shore, and Cape Cod.

Harbor Health operates five community health centers:

• Geiger Gibson Community Health Center 
• Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center
• Harbor Community Health Center – Plymouth
• Harbor Community Health Center – Hyannis
• Ellen Jones Community Dental Center – Dennis 

Services: Elder Services, Dental Services, Behavioral Health, Recovery Services, HIV Services, THRIVE Clinic, Women’s Health, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Nutrition Services, WIC Program, Food Access.

Geiger Gibson Community Health Center
250 Mt Vernon St
Dorchester, MA 02125
617-288-1140

Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center
393 Neponset Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
617-282-3200

Harbor Community Health Center – Plymouth
10 Cordage Park Circle
Plymouth, MA 02360
508-778-5470

Harbor Community Health Center – Hyannis
735 Attucks Ln
Hyannis, MA 02601
508-778-5420

Ellen Jones Community Dental Center
Patriot Square
516 Route 134
South Dennis, MA 02660
508-778-5400

Harvard Square Churches Meal Program

The Harvard Square Churches Meal Program hosts an evening meal every Thursday night at Christ Church in Cambridge. The program also offers access to a marketplace which includes canned goods, fresh fruits and vegetables, bread, toiletries.

Doors open at 5:00pm with the meal served at 5:30pm

Harvard Square Homeless Shelter

Harvard Square Homeless Shelter (HSHS) is a dry shelter open from October 15 until April 15. HSHS is student-run and operates out of the basement of University Lutheran Church in Harvard Square. HSHS works to provide guests with shelter, food, security, and a supportive environment of mutual respect. HSHS serves 18 guests per night.

Services:

• Reserving a Bed: Lotteries for beds occur on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays as beds become available. To enter the waitlist, fill out the lottery form online or in-person at the door of the shelter. The waitlist will be refreshed on the first day of every month, so everyone must re-enter the waitlist each month. Winning lottery numbers will be posted on the door and will be available over the phone the morning of each lottery.
• Meals: Guests receive breakfast and dinner. Blankets, basic toiletries, and food are available for guests as well as non-guests at the door.
• Laundry: HSHS maintains a washer and dryer for guest use.
• Computers: Three computers with internet connection and a printer are available for guests throughout their stay.
• Referrals: If no beds are available at HSHS, staff will make referrals to other shelters upon request.
• Case Management: The Resource Advocacy program provides case-management to guests to help them connect with social services in the Boston/Cambridge area.
• Programming: Various partners including healthcare and music come into the space to assist guests.

Open 7:00pm to 8:00am., and 9:00 on Saturdays.

Office Address:
Phillips Brooks House Association
1 Harvard Yard
Cambridge, MA 02138

Self-referral | Dry Shelter

Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center

Harvard Street Health Center operates two locations providing services to community members in the Greater Boston Area.

Main Location Services: Family Medicine, Adolescent Clinic, OB/GYN, Dental Clinic, Adult Medicine, Pediatric Care, Optometry, Nutrition, Behavioral Health, Pharmacy, Podiatry, Laboratory, Cancer Screening, Family Planning

Veterans/Behavioral Health Center Services: Behavioral Health Treatment, Food Pantry, Veterans Center

Main Location Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 8:00pm
Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm
Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Veterans/Behavioral Health Center Hours:
Monday through Thursday, 8:30am to 4:30pm
Friday, 9:30am to 4:30pm

Veterans/Behavioral Health Center
895 Blue Hill Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02124
617-822-7129

Harvest on Vine, Charlestown Catholic Collaborative

Harvest on Vine distributes a variety of household items and food twice a month to families in need.

Food distributions take place on the second Saturday at 10am, and the last Tuesday of each month at 2pm.

Proof of residence

Heading Home

Heading Home is one of the Commonwealth’s leading providers of emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing for children and adults currently or formerly experiencing homelessness. Our housing-plus-services approach sets clients on a pathway to self-sufficiency.

Services:

• Emergency Shelters: Heading Home provides emergency assistance shelter to 360+ families each night.
• Camino a Casa Shelter: a division of Heading Home, that offers services in Spanish to over 130 families in Boston and Lawrence.
• Permanent Housing: Heading Home houses 200+ chronically ill homeless individuals and 25+ families in permanent supportive housing programs.
• Pathways to Permanent Housing Program: transitional housing program which provides intensive economic coaching and case management for 21 families working toward gaining independence.
• Economic Mobility and Workforce Development: program focused on increasing savings, reducing debt, and securing employment for homeless families.

Requirements vary by program.

Health Law Advocates

Health Law Advocates (HLA) is a public interest law firm whose mission is to provide pro bono legal representation to residents in low-income situations experiencing difficulty accessing or paying for needed medical services. They provide free legal assistance to income-eligible Massachusetts residents having difficulty accessing health care or health insurance coverage. HLA also provides legal assistance to consumers with unaffordable medical debt. HLA represents individuals and litigates class-actions and impact cases.

Services:

• Challenging denials of health insurance enrollment (commercial and public insurance)
• Fighting denials of coverage for specific health care services (commercial and public insurance)
• Protecting patients from illegal medical billing and collection practices
• Obtaining access to health care through state agencies and school systems, especially for children

Please click here for information about seeking legal assistance from HLA.

Must be a Massachusetts resident and live within the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Hearth

Hearth is a non-profit organization dedicated to the elimination of homelessness among the elderly. Currently, Hearth, Inc. operates 228 units of permanent supportive housing located in seven different buildings throughout the Greater Boston area.

Services: Anna Bissonnette House (permanent supportive housing), Elsie Frank House (congregate housing for women), Hearth at Burroughs Street (congregate housing for formerly homeless seniors), Hearth at Olmsted Green (permanent supportive housing), Ruggles Assisted Living (affordable assisted living), Ruth Cowin House (studio apartments), Hearth at Four Corners (supportive, affordable housing for older adults).

Housing Applications: here

Elsie Frank House: 4 Bishop Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617-524-9878)

Hearth at Olmsted Green: 2 Kingbird Road, Dorchester, MA 12124 (617-456-3601)

Ruth Cowin House: 1027 Beacon Street, Brookline, MA 02446 (617-232-1891)

Anna Bissonnette House: 1640 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118 (617-369-1550)

Hearth at Burroughs Street: 27 Burroughs Street, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 (617-522-0677)

Ruggles Affordable Assisted Living: 25 Ruggles Street, Roxbury, MA 02119 (617-427-0142)

Hearth at Four Corners: 16 Ronald Street Dorchester, MA 02121 (857-557-5255)

Low-income seniors age 55 and up

Home Energy Assistance Program, City of Cambridge

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), formerly called the Fuel Assistance Program, assists low-income households with winter heating costs incurred between November 1 and April 30. Eligibility for the program is determined by gross household income that falls within the Federal Poverty guidelines.

HEAP notifies and pays heating vendors directly for program participants that pay out of pocket for their heating costs. Program participants whose heat is included in their rent could be eligible to receive a payment, made directly to them, for the “heat” portion of their rent.

Cambridge City Hall:
Monday, 8:30am to 8:00pm
Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30am - 5:00pm
Friday, 8:30am to 12:00pm

Must meet certain household income guidelines to be eligible.

HomeStart, Inc.

HomeStart is a leading provider of housing services for people who are currently experiencing homelessness, who have recently moved from homelessness to housing, or who are at risk of becoming homeless by way of eviction.

Services: Prevention, Housing Search, House Stabilization, Renew Collaborative

Open Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 4:45pm (closed 12-1 for lunch)
Walk-ins accepted Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays during normal business hours

Hope House

Hope House’s mission is to provide individualized treatment to those living with a substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals will receive education and support allowing them to pursue their life interests with families, employers, and be self-sufficient members of their communities.

Services: Residential Addiction Treatment, Outpatient Addiction Treatment, Aftercare

Requirements vary by program.

House of Hope, Lowell

House of Hope is dedicated to assisting homeless families in Massachusetts. They provide services to families referred to them by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). If you are a family or individual experiencing homelessness or are at imminent risk of homelessness, you can contact DHCD directly to gain access to resources and referrals.

Services: Learn2Work Program – Understanding the need to empower homeless parents with essential employment skills, a positive employment experience, and an increased sense of self-worth to serve as the foundation for long-term employment stability, House of Hope developed the Learn2Work Program, which provides a supportive work environment that ignites the desire within each intern to successfully support their family and make a difference in their community. The Learn2Work Program also provides “soft-skills training” (such as communication and interpersonal skills) and job-placement support to every intern. Interns gain job-skills in a supportive work environment (either retail or culinary) that empowers them to implement personal career plans and work through employment issues that are the basis for any employment success. The goal of the Learn2Work Program is to provide a supportive work environment that ignites the desire within each intern to successfully support their family and make a difference in their community.

HousingWorks

HousingWorks is a resource for Housing Advocates and Landlords to search and apply to all subsidized and affordable housing in New England. HousingWorks lists all of the ex-offender housing resources they can locate.

If you are interested in learning more, fill out this inquiry form.

HousingWorks does not work with individuals or families; instead, they work with their case managers and advocates.

InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW)

InnerCity Weightlifting (ICW) offers their students the opportunity to learn a valuable skillset, personal training, and meet other people from opposite socio-economic backgrounds, to build an invaluable network, all while making a stable living.

ICW also offers a case management program where they provide students with job readiness training through resume workshops, mock interviews, housing assistance, and more.

Monday through Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am- 2:00pm

Savin Hill

Kendall Square

Dorchester

Prioritize individuals who have been referred by courts, jails/prisons, and organizations but willing to help any individual who has been a victim/perpetrator of gun violence.

Institution for Sexual Wellness

The Institution for Sexual Wellness provides evidence‐based comprehensive assessment, psycho-pharmacological and psycho-therapeutic sex offender treatment to individuals whose behaviors pose a high risk to themselves and/or others.

Services: full clinical evaluations, dynamic risk assessments and treatment needs evaluation, interim evaluation, firesetting evaluations, forensic evaluation and consultation, group and individual therapy, as well as psycho-pharmacological therapy.

Monday through Wednesday: 9:00am to 5:00pm, and flexibility as needed.

Jamaica Plain Community Center, Adult Learning Program

The Jamaica Plain Community Centers Adult Learning Program (JPCCALP) is the ideal way to develop skills in English, math, reading, and writing, and make progress towards goals. They offer free day, evening, and online classes convenient for busy adults. ALP is a full-service program where students can begin at any level and advance through the highest levels. Life-long learners gain the basic skills they need to receive their GED, enter job training programs, and apply for higher education and employment opportunities.

Office is open Monday through Thursday, 10:00am to 7:00pm.

Jeremiah Program, Boston

Jeremiah Program (JP) serves single moms and their children experiencing poverty in Boston, Massachusetts. Their mission is to disrupt the cycle of poverty for single mothers and their families, two generations at a time. JP believes that no mother should have to choose between investing in herself or her children.

Services:

• Academic enrollment and financial aid
• Semester-long empowerment course
• Connect with mothers – navigate school and parenting together
• Individualized coaching and support
• Community resources secure safe, affordable housing, legal counsel and academic tutors
• Technology and internet access to support program and college work completion

JP Boston serves local single mothers with children ages 0-8 years, who have an active commitment to pursuing a college degree or diploma and a dedication to living a positive and prosperous life.

Jericho Circle

Jericho Circle works to reduce recidivism. They support and guide individuals on their emotional healing journeys during incarceration and upon reentry, serving their communities, modeling resilience and promoting positive change

Jericho Circle has 20 years of history running emotional circles inside the walls of prisons in New England. Our reentry circles, mentoring and other support initiatives are designed to help returning citizens begin or continue their healing journey on the other side of the wall.

Jerico Circle serves men over 18 years old.

John F. Kennedy Family Services Center

The Kennedy Center is a multi-service nonprofit organization that provides community services, education programs, anti-poverty support, and eldercare services to residents in Charlestown and the greater Boston community.

Services:

• Early Education Programs: Preschool Programs, Toddler Childcare/Early Head Start, Parent Information
• Senior Services: Personal Care Services, Homemaking Support
• Community Services: Charlestown Family Engagement Network, Charlestown Farmers Market

Early Education Site: 23 A Moulton Street, Charlestown

Just A Start Corporation

Just A Start Corporation‘s mission is to promote equity by creating access to stable housing and building pathways to economic opportunity. Just A Start provides affordable housing, education and job training, and comprehensive support services across Cambridge and beyond.

Services:

• Housing Services & Supports: Affordable Apartments, Homeownership Opportunities, and Housing Assistance
• Education & Training: Adult Career Training, Information Technology Program, Biotechnology Career Program, Partnership Opportunities
• Youth Programs: Solar Start, YouthBuild

YouthBuild
1175 Cambridge St. Cambridge
617-242-1460

Please bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of address.

Justice 4 Housing

Justice 4 Housing is a grassroots organization committed to ending housing discrimination and homelessness for individuals impacted by incarceration and those criminalized for being victims of domestic violence, as well as ending incarceration. They provide housing and family reunification for Justice-Impacted Individuals (JIIs) through policy, advocacy and service – using policy to amend laws and create systemic change.

Services: Hands On Defense (HOD) Program | Stable Housing & Reintegration Program (SHARP) | Reentry Housing | Rapid Rehousing | CDL Program (Vocational Training/Reentry Support)

By appointment only

Justice 4 Housing serves individuals that were formerly incarcerated. 

Justice Resource Institute (JRI)

Justice Resource Institute (JRI) works in partnership with individuals, families, communities and government to pursue the social justice inherent in opening doors to opportunity and independence.

Services: Mental Health & Counseling Services | Crisis & Intensive Treatment | Developing Abilities | Therapeutic Schools & Educations Services | Health, Housing, & Residential Support| Community Based Youth & Family Support | Juvenile Justice Services | Developing Abilities | Workforce Development & Career Readiness

La Alianza Hispana

La Alianza Hispana is a community-based organization providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health and education programs to the Latino Community of Greater Boston.

Services: Mothers and Children in Process | Adult Day Health Care | Senior Programs

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Lamour Clinic Health Institute

Lamour Clinic Health Institute is a multi-services community-based agency that is committed to advocating and providing community-based, culturally competent, and comprehensive programming services. Its mission is to provide behavioral health, therapeutic and community-based services that aid individuals, children, and families to achieve optimal daily functioning.

Service:

• For Geriatrics (65+): Community Support Program, Driver Alcohol Education, Recovery Coaching, Recovery Support Navigators
• For Adults (22-64): Applied Behavior Analysis, Community Support Program, Driver Alcohol Education, Second Offender Aftercare, Recovery Support Groups, Recovery Coaching, Recovery Support Navigators, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy Coaching.
• For Adolescents (13-21): Applied Behavior Analysis, In-Home Behavioral, In-Home Therapy, Recovery Coaching, Recovery Support Navigators, Driver Alcohol Education, Second Offender Aftercare, Recovery Support Groups, Dialectic Behavioral Therapy Coaching, Therapeutic Mentoring, Youth Development Learning Center.
• For Children (3-12): In-Home Behavioral, In-Home Therapy, Therapeutic Mentoring, Applied Behavior Analysis, Youth Development Learning Center.

Monday through Thursday: 8:30am to 7:30pm
Friday 8:15am to 5:00pm
Saturday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

Lawyers Clearinghouse

The Lawyers Clearing House was founded in 1988 by the Boston Bar Association and the Massachusetts Bar Association to connect nonprofit organizations working to promote affordable housing and alleviate homelessness with pro bono legal assistance provided by volunteer attorneys. Since then, the Clearinghouse has expanded the scope of its services to include educational workshops for nonprofits and lawyers, legal clinics at shelters in the Boston area, a CORI sealing and expungement program, and the Access to Justice Fellows Program to engage retired lawyers and judges in pro bono pursuits.

Clinics are operated at the following locations:

Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Program (BHCHP)
Address: 780 Albany St. Boston, Ma. 02118
Contact: Nicole (857) 654-1081

Bridge Over Troubled Waters
Address: 47 West St. Boston, MA. 02111
Contact: Lindsay (617) 423-9575 ex. 207

Cardinal Medeiros Center
Address: 1960 Washington St. Boston, MA. 02118
Contact: Muriel (617) 619-6962

Metro Housing Boston
Address: 1411 Tremont St. Boston, MA. 02120
Contact: Felisha (617) 425-6650

Pine Street Inn
Address: 444 Harrison Ave. Boston, MA. 02118
Men’s contact: Ken (617) 892-9230
Women’s contact: Julie (617) 892-9318

Southampton Shelter
Address: 112 Southampton St. Boston, MA. 02118
Contact: Pedro (617) 534-6136

St. Francis House
Address: 39 Boylston St. Boston, MA. 02116
Contact: Fabiana (617) 457-1034

Women’s Lunch Place
Address: 67 Newbury St. Boston, MA. 02116
Contact: Minerva (617) 267-8104

Woods Mullen Shelter
Address: 794 Massachusetts Ave. Boston, MA. 02118
Contact: Diniz (617) 534-7157

In order to qualify, clients must be homeless, using shelter services, or otherwise be income eligible for free legal services.

Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts, Boston

Literacy Volunteers of Massachusetts trains volunteers who provide free, confidential and individualized tutoring to adults in basic literacy and English to Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). With improved literacy skills and the confidence that comes with it, adults are able to pursue a better life and a better future for themselves, their families and their communities.

Office hours are Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Please call for an appointment. Flexible scheduling offered.

Serving individuals over 16 and not currently enrolled in a public school. Primary service population is adults who read below the 6th grade level.

Loaves and Fishes Meal Program

Loaves and Fishes is a food service and relief project led by the Korean Church of Cambridge. Food preparation is made through the cooperation of nonprofit organizations including the Greater Boston Foodbank, donations from nearby stores, and the church’s charitable donation budget. For the past 35 years, the Loaves and Fishes program has consistently served 80 to 160 people every Saturday afternoon, acting as a place of service where individuals can enjoy warm food with dignity rather than just filling your stomach.

For the most up-to-date information visit their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/Loaves-and-Fishes-Meal-Program-136515539846968/.

Louis D. Brown Peace Institute

The Louis D. Brown Peace Institute provides services that are consistent and compassionate for families of murdered loved ones and families of incarcerated loved ones to prevent cycles of retaliatory violence.

Services:

• Survivors Outreach Services
• Community Re-Entry Preparation Services
• Wholistic Healing Workshops
• Stars & Stripes Girls Group
• Healing & Recovery Support Group
• We’re Still Here Writing Workshops
• Mindfulness 

MA Executive Office of Aging and Independence

The Massachusetts Executive Office of Aging and Independence promotes empowerment and well-being of older people and individuals with disabilities and their families by providing access to services through partnerships with agencies throughout Massachusetts.

Services:

• Programs for Adults 60+: In-Home Support, Meal Delivery, Nursing Home Discharge, Behavioral Health Resources, Medicaid Support, Health Insurance Counseling, Supportive Housing Education, Congregate Housing Education, Information on Retirement Communities
• Support For Caregivers: Caregiver Support Program, Caregiver Webinar Series, Caregiving information for workplaces, Family Caregiver Newsletter
• Direct Care Workforce Information
• Elder Abuse Protection & Reporting

Serving older adults and individuals with disabilities and their families.

MANNA Community, Cathedral Church of St. Paul

The Cathedral Church of St. Paul’s MANNA (Many Angels Needed Now and Always) Community is a ministry of and with the unhoused community in downtown Boston. Through MANNA, the church welcomes unhoused folks of all different backgrounds.

Services: The Monday Lunch program has been serving a freshly cooked lunch for anyone who desires it every week for thirty years. MANNA volunteers now join their long-standing partner parishes to welcome the broader homeless community. Lunch is served every Monday from 11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m. in Sproat Hall.

The Cathedral offers additional services, including weekly masses, a micro library, meditation groups, and more.

Lunch Service: Mondays, 11:30am to 12:45pm

Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House

• Food Pantry: The MFNH food pantry is open four days a week and is open to any resident of the Greater Boston Area. There are no income restrictions or other requirements of any kind in order to use the pantry. The pantry is full choice (grocery store style) and offers a variety of fresh produce, staple dry goods, frozen meat or fish, fresh bread and more. Households may visit the pantry two times a month.
• Community Advancement: MFNH offers case management and wrap-around services including assistance with housing, career readiness, financial literacy, and educational support as well as technology classes, regular events programming, and referrals to other assisting agencies. Please call 617-547-4680 to make an appointment to meet with a Community Engagement Coordinator.

Food Pantry Hours
Wednesday: 4:00pm - 6:30pm
Thursday: 2:00pm - 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am - 1:00pm

Office Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Massachusetts 211 Helpline

Mass 211 connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources.

24/7

Massachusetts Access to Recovery (ATR)

Access to Recovery (ATR) is a recovery-based program run by the Massachusetts Dept. of Health, for individuals who are in early recovery from substance use disorder (SUD). The goal of the program is to support participants in reaching their personalized recovery goals by providing care coordination, job training and supportive services designed with an emphasis on addressing barriers to employment.

Help Line: This is a non-monitored phone line and may take up to 3 business days for response.

In Greater Springfield, contact:
IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery)
155 Maple Street, Suite 304
Springfield, MA 01105
Fax: (413) 301-6173

For the Downtown Boston Office, contact:
IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery)
105 Chauncy Street, Suite #602
Boston, MA 02111
Fax: (617) 661-7277

For the South Boston Office, contact:
Gavin Foundation
70 Devine Way
South Boston, MA 02127
Fax: (857) 496-0266

In New Bedford, contact:
Gavin Foundation
13 North 6th Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Fax: (774) 328-9075

In Lowell, contact:
IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery)
97 Central Street, Unit 207
Lowell, MA 01852

In Worcester, contact:
Gavin Foundation
101 Pleasant Street, Suite #101
Worcester, MA 01609
Fax: (508) 459-9112

To be eligible, participants need to be:

• 18 years of age or older
• In early recovery (3 months-2 years) from substance use disorder
• Engaged in services with and referred by an approved referral partner
• Live or plan to live within the following communities within six months: Boston, Lowell, New Bedford, Springfield, Holyoke, or Worcester

Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH)

In 2007, eight sober home operators established the nonprofit Massachusetts Alliance for Sober Housing (MASH). Legislation in 2014 created voluntary certification of Massachusetts sober homes, and MASH began managing voluntary statewide sober home certification in 2016. MASH serves as the primary agency for accountability of all certified homes in Massachusetts. MASH also provides supervision and training for sober homes and maintains a database of more than 180 MASH-certified sober homes.

MASH’s recovery values emphasize health, home, purpose, and community. Successful sober homes establish and reinforce healthy lifestyles, provide a safe and stable place to live, conduct meaningful activities, and build relationships and social networks for support. Through their network of certified sober housing and empirically based recovery principles, MASH’s goal is to help create and foster these safe living environments for those with substance use disorders.

Massachusetts Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers (MATSA)

The Massachusetts Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers, Inc. (MATSA) is a non-profit local chapter of the national parent organization. It was formed in 1995 to promote responsible assessment and treatment practices for adults with problematic sexual interests, behavior, or offending. For more information visit this link: MATSA

Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service

Callers are given a referral to a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA), if appropriate, or are referred to an MBA public service program, a state or local agency, or a legal services agency for possible free representation. All calls are screened for income. Referrals to MBA attorneys are based on legal need (on both criminal and civil issues), geographic convenience, and the caller’s financial situation.

MBA/LRS Automatic Referrals now available at www.MassLawHelp.com. Individuals looking for a lawyer will be able to get the name of a qualified MBA attorney instantly — 24 hours a day, seven days a week — after filling out a brief online form. The website’s improved capability will benefit legal consumers and LRS panel members by making connections even more accessible. Users will be sent an email listing the name, address, telephone number and email address of the attorney. The attorney will also receive an email containing the user’s contact information, including telephone number and email address.
Anyone needing a reduced fee referral will be asked to contact the LRS via telephone to determine their eligibility. The LRS will also continue to provide referrals by phone during normal business hours at (617) 654-0400 or toll-free (866) MASS-LRS/(866) 627-7577.

Dial-a-Lawyer: On the first Wednesday of every month, between 5:30pm – 7:30pm, MBA attorneys will answer legal questions (on any area of the law both criminal and civil) on the telephone; there is no fee. The telephone number for this service is 617-338-0610, 877-686-0711 (toll-free).

Currently, the Lawyer Referral Service is open with limited hours of Monday thru Friday 10:00 am to 3:00 pm

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline

The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) is here to connect people directly to clinical help, when and where they need it. Even if clients are not sure what kind of help or treatment they may need, staff at BHHL can help.

• It’s free, confidential, and no health insurance is required.
• Real-time interpretation in 200+ languages.
• Deaf or hard of hearing? Contact MassRelay at 711 or use your video relay or caption provider of choice.

Callers can call or text 833-773-2445 and have a conversation with a live, clinically supervised specialist who can assess clinical needs and provide a warm hand off to the right place in real time. Individuals can also use the chat feature on the website, masshelpline.com, to talk with a representative. Call takers will offer support with immediate crisis intervention, urgent, and routine needs. The Help Line is available 24/7 365 days a year.

Massachusetts Child Abuse Emergency Line

The Massachusetts Child Abuse Emergency Line is a statewide, after-hours emergency response system that ensures the safety of children across the Commonwealth. Operated by The Baker Center for the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families (DCF), we partner with DCF and Emergency Response Workers after-hours. A 50+ member staff is trained to assess the urgency of each call, elicit critical information, and provide a sympathetic ear. In situations where children are at imminent risk, an emergency response is initiated, with DCF field staff launching the investigations. Services are provided by phone only. The Emergency Line is NOT able to provide services on its website or by email.

Phone lines are open every day, including weekends and holidays from 5:00pm to 9:00pm.

Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination

The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) is the independent state agency that enforces the anti-discrimination laws of the Commonwealth through training, mediation, investigation, prosecution and adjudication. The people of Massachusetts, its workers, and visitors may file a complaint if they believe they were treated differently or unfairly in Massachusetts based on their identity as a member of a protected class. Complaints filed at the MCAD are investigated by an MCAD staff member to determine if there are sufficient facts to find that the treatment alleged constitutes unlawful discrimination. The MCAD conducts its investigation as a neutral entity. If it is more probable than not that there was an unlawful practice, the complaint may move forward to prosecution and adjudication.

The MCAD has three offices, Boston, Springfield, and Worcester, where one can meet with an intake specialist for a free consultation and file a Complaint. MCAD also offers training and outreach to address and prevent discrimination. The Commission also conducts policy reviews, provides draft model policies online, and issues guidance on Acts that affect the work of the Commission.

Offices are open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm

Springfield Office:
436 Dwight Street, Room 220
Springfield, MA 01103
Phone: 413-739-2145
Fax: 413-784-1056

Worcester Office:
484 Main Street, Room 320
Worcester, MA 01608
Phone: 508-453-9630
Fax: 508-755-3861

In all but a few exceptions, the MCAD cannot accept complaints based on incidents over 300 days old. Please review the MCAD Questionnaires for more information.

Please bring any relevant names, addresses, or telephone numbers, witnesses’ names, and any other paperwork that will help investigate and establish allegations of unlawful discrimination.

For an employment case: Must have the employer’s name, address, the approximate number of employees, and the name of the parent company, if applicable.

For a housing case: Supply the landlord’s or property manager’s name, the real estate company’s name, or the real estate agent’s name, if appropriate.

For public accommodations: Bring the name of the owner or manager of the establishment.

Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance

The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long-term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in eight residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities

In addition to food and cash benefits, DTA offers other services to help you meet your basic needs and achieve economic mobility.

Services:

• Domestic Violence
• Disability Access
• DTA help for seniors
• SNAP help for veterans
• SNAP Nutrition Education
• SNAP Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Pilot 
• Funeral & Burial Assistance
• Appeals and Hearings
• Rights, responsibilities, penalties
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• DTA Pathways to Work (employment & training)
• Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) 
• Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
• Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)

DTA Assistance Line is open Monday through Friday, from 8:15am to 4:45pm

Offices are located throughout the Commonwealth, find your local office by visiting https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance/locations?_page=2#.

Massachusetts Law Reform Institute

The Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is a statewide nonprofit legal advocacy and policy organization that advances economic, racial, and social justice for low-income communities. MLRI provides advocacy, training, and legal expertise on a wide range of civil legal issues affecting low-income people, including housing, health care, public benefits, employment, immigration, education, and family law. While MLRI does not provide individual legal representation, it partners closely with regional legal aid organizations, community-based groups, and directly impacted individuals to advance systemic change.

Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics

The Massachusetts Registry of Vital Records and Statistics (RVRS) administers and issues copies of vital records that occurred in Massachusetts from 1926 to the present. RVRS also provides statistics on births, deaths, fetal deaths, divorces, and marriages. These data are used by local and state public health programs and medical researchers to help understand our population, promote wellness, and ensure health equity within the Commonwealth.

Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45am to 4:45pm

Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission

The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) helps individuals with disabilities to live and work independently. Their programs and services expand possibilities in careers and training, home and community life, and legal rights and benefits – including disability determination for federal programs.

Services: See Program Brochure for additional details

• Assistive Technology
• Home & Community Life
• Disability Benefits & Rights
• Career Services & Business Relations

Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45am to 5:00pm

Offices are located statewide, visit this link for more information: MassAbility | Mass.gov

Programs are for persons with disabilities. Some services may have other eligibility requirements. Must be a Massachusetts resident and eligible to work in the U.S.

Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children

The Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (MSPCC) is a private, non-profit society dedicated to protecting and promoting the rights and well-being of children and families. MSPCC’s work focuses on preventing or mitigating the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) including physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, household substance abuse, household mental illness, and domestic violence. By promoting social and emotional learning and supports for children as well as tools to improve parents’ skills, MSPCC employs a two-generational approach to improve outcomes for both children and parents.

Services:

• Pregnancy and Parenting Support
• Child & Family Counseling
• Foster Care & Adoption
• Advocacy 

Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline

The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment, recovery, and problem gambling services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Their caring, trained Specialists help callers understand the treatment system and their options.

24/7

Mayor’s Office of Returning Citizens

The Office of Returning Citizens offers support to those who return to Boston after being released from state, federal, and county facilities each year.

Services: Birth certificates, Employment, Health services, Legal services, Recovery services, Senior resources, Internet Access, Voter registration, Transportation

Office Hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Walk-in Hours:
Monday: 2:00pm to 5:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am to 2:00pm

McGrath House

McGrath House is a 33-bed Community-based Residential Reentry Program for women leaving incarceration. Residents receive gender-specific evidence-based case management and in-house clinical services that emphasize successful reentry.

Women referred by county sheriff’s departments, the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the Massachusetts Parole Board, or the Massachusetts Probation Service. These referrers must prepare a referral packet which will be reviewed based on availability and allocation.

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee

Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee (MHLAC) provides legal and policy advocacy for people with mental health challenges throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. They also provide information and advice to individuals involved with the Massachusetts mental health system through the MHLAC Intake Line. If you need help or advice, you must call the MHLAC Intake Line and leave a voicemail message.

Services:

• Legal Help: Access to Mental Health Services, Access to Education, Group Home Evictions, Family Law Project, DCF Disability Accommodations and Modifications Intake Request Form, Free Legal Clinic
• Advocacy: Supported Legislation, Opposed Legislation
• Additional Resources: Online Library, Trainings, Useful Links

Intake Phone System:
24 hours/365 days per year
Office:
Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

• No criminal representation.
• They do not do intake interviews on a walk-in basis.
• They can only assist with problems or issues that involve Massachusetts.
• They cannot assist anonymous callers.

Mothers for Justice and Equality

MJE aims to end neighborhood violence by empowering mothers and youth to challenge the normalization of violence and become effective catalysts for change in their homes, schools, and communities. They engage mothers, youth, and families by providing targeted support, educational opportunities, and the opportunity to advocate for peace as a community.

Services:

• Youth Development:
  • Youth Peer Leadership: Empowering youth ages 14–18 to lead and make a difference through healing, skill-building, and community engagement.
  • STEM: Middle school students in partnership with Boston Public Schools.
  • Second Chance: Targeted support for ages 16-24 who may be out of school/work, involved with DYS, etc.
  • Young Parents: Case management and support for ages 14-24. MJE serves young parents at our Roxbury location through Brigham and Women’s Young Parent Program – Stronger Generations.
• Adult Education & Workforce Development: Supports victims of trauma facing chronic unemployment to become a force for community action and a candidate to re-enter the workforce.
• Health Equity and Community Wellness Program: Community Engagement, Partnerships with various health-based community organizations

Hyde Park Office
1017 River St, Hyde Park, MA 02136

Multicultural AIDS Coalition

The Multicultural AIDS Coalition aims to mobilize communities of color to end the HIV epidemic. They provide integrated HIV/STI testing, including one-on-one counseling, screening for HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea. In addition to testing, they also offer educational and support groups, and follow-up wrap around support services and navigation to treatment.

Services:

• Drop-in Centers: CONNECTED Boston and the Women Connecting Affecting Change programs offer clients a safe space to relax and receive comprehensive HIV/STI screening and navigation services to needed care, as well as ongoing personal and medication adherence support.
• LGBTQ+ Elders of Color: Building community through social engagement events, creative programming and providing needed resources for health care and aging services.
• Africans for Improved Access (AFIA): Provides HIV/STI prevention, education, and support services to the African immigrant and refugee community in Massachusetts.

Hours of Operation:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10:00am to 5:00pm
Wednesday: 12:00pm to 7:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am to 4:00pm

Testing Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 10:30am to 4:00pm
Wednesday: 12:30pm to 6:00pm
Saturday: 11:30am to 3:00pm

Women Connecting Affecting Change (WCAC)
157A Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02121

NamaStay Sober

NamaStay Sober supports individuals in addiction recovery through yoga, fitness, meditation, and sober social community events, helping people reconnect as they work toward sobriety. By joining the NamaStay Sober community, participants have access to a network of peers, support, and wellness resources, helping them create a healthier, sober lifestyle.

Services: NamaStay Sober Impact Club, Community Events

National Domestic Violence Hotline

The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides essential tools and support to survivors of domestic violence so they can live free from abuse. It is available via phone, text, and live chat on the website – 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Callers can expect highly trained, expert advocates who offer free, confidential, and compassionate support, including crisis intervention, information, education, and referral services in over 200 languages.

Services: 

• Education: Identify Abuse, Plan for Safety, Support Others
• Partnerships: StrongHearts (Helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives), National Teen Dating Abuse Helpline (Helpline for young people experiencing abuse or curious about healthy relationships), and The Deaf Hotline (Helpline for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing)
• Find Local Providers

Hotline and chat are 24/7.

National Lawyers Guild: Lawyer Referral Service (Mass. Chapter)

The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Lawyers Guild works to change the structure of political and economic systems by uniting the legal community with organizers and activists. Call their hotline for reports and information regarding ICE, DHS, or FBI visits.

Services: Street Law Clinic Project, Legal Observers, Litigation Committee, Mass Defense Committee, People of Color Caucus, Law School Chapters, Jail House Lawyers, Mass Dissent

None

National Sexual Assault Hotline

The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a safe, confidential service that provides 24/7 crisis support, prevention education, and public policy advocacy to help survivors, stop harm, and enable justice. When you call the hotline, only the first six numbers of the phone number are used to route the call, and your complete phone number is never stored in their system. Most states do have laws that require local staff to contact authorities in certain situations, like if there is a child or vulnerable adult who is in danger.

Services: Support & Services, Education & Community, Policy & Justice, Consulting & Training

Hotline and online chat available 24/7

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 180 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Offers specific services to Veterans, and Deaf or hard of hearing individuals.

Click here for information on what to expect when calling, chatting or texting the 988 Lifeline.

24/7

New Beginnings Re-Entry Services

New Beginnings Reentry Services is an education and healing center for formerly incarcerated individuals. Their programs facilitate healing through creative expression including art therapy, music therapy, applied theater, and storytelling workshops.

Services: Music Therapy, Art Therapy, Theater, Yoga, Sound Healing, Restorative Justice, Cooking Classes, Computer Education, AA meetings, Workforce Development, Group Therapy, Financial Literacy

Monday through Thursday: 11:00am to 4:00pm

New England Center and Home for Veterans

The New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) aim to equip Veterans who are facing or at-risk of homelessness with the tools for economic sufficiency and to provide them a path to achieve successful and dignified independent living. A service and care provider for former military service men and women, the NECHV offers a broad array of programs and services that enable success, reintegration, meaningful employment, and independent living.

Services: Transitional Housing, Permanent and Supportive Housing, Support, Employment and Training

Services: 24/7
Office hours: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Any person who has served in the U.S Military (active, Guard, Reserve), regardless of era, length or character of service, is a Veteran, and is eligible for services and support from the NECHV.

New England Culinary Arts Training

New England Culinary Arts Training (NECAT) aims to empower adults facing barriers to employment through training in culinary skills, social-emotional development and career-readiness for success and long-term financial stability.

Services: NECAT’s 14-week training program emphasizes culinary skills, life skills and career readiness equally, so that students graduate with culinary competencies, self-confidence and employment savvy. The training curriculum is taught in the following locations:

• Boston Training Center
• East Boston YMCA Training Center
• Behind The Walls Training (Suffolk County House of Correction)
• Haitian Creole Program

East Boston YMCA Training Center
54 Ashley Street, East Boston, MA
(617) 418-7331

Behind the Walls Training
Suffolk County House of Correction, 20
Bradston Street, Boston, MA

All interested students are required to attend an info session. Info sessions are held every Tuesday at 9:30AM at 23 Bradston Street, 2R.

New England Forensic Associates

New England Forensic Associates (NEFA) is a nationally recognized center for the evaluation and treatment of problematic sexual behavior. Their forensic psychology and counseling practice provides a wide array of clinical, therapeutic, evaluation, and risk assessment services in a culturally competent and individually sensitive manner.

Services: Outpatient Therapy, Specialized Treatment Programs, Psychological Evaluation, Psychometric Assessment, Employment and Human Resources Screening, Professional Consultation, Expert Witness Testimony 

Client needs to be accepted to treatment by a clinician

New England Region of Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. NA is a program of total abstinence from all drugs. The only requirement for membership is the desire to stop using.

Services:  Call their helpline 1-866-NA-HELP-U (I-866-624-3578) or attend a meeting (in-person and virtual).

Hotline is 24/7; Meetings as listed on website

New Horizons Medical

New Horizons Medical offer low-cost mental health, substance use, and psychiatry treatment, and accept most health plans in Massachusetts which often makes treatment almost free to patients with qualified insurance.

Services: Opioid Addiction, Alcoholism Treatment, Day Treatment Program, Psychiatry, Mental Health 

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Haverhill
62 Brown Street
Haverhill MA 01830

Newmarket Business Improvement District

Newmarket Business Improvement District is a publicly chartered, private, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the quality of life and enhancing the accessibility, attractiveness and appeal of Boston’s Newmarket District.

Services: Clean Streets, Security, Homeless Back2Work Program, Transportation, Recover Boston Addiction Initiative, Projects & Initiatives

North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center

North End/West End Neighborhood Service Center provides a variety of supports for Boston residents in need. Seniors enjoy a number of programs including a drop-in senior center, health, exercise, and wellness classes, social activities, discounted taxi vouchers, and a supermarket shuttle. The center provides hot meals on Mondays and Fridays, as well as snacks 3 times a week, primarily for seniors, people who are disabled, or people who are homeless. Additionally, they offer a range of educational presentations; job readiness programs; assistance with your search for affordable housing; assistance with your health insurance application (Medicare Part B); translation and interpretation services in Italian, Mandarin, and Turkish, and notary services. During the holidays, they can provide holiday meals, gifts, and participation in their Adopt-a-Family program.

Services: Utility Bill Advocacy, Food Stamps/SNAP, SummerWorks, Food Pantries, Fuel Assistance, Weatherization 

NorthEnd Center Office is open Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm.

Food Access Center – West End: 75 Blossom Court, Boston, MA (Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00am to 4:00pm)

Serves low-income residents in the Boston area. Bring I.D. and proof of income for your first visit.

Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation

Nuestra Comunidad is devoted to building wealth and enhancing the physical, economic, and social well-being of Roxbury and other underserved populations in greater Boston through a community-driven process that promotes self-sufficiency and neighborhood revitalization.

Services:

• First-time homebuyer classes
• Credit ready classes
• Foreclosure prevention
• Your financial future
• Resident Services
• Community engagement
• Business and entrepreneurship
• Asset management
• Housing resource services 

Office Based Addiction Treatment: Boston Medical Center

The Boston Medical Center Office Based Addiction Treatment (OBAT) Program treats patients with approved medications for substance use disorders. Patients receive specialized treatment for their substance use disorder integrated within a primary care setting, allowing all their medical needs to be addressed by a team of providers. The OBAT Program has been recognized nationally and replicated within many outpatient settings, including primary care, family medicine, behavioral health, and OB/Gyn practices, among others.

Services: Substance use disorder treatment (including opioid, alcohol, benzodiazepine, and stimulant use disorders), trained addiction experts (including nurses, physicians, nurse practitioners, social workers, psychiatrists, patient care coordinators, medical assistants, and recovery coaches), medications for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), same-day medication access, direct telephone access to the nursing team, compassionate and non-judgmental care, harm reduction services and resources, specialized services to justice-involved individuals, adolescents, pregnant and post-partum women, and those with brain injuries, assistance accessing social supports and other benefits (e.g., food, IDs, employment, insurance), behavioral health and psychiatric services, access to short- and long-term birth control, screening and treatment options for HIV; Hepatitis A, B, and C; and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI), overdose education and access to naloxone (Narcan).

Monday through Thursday 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM

On The Rise, Inc.

On The Rise aims to create a safe and supportive community that fosters self-determination and well-being for women, transgender, and gender diverse individuals experiencing or recovering from homeless. Safe Haven, their day shelter, provides survival needs including private showers, breakfast and lunch, safe spaces, clothing, computers and more.

Services: Safe Haven Day Shelter, Keep the Keys Program (Support individuals through housing stabilization and retention)

Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: 8:30am-3:30pm
Tuesday: 12:00pm-3:30pm
Thursday: 9:30am-3:30pm

On the Rise is a low-threshold space – a wet program allowing people to come under the influence. No drugs or alcohol are allowed on the property to keep the space violence free and safe for everyone.

On with Living and Learning, Inc. (OWLL)

On With Living & Learning (OWLL) is a grassroots collective of BIPOC, White, and Differently Abled Artists who commit their art for racial and social justice. They bring together underrepresented voices from Boston’s urban communities in leadership workshops that culminate in theatre productions celebrating their cultural heritage and social experiences. Their collective works with community partners to ensure a focus on the social justice issues most relevant to the participants and serves as a basis for deep community listening, transformation, and the development of a new narrative for the participant’s and their community’s future.

Open Door Soup Kitchen at Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church

The Open Door Soup Kitchen and the St. Bridget’s Pantry are ministries of Holy Resurrection Orthodox Church in Allston. They serve warm, nutritious, homemade meals every Monday to community members facing food insecurity, including families with children, older adults, and people experiencing homelessness. See their website for additional details and volunteer opportunities.

Serve Allston, Brighton, and neighboring communities. 

Open Door Dinner: Mondays 6:00pm to 7:00pm

Out For Good, Inc.

Out For Good, Inc. has a Re-Entry Program to assist in the process of reintegrating individuals who have been incarcerated back into society. This process can be challenging due to obstacles with finding employment, housing, and accessing healthcare.

Services: CORI sealing, CORI checks, Substance Use Disorder Counseling, Mental Health Counseling, Career Counseling, Notary Public

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 7:00pm

Parenting Journey

Parenting Journey develops and teaches strengths-based, trauma-informed strategies to families with the goal of transforming family and community wellbeing.

Services: 

• Parenting Journey 1: Virtual training that helps parents explore the connection between how they were parented and how they are raising their own children while also promoting their own self-care strategies.
• Parenting Journey 2: Redirects focus from past experiences of being parented and examining parent’s lives in the “here and now” while moving them toward the future via goal setting and achievement.
• Additional trainings include: Parenting Journey for Fathers, Parenting in America, Parenting Journey in Recovery

No matter your origins, no matter what your background, you are welcome at Parenting Journey. They work with mothers, fathers, and caregivers from all walks of life, raising children of all ages. Only parents based in MA can participate in our virtual groups.

Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts

Parents Helping Parents (PHP) connects parents with parents in both virtual and community support groups to share challenges, express frustrations, and ask questions. All services are free, anonymous, confidential, and accessible.

Services: Parent Stress Line, Virtual Parent Support Groups, Community Center Groups, Prison & Jail Programs 

Parole Regional Reentry Centers

The Massachusetts Parole Board operates regional reentry centers across the state. These centers help previously incarcerated individuals make the transition from prison to the community. These centers are open to released individuals with no post-release supervision. Upon release, staff may be able to bring individuals to the reentry center closest to their release address. This program is also available to formerly incarcerated individuals at any time after they are released.

Services: Food assistance, Get a state I.D. card, Renew a driver’s license, Open a bank account, Find work, Find counseling

Locations:

Regions 1 and 2
60 Clayton Street, 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 376-6260

Region 3
20 Central Avenue, 6th Floor, Lynn, MA 01901
(978) 750-1900

Region 4
10 Mechanic Street, 2nd Floor, Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 875-0621

Region 5
436 Dwight Street, Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 784-1210

Region 6
33 East Merrimack Street, Lowell, MA 01852
(978) 446-8927

Region 7
231 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Brockton 02301
(508) 587-0987

Region 8
421 Faunce Corner Road (temporary), 1st Floor, Darthmouth, MA 02747
(508) 713-8947

Region 9
188 Concord Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham 01702
(508) 875-0621

Pathways For Change, Inc.

Pathways for Change provides inclusive and fully accessible services to those whose lives have been impacted by sexual violence. They also provide educational programs geared toward ending sexual violence, across Central Massachusetts.

Services: Multicultural & Multilingual, Professional Workshops & Consultation, Deaf Survivors Program, Sexual Assault Youth Education (SAYE) Program, Males Advocating Change (MAC) Program, Campus Connection, Worcester County Clothesline Program

Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline is open 24/7.

Paulist Center

The Paulist Center aspires to be a welcoming community, open to all, including those searching for a spiritual home and those alienated from the Catholic Church. Social justice and supporting those in their community is central to their mission, providing various services dedicated to different issues and projects.

Services: 

• Emergency Food Pantry: Located on the first floor, open every non-holiday Tuesday afternoon (1:30pm-3:00pm) for those with an immediate, critical need for food.
• Wednesday Night Supper Club: Volunteers host a meal for individuals facing food insecurity. Offered weekly in the Paulist Center Auditorium at 6:00pm.
• Advocacy Groups: Racial Justice Advocacy Group, Immigration Advocacy Group

Pilgrim Church

Pilgrim Church provides various services to members in the community including community lunches, food pantries, and flea markets. See their website for additional details.

Services: Thrift Shop, Food Pantry, unCommon Outreach, Free Community Lunch, Saturday Flea Market 

Pine Street Inn

Pine Street Inn partners with homeless individuals to help them move from the streets and shelter to a home and assists formerly homeless individuals in retaining housing. They provide street outreach, emergency services, supportive housing, job training and connections to employment.

Services: 

• Emergency Services: Street outreach, Front Door Triage, Emergency shelter 
• Housing: Housing with Support, Addressing Chronic Homelessness, Veterans’ Housing
• Workforce Development: iCater, Housekeeping
  • The program orientation is every eight weeks, and the programs last between four and six months.  This is a referral-based program—applicants can ask a case manager or clinician to help them apply.  The program has Job Placement Specialists and a Stabilization Specialist to help you continue your employment journey even after the program ends.
• Additional Services: Homeless Court, Recovery Services

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts

Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts aims to ensure every person in the state has access to sexual and reproductive health care and education no matter who they are, where they live, or who they love. Visit website for more information on specific services.

Services: 

• Infection Checks & Treatment
• Birth Control Options & Counseling
• Emergency Contraception
• General Visits
• Gender Affirming Hormone Therapy
• Abortion Care
• Pregnancy Testing & Counseling
• STI Prevention
• Vaccinations
• Miscarriage Management
• Menopausal Management
• Erectile Dysfunction

Hours vary by location. Visit website for more information.

Central MA Health Center:
470 Pleasant Street
Worcester MA 01609

Western MA Health Center:
3550 Main Street
Springfield MA 01107

Metro West Health Center:
91 Main Street
Marlborough MA 01752

Some appointments require parental consent for minors.

Prison Book Program

Prison Book Program is a nonprofit organization that sends packages of free, hand-selected books to incarcerated readers in all 50 states. Incarcerated individuals can request books by sending a letter, and family or friends can also use an online book request form.

Services: Book Donations, Volunteering

Book Drop off and Volunteer Hours
Tuesdays: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Wednesdays: 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursdays: 6:30pm - 9:00pm
Saturdays: 1:00pm - 4:00 pm

Project Bread: FoodSource Hotline

Project Bread free FoodSource Hotline is the only comprehensive statewide information and referral service in Massachusetts for people facing hunger. Always free & confidential for all MA residents, their expert counselors are ready to assist callers in 180 languages and help you access local food resources and federal nutrition programs.

Services: Provides information on School Meals, Summer Eats, SUN Bucks (Summer EBT), SNAP, WIC, Food Pantries, Meals on Wheels, and other programs.

Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 7 :00pm
Saturday: 10:00am to 2:00pm

Available to all Massachusetts residents.
Having a criminal record and/or being homeless does NOT disqualify anyone from being eligible for Food Stamps.

Project Hope

Project Hope is a multi-service agency at the forefront of efforts in Boston to move families up and out of poverty. They provide women with children, who are experiencing poverty, with access to education, jobs, housing, and emergency services; foster their personal transformation; and advocate for broader systems change.

Services: Housing Services, ESOL Program, Adult Basic Education Program, Family Childcare, Ambassadors’ Bureau

Project MANNA, Massachusetts Ave. Baptist Church

Mondays only 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Project Place

Project Place provides a path to success and self-sufficiency for individuals returning to the community after incarceration. They promote a community of hope and opportunity for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the skills, education and resources needed to obtain and sustain employment and housing.

All programs are CORI friendly.

Services: 

• Skill Development: Work Ready Program, Industry Internship Program (IIP), Project Place Enterprises Program
• Case Management: Pre-Programming (Intake and Assessment, Individual Development Planning), Programming (Regular Case management time, Coordination of needs), and Post-Programming (Continued engagement, Enrichment opportunities)
• Career Services & Employment: Career building, Finding Opportunities, Assistance with filling out Applications
• Housing Assistance: Permanent Supportive Housing (GateHouse, Betty’s Place)

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Project Promise, Institute for Health and Recovery

Project Promise is a caring and flexible outpatient program for pregnant and parenting people, offering support to help clients heal and recover from substance use and mental health challenges. They understand that recovery is not easy, and that nobody can do this alone. Staff are passionate about helping clients realize their full potential as a parent and as an individual. They offer clinical and support services, practical help, and connection to other parents in recovery.

Services: Group Therapy | Individual Therapy | Family Therapy | Recovery Coaching | Assessment and Care Planning | Intensive Case Management

REACH Beyond Domestic Violence

REACH comes at the issues and complexity of domestic violence from several directions simultaneously. They provide a variety of free and confidential supportive direct services for anyone experiencing domestic violence. You do not need to leave a relationship in order to receive help from REACH.

If you are interested in learning more about their services, please give them a call at 781-891-0724. If this is an emergency, please call their hotline at 800-899-4000.

Services:

• Emergency Shelter: Haven for those who have nowhere else to go as they escape abusive situations. Provide a comfortable, home-like atmosphere, compassionate counseling, and practical aid.
• Community-Based Advocacy: Advocates help survivors create tangible plans to keep themselves physically and emotionally safe when abusive incidents happen, find a job or housing, access benefits, and accompany them to court.
• Prevention and Education: Domestic violence prevention programs help community members and professionals recognize and respond to signs of abuse. Offer programming to professionals, community organizers, youth populations, and volunteers.

Hotline 24/7

Registry Division, City of Boston

The Registry Division issues birth, death, marriage certificates, and marriage licenses for the City of Boston. For certified copies of Boston birth, death, and marriage certificates with a raised seal, people can apply online, by mail, or in person.

Services: Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate, Death Certificate, How to get married, Copy of a Marriage Certificate, Birth Certificate Information, Death Certificate Information, Book a City Hall Wedding Ceremony 

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 4:00pm

RESPOND, Inc.

RESPOND provides emergency shelter and a range of support services and educational programs to thousands of survivors of domestic violence each year including adults, children, and teens regardless of gender, race, religion, age, or other characteristics.

Services:

• Community-Based Services: Community Intervention and Education Program, Law Enforcement Partnership Program, SAFER Program
• Housing and Residential Services: Housing Program, Residential Services Program, Young Parents Program 

Business office hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Support and Intake Line:
Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm
(At all other times, callers can be connected to state and federal hotlines.)

Rian Immigrant Center

Rian Immigrant Center provides a comprehensive, multi-service approach to supporting immigrant and refugee families from more than 120 different countries. Advocate for fair immigration legislation and just policies, and facilitate an intercultural program which promotes inclusion, diversity, and unity.

Services: Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative, Course Information, Immigration Legal Services, Resource and Support Services, Learning Exchange Program, Advancing Racial Equity & Building Community, Advocacy, Community Engagement

Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm

Roca, Inc.

Roca’s mission is to be a relentless force in disrupting incarceration, poverty, and racism by engaging the young adults, police, and systems at the center of urban violence in relationships to address trauma, find hope and drive change.

Services: 

• Young Adults: Works with young men and women to build trust and teach emotional skills.
• System Partners: Build relationships with law enforcement, community-based organizations and experts and thought partners.

Boston
60 Newmarket Square
Boston, MA 02118
617-442-3101
boston@rocainc.com

Lynn
330 Lynnway, Suite 110
Lynn, MA 01901
lynn@rocainc.com

Springfield
29 School Street
Springfield, MA 01105
413-846-4301
springfield@rocainc.com

Holyoke
346 Race Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
413-437-7714
holyoke@rocainc.com

Rosie’s Place

Rosie’s Place provides a safe and nurturing environment for poor and unhoused women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.

Services: 

• Emergency Support: Food Programs, Day Shelter, Overnight Shelter, Wellness
• Ongoing Support: Advocacy, Education, Legal Services, Housing Stabilization, Public Policy

Hours vary by program

Roxbury Multi-Service Center

Please call for an appointment at 617 541-6859

Roxbury Youthworks, Inc.

Roxbury Youthworks provide services and supports to youth caught in cycles of poverty, victimization and violence. Work with clients to help them build a new life on their path to safety, rebuilding, and realizing their full potential. They service cisgender females, cisgender males, trans and gender diverse youth who are at-risk or have been impacted by human trafficking.

Services: GIFT Program, BUILD Program, Jackson Square Lead Agency, Community Service Network 

Safe and Sound Recovery Center

Safe and Sound Recovery Center, part of the Boston Public Health Commission, provides peer-led, outpatient substance use services. Located in Boston, the center’s goal is to support people in their journey to sobriety through various programs, including recovery coaching, support groups, and peer leadership training.

Services:

• Recovery Coaching & Planning: Personalized support to help individuals develop a tailored plan for recovery.
• Substance Use Support Groups: The center offers morning AA/NA meetings (Tuesday to Thursday at 9:30 a.m.) and various group therapies, including relapse prevention, mindfulness, anger management, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Peer Leadership Training: Opportunities for individuals in recovery to learn leadership skills and provide support to others.
• Individual Counseling & Psychotherapy: One-on-one therapy to address substance use disorders.
• Spanish Language Groups: Services include groups like Temprana Recuperacion and Grupo de Prevencion de Recaida.
• Case Management Services: Assistance with connecting to additional services, resources, and care coordination.
• On-Site Healthcare Services: Access to primary care services, HIV and STI testing, and drug screening if needed.
• Transportation Assistance: Available for eligible clients.

Walk-ins Welcome:
No appointment is necessary for enrollment.
Intakes:
Monday through Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (Wednesday until 1:00 p.m.)
Program Hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (Wednesday until 2:00 p.m.)

SafeLink

SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Each call is answered by a trained advocate who provides non-judgemental support, assistance with safety planning, and information on appropriate resources.

People who are Deaf and hard of hearing can reach SafeLink through the Mass Relay Service.

24/7

Saint Cecilia Parish

Saint Cecilia Parish welcomes people of every age, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, socio-economic condition, family structure, and physical or mental ability.

Services: Nonprofit Partnerships, Hunger and Homelessness Ministry, Saint Cecilia CARES

Mass Schedule
Saturday: 5:00pm (In-person)
Sunday: 8:00 a.m (In-person); 9:30 a.m. (In-person & Livestream); 11:30 a.m. (In-person); 6:00 p.m. (In-person)
Wednesday through Friday: 8:00 a.m. (In-person)

Salvation Army Family Thrift Stores – Boston Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center

Salvation Army Boston Kroc

Experience all that the Boston Kroc has to offer. Enjoy access to classes and state-of-the-art equipment where you can focus on your fitness goals. Or explore how our arts, science and education, youth leadership, ministry, culinary arts, and other programs are helping our communities grow stronger. The Boston Kroc offers something for everyone.

The Salvation Army South End Corps
Annually, over 3,400 individuals are served through their emergency assistance programs

• Emergency Utilities Assistance/Good Neighbor Energy Fund
• Emergency Furniture Assistance
• Emergency Clothing Assistance
• Emergency Rent/Mortgage Assistance
• Food Pantry Assistance
• Energy Efficiency Funds Assistance
• Christmas Assistance

For more information on these services, please contact the South End Corps at 617-536-5260 or visit them at 1500 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118.

The Salvation Army also runs Family Thrift stores where you can score great deals on clothing, home goods, and electronics.

• Somerville Store
  • 487 Broadway
  • Somerville, MA 02145
  • 800-728-7825
  • Bosadm@use.salvationarmy.org

Somerville Store
487 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02145

Samaritans

Samaritans’ mission is to reduce the incidence of suicide by alleviating despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among individuals in the community. Their suicide hotline is available 24 hours a day, where individuals can receive help from a trained volunteer offering nonjudgemental support. They also provide suicide prevention education to the public and offer support services to those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Services: 24/7 Helpline, Grief Support Services, Community Education

Helpline: 24/7

Social Security Benefits After Incarceration

Social Security and Supplemental Security Income benefits are available to people released from incarceration. These benefits may include retirement, survivor, or disability payments. To qualify, individuals must have worked or contributed to Social Security for enough years. For additional information, explore the linked website or call the toll-free support number.

Solutions at Work

Solutions at Work is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty and homelessness by providing individuals and families with resources and opportunities to strengthen their self-confidence, achieve self-sufficiency, and participate in helping others.

Services:

• Children’s Item Exchange: Provides clothing, books, and other children’s items to those in need.
• SolutionsWear program: Provides new and gently-used professional attire for men and women to outfit 650 people annually.

Tuesday through Thursday: 10:30a.m - 3:30p.m

Somerville Center for Adult Learning Experiences (SCALE)

SCALE provides adults, 16 and older, with reading, writing, and math classes, with the goal of supporting individuals in a supportive, diverse, and welcoming learning community. SCALE’s fully accessible facilities include a computer lab and an on-site HiSET Exam Center.

Services: Adult Basic Education Classes, Spanish High School Equivalency Classes, English Language Learning (ELL) Classes, Adult Diploma Program & HiSET

Office Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8:00am-8:00pm
Friday: 8:00am-4:00pm

Somerville Homeless Coalition

The Somerville Homeless Coalition provides homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families with individualized supportive services and tailored housing solutions with the goal of obtaining and maintaining affordable housing.

Services: Emergency Assistance, Food Assistance, Homelessness Prevention, Outreach & Shelter, Housing Search Assistance, Supportive Housing 

Office
Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Shelter
Monday through Sunday: 4:00pm - 8:00am

South Boston Neighborhood House & Senior Center

South Boston Neighborhood House and Senior Center aim to reduce isolation by offering activities and services that maintain dignity, health, independence, and self-confidence for seniors. These services aim to enhance physical, intellectual, and creative well-being through exercise, interaction, technology, and art classes.

Services: 

• Health and Information Programming (Yoga, Dance, Bowling, Health seminars, etc.)
• Recreational Programming (Bingo, Games and movies, Shopping, Special events, Holiday parties, etc.)

Monday through Friday: 8:30am - 3:30pm

Spectrum Health Systems

St. Francis House

St. Francis House offers basic, rehabilitative, and housing services to hundreds of individuals experiencing homelessness. The center is open every day of the year.

Services: Day Shelter, Recovery Support Center, Housing, Workforce Development, Behavioral Health, Medical Clinic

Hours vary depending on program. Call or visit website for details.

St. James Helping Hands Food Pantry

Helping Hand Food Pantry operates on the second and fourth Saturdays of each month from 9:00-11:00 am at the church, 1991 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge (2 blocks from Porter Square). Donations of unexpired canned and packaged food goods, cleaning supplies and personal care products, including period products (maxi pads are particularly requested), can be dropped off at our location.

Drop-off hours are on the second and fourth Fridays of each month from 10am-12pm.

Second & Fourth Saturday of each month: 9:00am - 11:00am

Proof of residency in Cambridge or Somerville is required. Proof includes a tax bill, rent statement, utility bill, phone/cable bill, car registration or driver’s license.

Unhoused individuals are welcome.

St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children

St. Mary’s Center offers a wide variety of programs for women and children. St. Mary’s serves as a safety net for vulnerable families and children–providing a haven and home as well as life-changing programs and services.

Programs

• Crossroads
  • Provides family shelter, case management, housing search, stabilization services, and food pantry to more than 70 families each year.
  • info@ebcrossroads.org
• Margaret’s House
  • Residence offered to homeless families
• Massachusetts Maternity Transitional Housing 
  • Newest residential program that provides 12 homeless families at any one time with the tools, developmental experience, and learning opportunities that families need to thrive and succeed.
• St. Kevin’s & Uphams Corner Residential
  • Permanent housing to 20+ families who have previously experienced homelessness
• St. Mary’s Home
  • Provides residential services to 17 pregnant and parenting teenagers and their infants/toddlers at any one time
• Women’s Learning Resource Center
  • Offers ABE and pre-HiSET and high school equivalency preparation courses to women who are balancing life and family
• Education & Employment: Women@Work
  • W@W is a 20-week job readiness training program that addresses the vocational needs of women who face multiple barriers to employment, including homelessness, lack of a high-school diploma or equivalency.

COVID-19 Update 

Steppingstone Incorporated

Steppingstone Incorporated’s mission is to strengthen quality of life among individuals and families of our community through providing comprehensive client-center programs and services that enhance well-being and promote independence.

Offering various programming including:

• Residential Rehabilitation
• Outpatient Rehabilitation
• Housing for Homeless
• Peer Recovery Support
• Coordinated Care
• Pregnancy Support
• Reentry Programming

See website for programming location details

STEPRox Recovery Support Center

STEPRox is a peer-led, non-clinical support center that offers social and peer support for those with substance use disorders. They offer supports that engage, educate, and support members as they seek their own personal path to lasting recovery.

Services: Recovery Coaches, Support Group Networks, Volunteer Opportunities

Monday through Friday: 9:30am-8:00pm
Saturday: 10:00am-6:00pm

Stop It Now! Helpline

The Stop It Now! Helpline is a safe place to talk with professionals, knowledgeable in the field of child sexual abuse prevention. Staff can provide accurate information and guidance for responding to warning signs and creating safe environments for children and adolescents. They offer understanding and compassion, as well as the steps and resources for preventing child sexual abuse.

Services: 

• Circle of Safety: Online trainings on how to prevent child sexual abuse in youth-serving environments.
• Prevention Tools: Guidebooks, Tip sheets, Resource guides, etc. on how to stop harm before it occurs.
• Stories of Hope: Read real stories from real families and individuals affected by child sex abuse.

Monday: 12:00pm-8:00pm
Tuesday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Wednesday: 12:00pm-6:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday: 12:00pm-6:00pm

Please be aware that the Helpline does not offer legal advice, therapy, or carry out investigations of any kind. If you need legal advice or counsel, please consult an attorney directly.

Straight Ahead Ministries

Straight Ahead Ministries is a faith-based organization that supports and connects justice-involved youth with available resources in their community. They operate several youth reentry programs in Massachusetts that offer a variety of services for youth alongside the support of case managers, mentors, and peer leaders.

Services: 

• Ready4Life Intensive Seminar: Interactive event designed to empower justice-involved youth to make positive, lasting changes.
• Straight2Work: Job readiness program, providing youth with opportunities for hands-on work experience.
• Connect & Train: Resource guide of every youth justice facility in US in need of volunteers.

STRIVE – Boston Employment Services, Inc.

STRIVE Boston is workforce readiness program that supports young adults entering the workforce, individuals reentering the job market after incarceration, and those looking to change careers. They envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency, dignity, and a promising future. S

Services: 

• STRIVE START Program: Designed for individuals aged 18 and up, five-week virtual training course covering professional development, resume writing, interviewing techniques, job search strategies, financial literacy and more.
• Rapid Reentry Program: Tailored for individuals reentering the workforce after incarceration, offering an accelerated job readiness course and connections to employers with CORI-friendly positions.
• Career Pathways: 3-week pre-employment training followed by hands-on career training and job placement in fields like healthcare, education, food service, and more.

The Dimock Center

The Dimock Center provides the residents of Boston with convenient access to high quality, low-cost health care, and human services.

Services: 

• Health Services: Offers a range of primary and specialty medical care as well as integrated behavioral health care for people of all ages.
• Behavioral Health: Offers BH and mental health support to people of all ages. These include inpatient programs for people in recovery from substance use disorder as well as outpatient counseling for youth and adults through our health center.
• Child and Family Services: Offers educational and support services for expectant families and children from birth through age five.

Varies by clinic.

The Engagement Center

The Engagement Center is a welcoming, low-threshold daytime space for individuals navigating homelessness, and substance use near the intersection of Melnea Cass and Mass Ave.

Services: Rest and connect, access basic resources, engage in recovery and homeless services, and receive nursing care and medical supports.

The Home for Little Wanderers

The Home for Little Wanderers helps build stable lives and hopeful futures for children who are abused, neglected or at-risk. The Home for Little Wanderers ensures their emotional, social, educational and physical well-being from birth to age 26 through a dedicated team of professionals and a wide range of critical services.

Services: Foster Care & Adoption, Behavioral Health & Clinical Services, Residential Care, Special Education Schools, Young Adult Programs

The Network – La Red

The Network provides a variety of services for members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community experiencing partner abuse. The organization also provides assistance and referrals to LGBT community members. The web site is available in English and Spanish.

Services: Hotline, Housing Pathways Program, Support Groups, Individual Support, Resources, How to Help a Friend

Hotline is 24/7

The Second Step

The Second Step provides free, trauma-informed services for survivors of domestic violence throughout Greater Boston and beyond. They are dedicated to ending the cycle of abuse through wraparound support, including safety planning, legal services, housing stabilization, support groups, and community education.

Services:

• Legal Services: family law, restraining orders, court representation, consultation
• Intervention & Advocacy: crisis intervention, safety planning, emotional support, access to resources
• Prevention & Education: foundational workshops, training for community providers & practitioners

Therapy Matcher

Therapy Matcher is a free, confidential telephone referral service offered by the National Association of Social Workers, MA Chapter. Provides professional, personalized counseling referrals matched for location, specialty, and insurance or fee requirements.

Call or email any time, and a staff person will get back to you.

THRIVE Communities

THRIVE’s mission is to empower communities to welcome and support their neighbors transitioning from incarceration. Founded in 2015 as a community-based response to the challenges faced by adults returning from prison, THRIVE disrupts cycles of incarceration, isolation, and social harm by organizing and supporting grassroots efforts for restorative reentry, community building, and leadership development among those most impacted by incarceration – returning citizens and local community members alike. THRIVE Communities is designed to empower returning community members and more deeply engage local community members in experiences of reentry and accountability. When wholeness and justice replace cycles of incarceration and oppression, communities THRIVE.

Monday through Friday: 9:30am to 6:30pm
Reentry Care Walk-in Hours: Wednesdays 9:30am to 11:30am

Trans Club of New England (TCNE)

The Trans Community of New England (TCNE) is a New England support organization for the transgender, nonbinary, or otherwise gender-expansive community.

Services: Social activities, Transgender Conferences Guide, Transgender Therapy Directory

Hotline:
Monday through Sunday: 11:00am to 5:00am

Uncornered Boston

Uncornered seeks out core influencers of violence at the heart of communities and offers them a different path. Leveraging a data-based model, Uncornered provides educational resources, mental health support, spiritual support and ultimately, work to transform their futures – and communities.

The Uncornered model analyzes and drives impact on a community level, street by street and corner by corner. Investing in the potential of the city’s most disruptive and neglected residents creates opportunity and hope for all. Uncornered partners with organizations across the anti-violence ecosystem, from prevention and enforcement to education, training, mental health, and crisis response.

Union of Minority Neighborhoods

Union of Minority Neighborhoods (UMN) is committed to fully engaging and training communities of color to be active participants rebuilding their communities. UMN organizes and trains people of color and low-income people to end discriminatory policies and practices that limit their access to political, economic and social power.

United South End Settlements

United South End Settlements is a non-profit that provides children with quality education and enrichment opportunities. They also work with parents and caregivers to develop their capacity to reach goals around education, career, finances, family and community connections.

Services: Camp Hale, Early Childhood Education (ECE), club48: Afterschool & Out-of-school Time, STEP 

Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 6:00pm

Upham’s Corner Health Center

Upham’s Corner Health center provides comprehensive health and social services for adults and children. Every patient is assigned to a primary care provider that oversees the patient’s care by working with a team of clinicians.

Services:

• Medical Care: Adolescent Health, Adult/Internal Medicine, Behavioral Health, Dental Care, Eye Care, Family Medicine, Laboratory, Pediatrics, Pharmacy, Radiology, Substance Use, Urgent Care
• Support Programs: Community Health Advocates, Interpreter Services, Nutrition Counseling, VIP (Violence Intervention Program), WIC (Women, Infants, & Children)
• Services for Older Adults: Upham’s Elder Service Plan/ PACE, Home Health Care/Visiting Nurse, Senior Care Options Plan

Monday through Thursday: 7:30am to 8:00pm
Friday: 9:30am to 5:00pm
Saturday: 8:15am to 12:30pm

Teen Clinic and HIV & Women, Infant and Children’s Program
415 Columbia Road, Dorchester MA 02125
Tel: 617-287-0786
Tel: 617-825-8994 (WIC)

Dental & Eye Care
636 Columbia Road, Dorchester MA 02125
Tel: 617-825-9839

Upham’s Elder Service Plan (UESP) / PACE
Savin Hill 1140 Dorchester Ave, MA 02125
Dudley Square 36 Dearborn Street MA 02119
Jackson Square 125A Amory St, Boston, MA 02119
UESP/PACE Tel: 617-288-0970

Upsolve

Upsolve is a nonprofit tool that helps individuals file for bankruptcy protection for free. Think TurboTax for bankruptcy protection. Use Upsolve to wipe away crushing debts from credit cards, job loss, and medical bills.

Upsolve users must have more than $10,000 in debt.

Urban College of Boston

Whether you are looking to grow in your current career or try something new, Urban College of Boston has a program for you. They offer affordable and flexible learning options in multiple languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Haitian Creole, so you can personalize your college experience to fit your needs and schedule.

Programs

• Academic Programs
  • Associate degrees
  • Certificate programs

Monday - Friday: 9am - 7pm

No international admissions. High School diploma required for an associate degree. High School diploma recommended for certificate program

Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts Inc

The Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts (ULEM) is a nonprofit organization founded in 1919 that focuses on workforce and economic development for Boston-area residents. Its mission is to help adults overcome racial and social barriers, economic inequities, and violence by providing skills training, certifications, internships, and job placements.

Services: 

• Workplace Development: MSIMBO Urban League Coding Academy
• Education: Youth Opportunity Developing Achievers (YODA)
• Health: The Holistic Health Access Initiative, Black Male Mental Health Initiative
• Support Services: Employment Resource Center (ERC), Online Local Jobs Portal, Job Placement, Case Management, Domestic/Sexual Violence Support

Must be 18 years or older with a valid ID and must have a GED or High School Equivalency

Urban Renewals

Urban Renewals is a large thrift store offering a clean, well-lit shopping experience with clearly marked departments and color-coordinated clothing racks for easy navigation. Discounts vary by department and tag color, with many items available at 50% off.

Services: Products include clothes, shoes, toys, books, records, furniture, linens, accessories, electronics, jewelry, and other miscellaneous items.

Monday through Saturday: 9:00am to 6:00pm
Sunday: 12:00pm to 5:00pm

V.A. Boston Healthcare System for Women Veterans

VA Boston Healthcare System for Women Veterans supports the health, welfare, and dignity of female Veterans and their families by ensuring equal access to timely, sensitive, and quality care. A women Veteran care coordinator can help you get the services you need.

Services: Their women’s health program offers Women Veterans comprehensive care, including:

• Primary Care
• Gynecology
• Maternity care, childbirth education classes, and postpartum support
• Ultrasounds and mammograms
• Mental health care and counseling
• Lifestyle wellness services
• Women Veterans Call Center: See their Women Veterans Call Center Website or call 855-VA-WOMEN (855-829-6639)

Women Veterans Call Center:
Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 10:00pm
Saturday: 8:00am to 6:30pm

West Roxbury VA Medical Center
1400 VFW Parkway
West Roxbury, MA 02132

Brockton VA Medical Center
940 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301

Quincy VA Clinic
110 West Squantam Street
Quincy, MA 02171-2122

Framingham VA Clinic
61 Lincoln Street, Suite 112
Framingham, MA 01702-8264

Plymouth VA Clinic
116 Long Pond Road
Plymouth, MA 02360-2663

Lowell VA Clinic
130 Marshall Road
Lowell, MA 01852-5130

VA Coaching Into Care Support Line

Coaching Into Care is a free service for families and friends of Veterans. Our responders will briefly assess your concerns and provide appropriate resources and referrals. Through 10 to 30 minute calls, licensed psychologists and social workers offer guidance and help for starting conversations with the Veteran in your life about their mental health or substance use and motivating them to seek treatment if it’s needed.

Veronica B. Smith Senior Center

The Veronica B. Smith Senior Center offers two main types of services for seniors: Health and Nutrition, and Direct Services and Programming. Additionally, they publish a monthly newsletter known as the “Senior Spotlight”, where readers can receive updates on topics such as health benefits, upcoming programs and available services at the center. Please see below for additional details.

Services: 

• Health and Nutrition Services: Fitness programs such as weekly exercise, wellness, and line dancing classes, educational workshops, and seminars pertaining to health and nutrition are also offered.
• Direct Services and Programming: A wide range of social services can be obtained at the Center, including special seminars and workshops on legal issues and government health benefits. The center also provides daily programming including adult education, arts-based activities, music and entertainment, and much more.

Monday through Friday: 8:30am to 4:00pm
Closed on Weekends and Holidays

Veterans Legal Services

Veterans Legal Services promotes equity in the accessing of justice by providing free and comprehensive civil legal aid services to economically disadvantaged military veterans in Massachusetts. VLS helps former service members obtain the stability and financial security necessary to live the healthy, happy, and dignified lives they deserve.

Services: VLS can assist with a wide range of legal services, including: Bankruptcy, Child custody, Child support, CORI issues/sealing criminal records, Consumer debt, Discharge upgrades, Divorce, Domestic violence protections, Housing (e.g., evictions, conditions issues), Immigration, Access to public benefits (e.g., SNAP, MassHealth), Subsidized housing eligibility, Social security, State and federal veterans benefits.

Requirements:

• You served in the United States military, National Guard, or Reserves (any discharge status)
• You currently reside in Massachusetts
• Your household income is less than 300% of the federal poverty level
• Your legal case must be based in Massachusetts
• VLS must have topical expertise in your case subject matter

Restrictions:

• VLS does not provide services on criminal defense matters, Department of Children & Families cases, personal injury cases, or medical malpractice cases.

Victory Programs Inc.

Victory Programs opens doors to recovery, hope and community for individuals and families facing homelessness, addiction or other chronic illnesses like HIV/AIDS. Services include short and long-term residential treatment programs, affordable housing opportunities, and HIV/AIDS case management and housing opportunities. They also offer HIV/HCV/STI testing, with several HIV drop-in centers located throughout Boston.

Services: 

• Housing: Emergency Shelter, Permanent Housing, Low-Threshold Housing
• Community-Based Housing: Rental Assistance Program (RAP), Keys to Home, Paths to Victory
• Recovery: Residential Recovery Programs, Short-Term Recovery Services, Peer Recovery Services
• Prevention: Boston Living Center, Mobile Prevention Team, Victory Connector

Volunteer Lawyers Project

The Volunteer Lawyers Project provides a free legal intake line for low-income individuals seeking legal intake, information, advice and referrals. Callers must provide essential information about themselves such as contact information (name, date of birth, address), household size and income, amount of financial assets, and immigration status in order to be screened for legal services. Callers who are not eligible for direct representation with an Eastern Region legal services program are provided legal information and/or referrals.

Call Center Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 9:00am to 12:00pm
Tuesdays: 12:30pm to 3:30pm

To qualify for VLP services, clients must: Live in their service area, live below the federal poverty guideline, have civil legal issues that meet VLP’s priorities, and be a US Citizen or Legal Permanent Resident (green card holder) or have another status acceptable under the LSC rule.

VLP refers people they can’t assist to organizations that may be able to help. Call for more information on areas served.

Weekend Emergency Food Pantry – Church of the Covenant

The Weekend Emergency Food Pantry program offered by Church of the Covenant provides free groceries and other necessities to Boston residents in urgent need. It operates out of the back entry at Church of the Covenant. The building is located at the corner of Berkeley and Newbury Streets in Boston’s Back Bay and the food pantry entry is down the alley off of Berkeley Street.

Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am to 12:00pm

People seeking assistance should bring photo identification. Visits are limited to once per month.

Whittier Street Health Center

At Whittier Street Health Center, they are dedicated to providing high quality and accessible clinical services to all of their patients.

Clinical Services

• Primary Care 
• Specialty Care 
• Oral & Eye Care
  • General Dentistry, Oral Surgery, and Orthodontics 
  • Eye Care 
  • Eye Wear Dispensary
• Pharmacy

Community Health Programs

• Anti-Violence Programming
• Community Outreach and Education Services 
• Post Prison Release/ Re-Entry Program

Whittier Street Health Center accepts walk-ins. When the Center is closed, a 24/7 live answering service will attend to all calls and direct to a provider on call.

They are also providing testing of COVID-19 at the clinic Monday – Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. The vaccine shot is available for both Moderna and Pfizer. The 3rd shot, the booster, is also available. FLU shots for all patients also available.

M-F: 8:30am – 8pm; Sat: 8:30am – 5pm

Whittier Street Health Center – Satellite Clinic
278 Blue Hill Avenue
Roxbury, MA
617-858-2550
M-F: 8:30am – 5pm

Whittier will not deny services to any patient due to the inability to pay, disability, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or religion.

Discounts are available for patients based on family size and income.

WilmerHale Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School

Legal assistance is provided in the following civil law areas:

Disability Benefits: Social Security Disability representation for disabled clients

Estate Planning: Estate planning and probate, guardianship, debt counseling and private insurance cases for low- and middle-income individuals. This service is only provided for veterans.

Family Law: Divorce, Domestic Violence, Paternity, Child & Spousal Support, Adoption, Guardianship, Guardian ad Litem court appointments and English/Spanish Pro Se Divorce Clinics

Federal Tax Unit: The Federal Tax Unit provides free legal representation to clients in tax controversies with the IRS.  The Unit works on a wide variety of matters, including family tax issues (e.g., earned income tax credit, child tax credit, and dependency exemptions), tax debt/collection cases (offers in compromise and installment payment agreements), injured and innocent spouse claims, and audit reconsiderations.  Their work on behalf of taxpayers involves, among other things, requesting audit reconsideration, representing clients at IRS Appeals conferences, drafting and submitting advocacy letters to IRS Appeals, preparing and submitting innocent and injured spouse claims and offers in compromise, and representing clients before the U.S. Tax Court.

Housing Law: Eviction Defense due to foreclosure

Veteran’s Issues: Veterans Benefits (service-connected disability, pension, and other programs from the VA), Veterans’ Services benefits (from Massachusetts cities and towns), other public benefit programs, discharge upgrades and designated civil matters

Services are limited due to staff availability.

LGBTQ+ Advocacy: The LGBTQ+ Advocacy Clinic works with community members, advocates, non-profit organizations, educators, medical professionals, and governmental entities to advance the rights of LGBTQ+ people at both the national and local levels. The Clinic engages in impact litigation, policy advocacy, and direct representation on behalf of the LGBTQ+ community, with a particular focus on issues affecting underrepresented groups within the LGBTQ+ umbrella.

M - F: 9am - 5pm; Intake hours vary - please call.

Suffolk County residents only. No criminal issues are handled.

Women’s Lunch Place

Mon-Sat 7:00AM-2:00PM

Anyone that identifies as a woman is welcome and their children (though services are for adult women only).

X-Cel Education

The X-CEL Education aims to make high school completion, post-secondary study, and sustainable career paths more accessible to underserved communities in Greater Boston. They provide flexible, customized instruction and career readiness development at no cost in convenient community locations.

Services: 

• Pre-HiSET (Formerly GED) Preparation: For individuals who are preparing for the HiSET, but may require additional support. Must be at least 18 years old and have fourth grade reading abilities.
• HiSET (Formerly GED) Preparation: For individuals preparing for the HiSET with math, reading, writing, social studies and science instruction. Must be at least 18 years old and have sixth grade reading abilities.
• College Prep: For individuals that are college-bound who have passed their HiSET exams or have high school diplomas. Prep includes classes on math, reading, writing and computer skills, as well as soft skills such as developing study habits, and managing time effectively.
• Pathways-to-Careers Initiative: Comprehensive education and career support, serving individuals who are unemployed or underemployed and lack a high school credential.

Must be at least 18 years old.

Must call and schedule an appointment to apply.

Yardtime, Inc.

YMCA Training, Inc.

YMCA Training, Inc. provides workforce development and job training opportunities for adults seeking to secure professional employment with access to a living wage, employment benefits, and opportunities for career advancement. Its job training programs help unemployed and underemployed adults gain professional skills that prepare trainees for careers in high-demand industries.

Services: 

• Career Advancement: Free English classes for adults looking to make the next step in their education or professional career.
• Culinary Arts & English as a Second Language: Partners with New England Culinary Arts Training (NECAT) and the East Boston YMCA Center to deliver a dual language job training program in the culinary arts.  
• YMCA Early Childhood Education Academy: For individuals to grow their career in early childhood education, participants will get paid to gain teacher credentials.
• Medical Office Employment Program: 10-week, in-person training preparing unemployed and underemployed adult learners for careers in medical offices.
• Program Management Admin Employment Program: 10-week free training teaching participants the skills needed to be successful in the property management field.

Youth Options Unlimited (YOU) Boston

YOU Boston is a workforce development organization that works with young people, ages 14-24, who are court-involved or have at-risk backgrounds, to succeed in the workforce, in the community, and in their lives. They provide comprehensive support including case management, education support, subsidized employment and job placement.

Services:

• Case Management: Every young person at YOU Boston has the option of case manager support. Together, they meet one-on-one to establish an Individualized Service Plan (ISP).
• Summer Youth Employment: Places young people ages 14-24 in paid, supervised opportunities with community-based organizations.
• Career Readiness Tiers: Pre-Placement training, Career Readiness Cohort, and Internship Placement.
• Career Pathways: Works with job training providers to help young adults acquire specialized job skills for successful careers. Available to applicants who are 18 years or older and have their high school diploma or HiSET.

• Boston Residents
• 14-24 years old

YouthBuild Boston

YouthBuild Boston aims to empower and assist underserved young people from the Boston area with the essential social, vocational, academic, and life skills necessary to navigate a positive pathway to self-sufficiency and neighborhood responsibility.

Services: 

• Stage 1: Participants ages 17-24 explore the building trades, complete a high school diploma, and receive wraparound services to ensure their success.
• Stage 2: Participants ages 17-24 complete a carpentry pre-apprenticeship and further their trades skill development.
• Design Programs: Offers exposure to design and architecture principals for Boston high school students.

YW Boston

As the first YWCA in the nation, YW Boston helps individuals and organizations change policies, practices, attitudes, and behaviors with the goal of creating more inclusive environments where women, people of color, and especially women of color can succeed.

Services: The F.Y.R.E. Initiative is YW Boston’s leadership and empowerment program for middle school girls in the Greater Boston area. The program’s curriculum incorporates social justice education, positive identity development, and civic engagement. Each weekly session is designed to promote dialogue and experiential learning to cultivate empathy and increase social-emotional learning.