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.
Service hours:Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Languages: English, Chinese Transportation Google MapsThe 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).
Service hours:Monday through Friday: 8:45am to 5:00pm
Other Locations: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.
Languages: English, French, Haitian Creole, Spanish, Portuguese, Cape Verdean Creole, ASL, Luganda, Swahili, Runyankore, Other languages accommodated through language line Transportation Google MapsBrooke 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.
Requirements & Restrictions: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.
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:
Monday through Thursday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Friday: 9:00am to 1:00pm
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:
Service hours:
Walk-in hours
Monday: 9:00am to 7:30pm
Tuesday through Thursday: 9:00am to 4:30pm
Friday: 9:00am to 11:30am
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:
Service hours:
Open Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 1:00pm to 6:00pm.
Requirements & Restrictions: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.
Languages: English; volunteers speak other languages as well, and there is a free Spanish/English Conversation Exchange Zoom group 1-2:30pm on Wednesdays. Transportation Google MapsCasa 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:
Administrative Office: 14 Summer Street, Suite 402, Malden, MA 02148
Tewksbury Hospital Campus: 365 East Street, C-2 Saunders Building, Tewksbury, MA 01876
Waiting time: Varies by program Languages: Spanish, English Transportation Google MapsThe 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.
Other Locations: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
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.
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:
General Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:45am to 5:00pm
Requirements & Restrictions:Income restrictions apply.
Transportation Google MapsFather 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
Service hours:
24/7
Other Locations:Administrative Office: 430 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301
Emergency Shelters:
Requirements & Restrictions:
Guests must prove a connection to the greater Quincy/Brockton/South Shore area. Sex offenders must register with Quincy/Brockton Police Department.
Waiting time: Lottery system. No Referrals Taken. Transportation Google MapsHaley House uses food with purpose and the power of community to break down barriers between people, empower individuals, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Services:
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
Transportation Google MapsHeading 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:
Requirements vary by program.
Transportation Google MapsHearth 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
Other Locations: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)
Requirements & Restrictions:
Low-income seniors age 55 and up
Waiting time: 1 to 3 weeks Languages: English, Spanish Transportation Google MapsHomeStart 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
Service hours: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’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 & Restrictions:
Requirements vary by program.
Transportation Google MapsHouse 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 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.
Requirements & Restrictions:
HousingWorks does not work with individuals or families; instead, they work with their case managers and advocates.
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:
YouthBuild
1175 Cambridge St. Cambridge
617-242-1460
Please bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and proof of address.
Transportation Google MapsJustice 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)
Service hours:By appointment only
Requirements & Restrictions:Justice 4 Housing serves individuals that were formerly incarcerated.
Languages: EnglishJustice 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
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.
Service hours:24/7
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.
Requirements & Restrictions:
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.
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
Service hours: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.
Transportation Google MapsNuestra 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:
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)
Service hours:
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.
Languages: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole Transportation Google MapsProject 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
Languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole Transportation Google Maps
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:
Service hours:
Monday through Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Languages: English, Limited Spanish Transportation Google MapsPlease call for an appointment at 617 541-6859
Waiting time: Referrals are responded to within a 24 hour period Languages: English, Spanish, French, Cape Verdean, Haitian Creole Transportation Google MapsThe 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
Service hours:Office
Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Shelter
Monday through Sunday: 4:00pm - 8:00am
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
Service hours:Hours vary depending on program. Call or visit website for details.
Languages: English, SpanishSt. 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
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:
See website for programming location details
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.
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: