Services include:
Some ABCD neighborhood sites offer assistance with the Earned Income Tax Credit, tax preparation, and financial literacy. Call for further information about each program.
Service hours:
Downtown office: Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Other Locations: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 to additional suburbs. Suburban residents from towns other than those listed above should call for eligibility.
Languages: English, Spanish, French, Creole, Somali, Arabic, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Vietnamese. Ask about specific languages at program or neighborhood office when calling. Transportation Google MapsThe 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.
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is an anti-poverty agency fighting to empower people and mobilize resources to fight poverty’s causes and impacts. See specific services below:
May vary by program
Requirements & Restrictions:May vary by program
Languages: Amharic, English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish Transportation Google MapsTo provide families with relief, City Mission has four programs dedicated to homelessness prevention:
For more information please contact the Director of Homelessness Prevention Programs, Paola Miranda, at pmiranda@citymissionboston.org
Service hours:M - F: 9am - 5pm
Transportation Google MapsGreater Boston Legal Services helps people with CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information) who are shut out of the economy, rejected for housing, and denied other opportunities because of their criminal records.
The Project focuses on Roxbury, Dorchester and Mattapan due to very high rates of unemployment and extreme poverty in these parts of Boston.
The project represents individual clients and engages in systemic law reform advocacy. Cases accepted include:
GBLS walk-in sites at the Roxbury Court, Dorchester Court and Boston Municipal Court at Brooke courthouse stopped due to COVID, but expect to return starting in Roxbury by January 2022. Check GBLS website.
In the meantime, you can get help on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of the month, 2pm to 4pm by ZOOM click here to register for a clinic. You can also email your name, address and phone number to cori@gbls.org or leave a message at 617-603-1797.
Other Locations:
Greater Boston Legal Services
197 Friend Street, Boston
Boston, MA 02114
Dorchester Court:
510 Washington St.
Dorchester, MA 02124
Boston Municipal Court
Boston Municipal Court, 2nd floor, Ed Brooke Courthouse
24 New Chardon Street,
Boston, MA 02114
Services are limited to low-income people with income less than 250% of federal poverty guidelines, but elders (age 50 or over) or people on Medicare are eligible regardless of income. Some of their pro bono volunteer attorneys also may represent clients who are not significantly above the poverty guidelines, and they make referrals to bar association pro bono and reduced-fee panels
Waiting time: Usually none Languages: Interpreters are available for non-English speakers by phone if not in person at the courthouse. Transportation Google MapsEmergencies are directed to an advocate all day. If there is a very high volume of calls, you may be on hold for a period of time, but someone will eventually answer the call.
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 (please call between 9:00am and 5:00pm Monday to Friday)
GBLS does not handle criminal cases. It provides free legal representation and legal advice to low-income individuals and families in civil cases. GBLS also engages in systemic litigation, class actions, and legislative advocacy on behalf of its clients.
Major areas related to CORI and low-income people trying to transition to the workforce include:
CORI & Re-entry Project: GBLS is a statewide leader on legal issues related to CORI and the only legal services program focused on legal representation of clients in court on CORI issues and legal advice on criminal record sealing, expungement, appeals of denials of CORI sealing petitions, juvenile record sealing problems, professional licensing problems, CORI barriers and discrimination related to jobs and other opportunities, including EEOC or other CORI law violations; and CORI systemic initiatives related to implementation of CORI laws or new legislation. The Project provides community legal education focused primarily on Dorchester and Roxbury. In addition to help with CORI, GBLS has units that help low income people with other kinds of legal issues. See more information here.
Low-Wage Workers:
Appeal Unemployment Insurance (UI) denials; fight wage theft; access paid family & medical leave; sick leave; apply for U & T visas & deferred action for immigrant survivors of workplace crimes and labor trafficking
People Who Need Healthcare or Disability Benefits:
Medicare and MassHealth advocacy; help for people who have been denied SSI/SSDI; advocate for children with disabilities and mental health needs; protect nursing home residents
People With Housing Problems:
Prevent unfair evictions and loss of housing subsidies; preserve affordable housing for low-income tenants; help families access Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter
Other areas of legal practice include:
Asian Outreach Center
Provide legal assistance, resources, and advocacy on behalf of Asian immigrants and community groups for immigration issues, workers’ rights, benefits, and housing displacement
Consumers
Help people who have money trouble, including credit card and other debt, foreclosures, bankruptcies, and having money unfairly taken from their paycheck
Survivors of Domestic Violence
Help survivors of domestic violence to escape abusive relationships and start new lives with their children
Elders
Help elders access health care and life-saving medical treatments; help elders who live in income-based housing stay in their homes
Immigrants
Seek humanitarian immigration relief for asylum seekers, victims of crime, survivors of domestic violence, unaccompanied children, and other immigrants seeking protection
People Applying for Government Benefits
Ensure access to Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) TAFDC and EAEDC cash benefits and SNAP food benefits, and childcare benefits
Low-Income Taxpayers
Resolve tax issues including problems with tax credits and other refunds, audits, tax-related ID theft, inability to pay taxes owed, tax debts arising from an abusive spouse, worker misclassification, help with IRS/DOR notices, getting Individual Taxpayer Identification Numbers (ITIN), and represent in Tax Court
To find out more about GBLS’ current services and how to access them, go to https://www.gbls.org/accessing-services.
GBLS also represents community groups and provides community legal education and legislative advocacy for clients.
Service hours:Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 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.
Other Locations: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 will resume after COVID-19 emergency is lifted.
Dorchester Courthouse
410 Washington St. Dorchester, MA
Walk-in clinics on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month from 9:00am – 12:00pm will resume after COVID-19 emergency is lifted
Agency serves residents of Boston and 46 surrounding cities and towns, mostly within Route 128. Complete listing of geographic areas served is on the website. Income limitations (usually restricted to persons with incomes less than 125% of federal poverty guidelines) are applicable, with the exception of elderly clients and Medicare beneficiaries who are not subject to the income guidelines.
Waiting time: Varies depending on volume. Languages: Interpreters are available for non-English speakers. Transportation Google MapsServices
Through LSC’s CORI workshops, clients can receive free assistance in understanding their options to seal their criminal records and help with sealing (including going back to court as needed). LSC also does community workshops – please be in touch if you want to host a CORI workshop with your organization. Also, please see the self-help videos for instructions on requesting and sealing your CORI virtually.
How to participate:
• Call the Safety Net Project intake line at 617-390-2524 or email safetynetproject@law.harvard.edu. For most of the year, you will receive a call back within a few days (LSC follows an academic calendar and so return calls may be slightly delayed in January, May, August and December). After speaking with you, we will help you determine next steps and provide you with the forms and assistance you will need in order to go through the record-sealing process.
Requirements & Restrictions
Anyone in need of CORI sealing assistance or advice is welcome to participate:
Cost
Services are free. If you have income, we may ask you to reimburse the $25 fee charged by Probation to access your CORI. If you receive food stamps, cash assistance, MassHealth, or another form of assistance from another public benefit program, the $25 fee is waived.
While every effort is made to provide current and accurate information for the agency descriptions and hours of operation, it is recommended to call the agency to verify the information before visiting.
Requirements & Restrictions:
Anyone in need of CORI sealing assistance is welcome to participate if:
Access to Recovery (ATR) is a government-funded program in Massachusetts that gives adults in early recovery from substance use disorders (SUDs) wider access to a full range of community services that can help them be successful in their recovery. ATR operates in five regions: Boston, Springfield/Holyoke, Worcester, Lowell and New Bedford. ATR provides services to help participants on the road to recovery. The 6-month program supports recovery with five types of services:
1) Individualized Recovery Coaching
2) Basic needs purchases (e.g. transportation passes, clothing, hygiene products, government ID cards/driver’s license, cell phones, gym membership, children’s items, etc.)
3) Career Building Services to help participants explore careers, become more employable, and to find a job. ATR participants are able to enroll in job readiness programs and occupational training programs focused on CORI (Criminal Offender Record Information)-friendly jobs. Participants can receive Work-Study Benefits (WSBs) of $10 per hour for every session hour they attend during a training program.
4) Sober Home Service provides eligible ATR participants with up to 5 months of rental assistance in a MASH Certified Sober Home, as well as individualized support through a Recovery Coach to help the individual adjust to this transitional living environment and work towards self-sufficiency. Those who qualify for Sober Home services must be current ATR participants.
5) Care Coordination through an ATR Coordinator to tie all the pieces together.
Service hours:Help Line: This is a non-monitored phone line and may take up to 3 business days for response
Other Locations:In Greater Springfield, contact:
IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery)
155 Maple Street, Suite 304
Springfield, MA 01105
Fax: (413) 301-6173
ATR Coordinator: Jackie Segarra (617) 845-6403
For the Downtown Boston Office, contact:
IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery)
105 Chauncy Street, Suite #602
Boston, MA 02111
Fax: (617) 661-7277
ATR Coordinator: Patricial Exilus-Carrenard (617) 645-7668
For the South Boston Office, contact:
Gavin Foundation
70 Devine Way
South Boston, MA 02127
Fax: (857) 496-0266
ATR Coordinator: Stephen Steele (857) 496-7339
In New Bedford, contact:
Gavin Foundation
13 North 6th Street
New Bedford, MA 02740
Fax: (774) 328-9075
ATR Coordinator: Jenny Baker (508) 742-6640
In Lowell, contact:
IHR (Institute for Health & Recovery)
97 Central Street, Unit 207
Lowell, MA 01852
ATR Coordinator: Ashley Richards (781) 801-8135
In Worcester, contact:
Gavin Foundation
101 Pleasant Street, Suite #101
Worcester, MA 01609
Fax: (508) 459-9112
ATR Coordinator: Megan McDonough (508) 762-9223
PARTICIPANTS CANNOT REFER THEMSELVES. In order to be referred, individuals must already be working with a treatment provider who is authorized to make ATR referrals. ATR only accepts referrals from authorized referral portals. Check with your provider to see if they’re authorized to make ATR referrals, or contact the BSAS Substance Use Helpline (800-327-5050) to discuss your options.
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 include:
DTA Assistance Line: Mon. - Fri. 8:15am - 4:45pm
Other Locations:You can find locations at https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance/locations?_page=2#
Transportation Google MapsRVRS 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.
M - F: 8:45am - 4:45pm (RVRS Office)
Transportation Google MapsServices
In addition, 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.
They provide hot meals on Mondays and Fridays, as well as snacks 3 times a week, primarily for seniors, people who are disabled or 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.
Service hours:Mon-Fri 9am - 5pm
Other Locations:Boston Public Library, West End Branch
151 Cambridge St.
Boston, MA 02114
617-523-8125
Low income residents of Boston for most programs. Bring I.D. and proof of income for your first visit.
Languages: English, Spanish, Italian, Chinese, Turkish Transportation Google MapsEx-offender voting restrictions in Massachusetts: Individuals incarcerated for a felony conviction are ineligible to vote. Voting rights are automatically restored upon release from prison, and people on parole or probation can vote in Massachusetts. For more information, visit: https://felonvoting.procon.org/
Ex-offenders should re-register to vote. To register, visit link below.
To check on your voting eligibility and/or register to vote*: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/
Languages: EnglishRegistry: Birth, Death, and Marriage
They have information on how to get a birth certificate, how to get a death certificate, how to get a marriage certificate, and how to get married.
Service hours:M - F: 9am - 4pm
Transportation Google MapsSince 1984, St. Francis House has offered basic care and services that make the difference between hope and despair, and often between life and death.
Programs
Hours vary depending on program. Call or visit website for details.
Languages: English, SpanishThe Office of Returning Citizens offers support to those who return to Boston after being released from state, federal, and county facilities each year. They connect returning citizens to the following resources and services:
• Birth certificates
• ID cards
• Employment
• Health services
• Legal services
• Recovery services
• Senior resources
• Voter registration
They also provide assistance with Transitional Housing (Sober Living), Workforce Development & Employment, Education, and Healthcare.
Service hours:The Mayor's Office of Returning Citizens can be reached at anytime via email.
Requirements & Restrictions:Must be releasing from incarceration and returning to Boston
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.
Requirements & Restrictions:Upsolve users must have more than $10,000 in debt.
Waiting time: No wait time. Languages: English