Emergency Resources and Links in Times of Need
Seniors and people with disabilities with limited incomes may have financial challenges. Here are resources pulled together from various on-line sources.
INDEX Fact Sheets
Financial Resources (Possible) Fact Sheet – Lists organizations and groups that have been known to assist those in need, or whose mission is to provide assistance.
Basic Programs and Services for People with Disabilities Fact Sheet
Utility Bill – Energy Assistance Fact Sheet
Dental Care (Affordable) Fact Sheet
MassHealth Transportation Program Fact Sheet
Low Cost Power Wheelchairs and Scooters Fact Sheet
Statewide Resources
Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) – State agency responsible for public assistance programs (food assistance, job assistance, cash assistance and emergency shelter) for the needy citizens of the Commonwealth.
The Massachusetts Aging and Disability Information Locator (MADIL) – Designed to help find information on services and programs that support seniors and people with disabilities in Massachusetts. The Quick Guides Link is a handy tool to locate information on employment, finances, food, housing, and where to “get stuff” free or cheap.
Mass.gov – Provides helpful resources and links for jobs, housing, foreclosure, and managing finances.
Find a Local Food Bank – A local food bank can help you put food on your table so you don’t go hungry.
Local Resources
Community Action Agencies (CAA) – Also known as Community Action Programs (CAP) provide emergency assistance to people in crisis. All CAAs offer fuel assistance. Depending on local CAA, it may offer transitional housing, homelessness prevention programs, temporary emergency food assistance programs and childcare voucher management services. To find out what programs/services your local CAA has to offer.
Citizens’ Guide to Massachusetts State Services – Information about state services, agencies, and contact points. Information for local cities and towns resources is here also.
City and Regional Online Resources
Action Inc. – Serves households on Cape Ann and Ipswich. Services include energy assistance, emergency shelter, emergency rental assistance and housing advocacy.
Amherst Survival Center – Provides a welcoming community where families and individuals who are struggling to make ends meet can come for food, clothing, health care and for companionship and relief from isolation.
Ashland Emergency Fund – Provides temporary financial support to Ashland Massachusetts families and citizens in need.
Contact Cara Tirrell, at 508-881-0140 x18
City of Boston Fuel Resources – Information about community gardening, food and fuel resources and energy.
Cape Cod (Lower & Outer Cape) – Homeless Prevention Council – Serves towns of Chatham, Harwich, Brewster, Orleans, Eastham, Wellfleet, Truro & Provincetown
Provides professional case management which includes counseling, advocacy and referral services to appropriate resources. Call 508-255-9667
Worcester County Food Bank – Works in partnership with nonprofit programs located in Worcester County to provide food assistance to individuals and families. To locate a program in your area, please use the locator tool below or Contact Us.
Essex County Community Foundation – Has a directory of nonprofit organizations in Essex County,
South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) – Has a variety of programs and services including child and family services, domestic violence services and housing information.
Disability Resource Center – Has a listing of agencies and services for North Shore and Cape Ann.
Lowell – Community Teamwork – Helps provide basic stability to households in need and creating opportunities for personal development and social and economic growth.
NewVue Communities – Has housing and community resources for Fitchburg and Leominster area.
Pennies for Poverty – Has a Resource Directory for Greater Newburyport area.
Pettengill House – Provides emergency shelter, utility assistance, transportation, rental assistance, basic needs, food vouchers, prescription assistance, clothing and after school programs. Has a list of resources for Salisbury and Amesbury.
Worcester Community Connections – Has a resource listing including housing, employment and family support.
Food
Project Bread FoodSource Hotline – Comprehensive statewide information and referral service in Massachusetts for people facing hunger. Phone: 1-800-645-8333.
Department of Transitional Assistance – Has Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP): Food Assistance program information
Phone: 1-877-382-2363
DTA Assistance Online Food Stamp Application – Eligibility Screening and SNAP Application (new applicants only)
Worcester County Food Bank – Community Partner agencies include shelters, food pantries and community meal programs.
Essex County Hunger Relief – Listing of soup kitchens and food pantries.
Fuel Assistance
Housing and Economic Development Cold Relief Information – Call the Cold Relief Heatline to find out where to apply for Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP), Weatherization (WAP), and the Heating System Repair and Replacement Program (HEARTWAP).
Homeless / Emergency Shelters
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) – MCH provides a list of Massachusetts emergency shelters for families, those without children and domestic violence shelters. Call 781-595-7570
Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) – State agency responsible for administering public assistance programs (food assistance, job assistance, cash assistance and emergency shelter) for the needy citizens of the Commonwealth.
City of Boston Homeless Resources – Listing including shelters, outreach services and meal programs.
Louison House – Leading provider of homeless programs and services in Northern Berkshire County. Mission is to reduce homelessness by providing transitional and permanent housing solutions for the homeless. Call 413.663.6323
Homestart Inc’s Housing Search Advocates – Assist homeless adults and families at more than 50 shelters and programs in Greater Boston with the complicated process of locating affordable permanent housing. People are assisted one-on-one with obtaining private apartments and government subsidized housing units. Call 617-542-0338.
Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program (BHCHP) provides comprehensive healthcare for homeless individuals and families. Call 857-654-1000.
Housing & Foreclosure
Avoiding Foreclosure: Massachusetts – HUD Link gives help on default and foreclosure prevention.
Housing Consumer Education Centers (HCEC) offer answers to a wide range of questions about all types of housing problems. There are nine HCEC centers in Massachusetts which offer housing assistance, services, and information to low- and moderate-income Massachusetts residents. Call 800-224-5124.
Homeowner Preservation Foundation (HPF) has a single mission: to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. HPF is an independent nonprofit that provides HUD-approved counselors dedicated to helping homeowners. Hotline: 888-995-4673
Mattapan Family Service Center has information and advocacy.
Division of Banks Approved Home Counseling Agencies has resources for Massachusetts residents.
Management Resources
MoneyManagement.org offers financial education and resources.
National Counseling on Aging has information for seniors about finances, housing and more. Call an Economic Security Coach at 617-348-6533.
AARP Money Management Programs in Massachusetts – The purpose of the Money Management Program is to promote independent living for persons on limited income who are at risk because of their inability to manage their financial affairs and who do not have friends or relatives able to help. Most of the MMPs listed serve seniors only.
Fact Sheet last updated on: 10/19/2020
