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.

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

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 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

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.

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 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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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/.

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 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#.

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.

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

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 

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 MANNA, Massachusetts Ave. Baptist Church

Mondays only 1:30pm - 2:30pm

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

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 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

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.

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.

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).