Find Resources
Information, locations, services & more:
Table of Contents:
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Rental Assistance
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Public Housing
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Section 8
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Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program
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Alternative Housing Voucher Program
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Foreclosure Prevention
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Child & Familial Issues.
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Behavorial Health
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Postpardum Depression
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Hoarding
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Suicide Prevention
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Mental Health
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Substance Abuse
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Addiction
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Detox
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Disabilities
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Insurance
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​Food Stamps (SNAP)
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Electronic Benefits Transfer
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Food Pantries/ Food Banks
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Women, Infants, Children (WIC)
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Veterans Transportation
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Healthcare Transportation
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Public Transportation
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The RIDE
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Applying for Unemployment Issues
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Worker's Compensation
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Veteran's Assistance
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Career Centers
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HOUSING & FAMILY ISSUES:
Department of Housing and Community Development Website
Department of Housing and Economic Development Website
Below are a few of the services available, for more Rental
Assistance Programs please click here!
Rental Assistance:
MA Rental Assistance Resource Website
This site has all the documents needed to receive rental assitance in PDF form for easy access.
For additional information, please contact DHCD at 617-573-1150.
Public Housing:
MA Public Housing Resource Website
Public housing is low-rent housing built with government money. The federal government and the Massachusetts state government provide money for public housing for low and moderate-income families, the elderly, and people with disabilities. Local housing agencies run the public housing programs in Massachusetts.
You can apply for public housing at your local housing authority (phone numbers listed to the right).
But, if you are applying for state public housing you can call the DHCH number (617-573-1150) for further assistance as well as check out the Mass Resources website posted above! The site explains all the documentation you will need for the application.
Section 8:
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This website has great resources for Section 8. It answers general questions, has countless documents & applications to help the process of applying run more smoothly. Towards the bottom of the page you can find a Section 8 Programs Overview link in addition to various links that will answer any other questions you may have!
Click here to look up your local housing authorities so that you can contact them directly!
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP):
Formerly known as the Chapter 707 Program, the MRVP provides a permanent improvement in the lives of low-income families and individuals by offering both tenant- and project-based rental subsidies. For the Mobile component (tenant-based program), the state subsidy or voucher value is a set amount. This amount is determined by several factors: the tenant's income, household size and geography. The participant pays the difference between the value of the voucher and what the landlord charges for rent. You're eligible if your household income does not exceed 50% of Area Median Income. The local housing agency will also screen for CORI prior to admitting an applicant to the program.
To apply you should contact your local housing authority & if there is no waitlist, you will be able to apply!
Please contact the Bureau of Rental Assistance at:
(617) 573-1150.
Alternative Housing Voucher Program:
This voucher provides rental vouchers to disabled applicants who are not elderly and who have been determined eligible for Chapter 667 (elderly and disabled) housing. DHCD's Division of Public Housing and Rental Assistance, which administers this program, has the responsibility for regulatory and administrative oversight of all state public housing programs which address the needs of low-income families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
A tenant will pay either 25 or 30% of their net income to the landlord, depending on whether or not the utilities are included in the rent; and the state's local housing authority will pay the remainder.
Those applicants who are eligible under the Ch. 667 elderly and disabled program, but who are under the age of 60.
Applicants can apply at any one of the 39 local housing agencies that have received an allocation of Alternative Housing Vouchers. If eligible, their names will be placed on a waiting list. Once their name reaches the top of the list, the applicants will be given a briefing on all aspects of the program. During the briefing, the applicant will receive an AHVP Voucher which allows 120 days to locate appropriate housing. The vouchers can be used throughout Massachusetts only.
For further information:
Please contact the Bureau of State Rental Assistance at (617) 573-1150.
Foreclosure Prevention:
MA Foreclosure Prevention Resource Website
Foreclosure prevention is a way for you to get help if you are in trouble with your home loan, or think you will be in trouble in the future. Foreclosure prevention programs sometimes make it possible for you to keep your home. The site above offers multiple solutions to avoid foreclosure. For Foreclosure Avoidance Counseling, click here.
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Children & Familial Issues:
MA Children & Families Resource Website
The Department of Children & Families can help with issues such as: adoptions, foster care, abuse & neglect. DCF also has adolescent resources and offers medical and healther services. If in need of a baby safe haven, those locations are also on the site.
HEALTH ISSUES:
Behavioral Health:
MA Behavioral Health Resource Website
Click here to see how you can apply for Mental Health Services in Massachusetts!
Postpartum Depression
MA Postpartum Depression Resource Website
Having a baby can be a joyous occasion, but being a new mom is also stressful and difficult. It takes time to adjust to the new role of motherhood. Many new moms have the baby blues after childbirth. Baby blues may include mood swings and crying spells that fade quickly. But many new moms also experience a prolonged, more severe form of emotional distress known as postpartum depression.
Need help now? Call the Warm Line at 866-472-1897
Or incase of an emergency call 911
More Information
Beth Buxton
MDPH l BFHN
email: beth.buxton@state.ma.us
Hoarding
MA Hoarding Resource Website
Hoarders, clutterers, pack rats, and collectors are some of the common words used to identify and describe people with a lot of stuff in their apartment, house, office, storage unit, car and/or yard. The accumulation of objects can become a serious safety and health problem, interfere with one's activities of daily living and/or violate housing codes that may lead to eviction or condemnation. When animals are hoarded, the violations and potential penalties become even greater. Additional authorities may become involved to address the criminal conditions affecting the dependent animals, as well as dependent humans in the household.
Suicide Prevention
MA Suicide Resouce Website
Crisis Hotlines
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please call one of the 24-hour crisis hotline numbers below right away:
The goal of the Massachusetts Suicide Prevention Program is to reduce the number of suicides and suicide attempts among Massachusetts residents. They seek to raise awareness of suicide as a public health problem. The Program provides support to community agencies, education and training for professionals and caregivers, and funds programs working with youth, veterans and older adults. Data guides the program in identifying populations and geographic areas of the state that need assistance. We also support and encourage communities to collaborate across disciplines to prevent suicide and suicide attempts across the lifespan.
Need help now?
Samaritans Statewide Hotline: 1-877-870-HOPE (4673)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255); Press # 1 if you are a Veteran.
The Trevor Helpline: 866-4-U-TREVOR (488-7386) - Specifically for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender youth and young adults.
Emergency Services Program in the Boston Area Directory can be seen by clicking here. For the full list please check out their website!
Every Emergency Service Program provides behavioral health crisis assessment, intervention and stabilization services, 24 hours per day/7 days per week/365 days per year.
Mental Health:
MA Mental Health Resource Website
For contact information to Mental Health hospitals in the Metro Boston Area, Click Here!
Above on the righthand side of the page is the initial process to apply for mental health services is given.
Also, to the right there is a directory of hospitals around the Boston area that tend to mental health. If you need any service to improve your mental health or if anyone you know is in need of services, do not hesitate to call any of the mentioned hospitals to figure out the next steps!
Substance Abuse:
MA Substance Abuse Resource Website
Do you or someone you know need help with an alcohol or drug problem?
Help is available at Helpline-online.com
1-800-327-5050 (Toll free)
TTY 1-888-448-8321 (Toll free)
Do you or someone you know need help with a gambling problem?
Help is available at masscompulsivegambling.org
1-800-426-1234 (Toll free)
TTY 617-426-1855
The Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) oversees the substance abuse and gambling prevention and treatment services in the Commonwealth. Responsibilities include: licensing programs and counselors; funding and monitoring prevention and treatment services; providing access to treatment for the indigent and uninsured; developing and implementing policies and programs; and tracking substance abuse trends in the state.
Addiction:
Alcoholics Anonymous: You can find locations & meeting times in the Boston Area on the Service Locations Page!
Narcotics Anonymous: You can find locations & meeting times in the Boston Area on the Service Locations Page!
Detox:
If you or someone you know are in need of detox services, please find the closest location to you by visiting our Service Locations Page!
Disabilities:
MA Office on Disability Website
Disability Information from Mass.gov
The resources available include: advocacy, accessibility, community living, technology, abuse & neglect, housing, equipment, service animals , and legal services.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Massachusetts Office on Disability
Main Phone: (617) 727-7440
Website: www.mass.gov/mod
Insurance:
The resources available in this division include: finding an insurance agent, comparing insurance plans, as well as tips & tools to be ready for storms and more!
FOOD INSECURITY:
Food Stamps (SNAP):
Check out the website above to get tips on how to apply & complete an eligibility screening!
More residents of the Commonwealth have been purchasing nutritious food at neighborhood grocery stores by using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP (formerly the Food Stamps Program). SNAP benefits are provided by the federal government and administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Residents of the Commonwealth who participate in SNAP are families with children, elders and disabled. Many are the working poor with limited income or those who are temporarily unemployed. At the check-out counter, the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card, is used by many more residents to assist them in making ends meet. Participation in the program has increased dramatically over the past 5 years and DTA continues to develop new initiatives to improve participation by increasing awareness and eliminating barriers to participation.
Project Bread is another great resource to understanding SNAP
Click Here to check out their site!
Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT):
Click Here to access the MA EBT Brochure so you can ensure you are using your card properly!
If you have issues with your card or SNAP benefits, please contact:
Assistance Line at 1-877-382-2363
Food Pantries/ Food Banks:
For Food Pantry/ Food Bank locations, please check out the Service Locations page & find one near you!
Also, if you are a UMass Boston student, you can use the Food Pantry right on campus!
Go to the Contact Us page & send us a message if you are interested!
Woman, Infants & Children (WIC):
WIC is a nutrition program that provides nutrition and health education, healthy food, breastfeeding support and other services free of charge to Massachusetts families who qualify.
To find out more about WIC call 1-800-WIC-1007
TRANSPORTATION ISSUES:
If you are looking for transportation, this website is a great start to understanding your options. Click Here!
Veterans Transportation:
MA Gov Website with Transportation Options for Veterans
Almost 400,000 veterans live in Massachusetts. Transportation services targeted to veterans are available in many regions to help veterans access medical care at the VA or travel to other destinations.
Healthcare Transportation:
MA Gov Website with Healthcare Transportation Options
If you, your family member, or your consumers need to get to local or long distance medical appointments in Massachusetts, some transportation service options may be available.
Public Transportation:
The MBTA and 15 Regional Transit Authorities (RTAs) provide fixed route and paratransit service in communities across the state. Click here to see the map and list that shows which cities and towns are within the service areas of each RTA, as well as which cities and towns are served by the MBTA.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
Phone: 617-222-3200
TTY: 617-222-5146
THE RIDE:
THE RIDE paratransit service provides door-to door, shared-ride transportation to eligible people who cannot use fixed-route transit (bus, subway, trolley) all or some of the time because of a physical, cognitive or mental disability.
New or recertifying applicants to THE RIDE must apply for or renew their eligibility by appearing in-person for an interview with a Mobility Coordinator.
Call THE RIDE Eligibility Center at 617-337-2727 for an appointment. Office hours are Monday - Friday, 8AM - 5PM, or evenings by request.
THE RIDE (Main Line)
Phone: 617-222-5123
TTY: 617-222-5415
Click Here to view THE RIDE Brochure that may answer any questions you have!
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EMPLOYMENT ISSUES:
Applying for Unemployment Insurance (UI):MA Gov UI Website
Department of Unemployment Assistance administers the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program which provides temporary income assistance to Massachusetts workers who are unemployed through no fault of their own and who are able to work, available for work and looking for a job.
For further information before applying, you can refer to the information on their borchure, to access that brochure, you can Click Here!
To apply for these benefits, Click Here!
Department of Unemployment Assistance
Unemployment Insurance
Charles F. Hurley Building
19 Staniford Street
Boston, MA 02114
Tel: 617-626-6560
Workers' Compensation:
MA Gov Workers' Compensation Website
If you were injured on the job & can no longer work or have to take time off of work, you should see if you qualify for Workers' Compensation!
Department of Industrial Accidents
Workers' Compensation
1 Congress Street, Suite 100
Boston, MA 02114-2017
Tel: 617-727-4900; 1-800-323-3249
Info2@massmail.state.ma.us
Veteran Assistance:
MA Gov Veteran Service Website
If you are a veteran looking for a job, there are many resources that can help you get trained & prepared for your next job.
Check out the website above & make sure to contact the office for more information!
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Veterans' Services
600 Washington St., 7th Floor
Boston, MA 02111
617-210-5480
fax: 617-210-5755
MDVS@vet.state.ma.us
http://www.mass.gov/veterans
Career Centers:
Job seekers can access a variety of job assistance services, including working with experienced career counselors, attending workshops and short-term training, develop your resume, write cover letters, and more.
Below, the infographic has valuable information to direct you to the nearest career center so you can find your next job!
Also, check out the career service page on the MA Gov website that has even more tips and tools to land that job!
Keep up-to-date with Massachusetts Government, MBTA, U-ACCESS & UMass Boston news and updates, follow them on twitter!
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