Boston COVID-Tutoring

Boston COVID-Tutoring is a non-profit that provides free, virtual peer tutoring to elementary, middle, and high school students. Our tutors come from a variety of high-performing schools from around the Greater Boston area and are eager to help. Any questions can be directed to Graham Bateman at gbateman@bbns.org.

Breaking the Mental Health Stigma

This website by No Matter What Recovery is aimed at helping communities unlearn and break the stigmas surrounding a variety of mental health conditions, including depression, schizophrenia, addiction, and more.

Financial Security for Women

WISER (Women's Institute for a Secure Retirement) has put together a number of financial security fact sheets for women, on topics including retirement planning, managing income, homeownership, taxes, and much more.

$50/month for internet

Access the Emergency Broadband Benefit, which provides $50/month for internet access, at the link below.

Unemployment for gig workers/sel-employed

If you've lost income as a gig worker (such as a Lyft/Uber driver) or as a self-employed person, apply for Pandemic Unemployment Compensation at the link below.

Free tax help

Visit the site below for free tax prep help, including help receiving any missing stimulus payments, and making sure you get as many tax credits as possible. Access up to $300 per month for EACH child, as well as other money you may be entitled to!

Postpartum Depression

Visit the site below for support, resources, and treatment options related to postpartum depression.

Fair Shake Resource Center

Searchable database of national, state, and local resources for people coming out of prisons, alcohol and drug treatment centers, and mental health facilities.

National Reentry Resource Center

The National Reentry Resource Center provides support to people looking to reenter their community after incarceration. This is a great resource for yourself or to help family/friends.

Resources for Understanding Racism

The Shriver Center has compiled a non-comprehensive collection of readings, research, and tools to help guide an understanding of the history of racism and structural racism, as well as the ways to dismantle systems and become an anti-racist individual and institution.

Getting an Interpreter

You have a right to an interpreter. Click the link for more info.

Citizenship & Naturalization Resources

You can become a United States citizen if you were born in the United States, if your parents are U.S. citizens, or if you are a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) and apply for citizenship. Visit the link for more info.

Immigrants: Know Your Rights

Every person in the United States has rights. If you are a citizen or an immigrant, or if you are undocumented – you have rights. The constitution protects everyone. Some of your most important rights are the ones you have when you talk to anyone from law enforcement, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This link summarizes those rights.

Indian Country Resources: COVID-19

The National Congress of American Indians established this webpage to provide factual information from trusted sources about the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in the United States.

COVID Resources for Undocumented Immigrants

This Spanish document collects community resources for undocumented immigrants during COVID-19.

COVID Resources for Immigrants

Brought to you by America's Voice. From health care needs to unemployment benefits and more, we understand that many members of our communities are facing a time of great need and confusion. Here’s a list of resources we’ve pulled together that may help immigrants in our communities.

Anti-Racism Resources for Asian Americans

This document is intended to serve as a resource to Asian people and parents to deepen our anti-racism work.

COVID Resources That Take Race Seriously

Curated by EmbraceRace, this list provides helpful resources that center the needs of Black, Indigenous and People of Color and other racialized communities most impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Therapy for Black Girls

So often the stigma surrounding mental health issues and therapy prevents Black women from taking the step of seeing a therapist. Therapy for Black Girls was developed to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant.

Mass 2-1-1

The online directory below is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.

Mass 2-1-1

The online directory below is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.

Mass 2-1-1

The online directory below is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.

Free transportation to medical appointments

MassHealth members are eligible for free transportation to and from medical appointments when public transportation isn't an option. To request a ride, when scheduling the appointment, ask your doctor's office to submit at Prescription for Transportation (PT-1) form to the MassHealth Customer Service Center on your behalf.

Protection Against Eviction

Families earning 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can seek legal assistance from the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project if they receive a "notice to quit," or if their landlord initiates eviction proceedings in court.

SNAP benefits calculator

Use the website below to see whether you're eligible for SNAP, and estimate your monthly SNAP benefit amount.

Get Help With Housing

This flyer overviews how to get help with housing including: - protection from eviction - entering a family homeless shelter - alternatives to shelter, such as the HomeBASE program - rental assistance programs, such as RAFT, ERAP, and ERMA - and more.

Apply for a free computer

Visit the Computers for Causes website to apply for a "gifted" free computer. You will hear back within 30 days of when you apply.

Low-Cost Refurbished Laptops

Connect All sells low-cost refurbished laptops. See link to browse computers.

Free food delivery with SNAP

For information about free food delivery for families who use SNAP (food stamps), visit the link below.

Protection Against Eviction

Families earning 200% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines can seek legal assistance from the COVID Eviction Legal Help Project if they receive a "notice to quit," or if their landlord initiates eviction proceedings in court.

Basic legal info overview

This site from MasssLegalHelp.org provides an overview of basic legal information related to family issues, debt, criminal records, domestic violence, employment/unemployment, health, housing, immigration, school, court, interpreters, and more.

Accessing legal help

Use the site below to seek legal help for issues related to domestic abuse, criminal records, debt, education, family issues, healthcare, insurance, housing, immigration, government benefits, wills, and more.

Establishing paternity

Information on what paternity is, why it is important, and how to establish it at the link below.

Request child support change

Learn how to request a change to your child support court order at the link below.

Information about Child Support

For general information about child support please see the link below

Mass 2-1-1

The online directory below is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.

Mass 2-1-1

The online directory below is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.

Mass 2-1-1

The online directory below is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.

Greater Boston Food Bank

70 South Bay Avenue Boston, Massachusetts, 02118 Mostly has referrals to meal programs, soup kitchens.

Essex County Hunger Relief

The website below lists all soup kitchens and food pantries located in Essex County Massachusetts.

Mass 2-1-1

The online directory below is an information resource for emergency food, rent, help paying your heating and utility bills, mental health counseling, health programs, public health and safety services, child care referrals, job resources, and other help for individuals, parents and families.

Free/reduced-cost health insurance

Depending on your income, you may qualify for free or reduced-cost health insurance for yourself and your family. Click the link to learn more.

Virtual Babysitting for Student-Parents

Sitters Without Borders recently launched "Virtual BabySitting" for student-parents taking online classes. Learn more at their website below.

Apply for Unemployment Benefits

If your employer laid you off or reduced your hours, apply for Unemployment Insurance at the link below.

Low-Cost Laptops & Hot Spots

PCs for People sells low-cost laptops and mobile hot spots.

Verizon Lifeline Discount Internet

Verizon provides a discount on internet for low income households.

Affordable Internet through RCN

RCN has an internet plan option for $9.95/month for qualified households. (See link for details)

Help Paying for Utilities

Utility companies must provide customers with payment plans that allow a customer to take several months to pay overdue bills. You have the absolute right to spread payment of overdue bills over a minimum of four months. *** If you owe past-due utility bills, contact your utility company and ask to sign up for the "Arrears Management Program". For details, click the link below, and scroll down to the 3rd item on the list, "Arrears Management Program." ***

HousingMatch.org

HousingMatch.org is a new Boston-based private shared housing network for families, the elderly, and people with disabilities - helps families who can't afford their own apartment find shared housing situations.

Free produce for SNAP participants

SNAP participants can use their EBT card at a participating farmers market, farm, farm stand or mobile food market that participates in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). Each month, for each dollar you spend on fruits and vegetables at HIP produce sellers using your EBT card, $1 will be put back on your card. Households of 1 or 2 people get up to $40 in free produce each month. Households of 3 to 5 people, up to $60/mo. For households larger than that, up to $80/mo.

SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping

EBT cards can now be used to purchase groceries online through Walmart and Amazon. See the link below for flyers with more details.

Project Bread Food Resources

Project Bread's website has information on SNAP, P-EBT, free meals for kids and teens, WIC, and food pantries:

Pre-K – Grade 9 Learn at Home

Scholastic Learn at Home (for Pre-K - Grade 9)

Breakfast & Lunch from Women’s Lunch Place

Women's Lunch Place (Boston) are giving out one take-out package containing breakfast and lunch per day, Monday through Saturday 8AM - 1PM at 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

CVS free prescription delivery

CVS is offering free delivery for prescriptions

City of Boston food resources

The City of Boston has a new website summarizing all food resources!

Unemployment for "urgent reasons"

According to the Mass. Law Reform Institute and Greater Boston Legal Services, individuals in the following categories may be eligible for unemployment benefits: - individuals who had to quit their job because their child's school or childcare closed - individuals who had to quit their job to take care of an ill family/household member - individuals who are "self-quarantined" because they reasonably believe that they have a risk of exposure or infection - individuals who had to quit their job because domestic violence made it unsafe for them to continue working

Domestic Violence Legal Helpline

Casa Myrna's Legal Advocacy Program seeks to address the unmet legal needs of victims of domestic violence and commercial sexual exploitation. For no charge, attorneys and advocates work with survivors who, due to linguistic, cultural, and economic barriers, would not be able to access representation through normal channels. Available to Massachusetts residients.

Domestic Violence Community Advocacy Hotline

Casa Myrna's community advocacy hotline for survivors of domestic violence in Boston. Community Advocacy Specialists are bilingual (Spanish/English).

MA Domestic Violence Hotline

SafeLink statewide domestic violence hotline

RAFT, ERMA, & ERAP housing programs

RAFT, ERMA, & ERAP are housing assistance programs for families with income up to 80% of the area median income who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless due to a significant reduction of income or increased expenses. When tenants apply for rental assistance through their regional housing agency, they will automatically be considered for ERAP, RAFT and ERMA. Eligible families may receive up to $10,000 from RAFT/ERMA in a 12-month period to pay for housing and housing-related expenses. See the link for more info. ERAP is more generous than RAFT/ERMA. It covers up to 12-15 months of rent arrears + up to $1,500 for utilities arrears. Apply for rental assistance here: https://hedfuel.azurewebsites.net/raa.aspx For add’l info about ERAP, RAFT & ERMA: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/emergency-housing-assistance-during-covid-19

HomeBASE

HomeBASE is an alternative to shelter. HomeBASE recipients can receive first/last month's rent and security deposit, and/or a monthly stipend for up to a year to help pay for rent and utilities. Total assistance is capped at $10,000 for a 12-month period - some families receive this level of assistance, and other families receive less. Apply for HomeBASE by calling 866-584-0653.

Emergency Assistance Family Shelter

Emergency Assistance Family Shelter is for homeless families with children under the age of 21 and/or pregnant women whose income is no higher than 115% of the federal poverty guidelines (see poverty guidelines here: https://www.masslegalservices.org/content/4-what-ea-income-limit )

Boston Children's Museum Resources

Children spend their whole day learning, and Boston Children’s Museum provides resources for families and educators to help support that continuous discovery.

WGBH PreK-12 Distance Learning

WGBH To Provide PreK-12 Distance Learning Support For Students In Massachusetts

Prescription Discount Cards

Sometimes a prescription discount card can be used to get a discounted price on a medicine that is even less than your co-pay for that medicine. For example, search for the discounted price for any medicine that your doctor prescribes on this website. If you see that medicine priced less than your usual co-pay for that medicine at a pharmacy near you, click "Get Free Card" under the pharmacy name, and then click "Text" or "Email" to have a virtual discount card sent to you by text or email. When you go to the pharmacy to pick up the medicine, show the card to pharmacy staff using your smartphone.

MassHealth COVID policy

If you have MassHealth, you are FULLY covered for COVID-19 testing and treatment. MassHealth patients are also able to pick up 90 day prescription refills. There will be leniency around picking up prescriptions early.

Student Loan Payments

To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, federal student loan borrowers are automatically being placed in an administrative forbearance, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. This suspension of payments will last until Sept. 30, 2021, but you can still make payments if you choose.

If you are unable to afford your bills

Call your creditors (anyone to whom you owe money) and the companies that send you bills to get your payments stopped or reduced. Be sure to clearly state upfront that your income has been reduced because of COVID-19. That is the information they need to adjust your payments. THIS INCLUDES YOUR CAR INSURANCE COMPANY!! Many car insurance companies are being understanding if you cannot pay your bill on time due to COVID-19. Make sure to explain this to them.

Tips for paying bills

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has a helpful website with “Steps to take if you have trouble paying your bills meeting other financial obligations”.

Discounted internet service from Comcast

Click the link to learn more and apply

Childcare Financial Assistance

Click the link to see if you are eligible for financial assistance for childcare from the state of Massachusetts. To apply for child care financial assistance, call Mass 211 or contact your local Child Care Resource and Referral (CCR&R) agency.

Food Pantries

Use foodfinder.us to find food assistance near you. Enter your zip code at the top of the site, then move the map by left-clicking. Click on a red “pin” near you, then click “Details.” Do not hesitate to look up and use your local food pantry - this is what they are here for! Do not second guess whether you are eligible - just go, no questions asked! All food pantries have taken precautions to support social distancing measures.

Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline

Contact Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline for information on resources available. They will provide updated information on SNAP (including any expanded benefits that may become available) and offer screening and application assistance over the phone. The FoodSource Hotline will maintain its usual hours with access to Language Line translators. The hotline at 1-800-645-8333 is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 7:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.

Apply for SNAP Benefits (food stamps)

If you are not already receiving SNAP benefits, you can apply online & do not need to go into the DTA office! You are also IMMEDIATELY eligible if you have lost a job or work hours due to COVID-19. Once you have submitted your online application, call 877-382-2363, tell them you submitted an application, and ask for an interview. You DO NOT need to wait for DTA to call you! If you are due to recertify, your benefits will be extended by 6 months. No one receiving benefits will lose their benefits during this time.

Community Resources for Mental Health

"Isle of Calm" Playlist

Managing Stress/Anxiety for Children & Teens

This site provides 25 fun mindfulness activities for children and teens

Domestic Violence Support

Connect with the National Domestic Violence Hotline 24/7/365 to obtain help by chat at @ndvh or by calling 1-800-799-7233.

Protection from Utility Shutoff

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, electric and gas companies will not shut off service before July 1, 2021 due to non-payment. Visit the website for more info.

Boston COVID-Tutoring

Breaking the Mental Health Stigma

Financial Security for Women

$50/month for internet

Unemployment for gig workers/sel-employed

Free tax help

Postpartum Depression

Fair Shake Resource Center

National Reentry Resource Center

Resources for Understanding Racism

Getting an Interpreter

Citizenship & Naturalization Resources

Immigrants: Know Your Rights

Indian Country Resources: COVID-19

COVID Resources for Undocumented Immigrants

COVID Resources for Immigrants

Anti-Racism Resources for Asian Americans

COVID Resources That Take Race Seriously

Therapy for Black Girls

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Free transportation to medical appointments

Protection Against Eviction

SNAP benefits calculator

Get Help With Housing

Apply for a free computer

Low-Cost Refurbished Laptops

Free food delivery with SNAP

Protection Against Eviction

Basic legal info overview

Accessing legal help

Establishing paternity

Request child support change

Information about Child Support

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Greater Boston Food Bank

Essex County Hunger Relief

Mass 2-1-1

Free/reduced-cost health insurance

Virtual Babysitting for Student-Parents

Apply for Unemployment Benefits

Low-Cost Laptops & Hot Spots

Verizon Lifeline Discount Internet

Affordable Internet through RCN

Help Paying for Utilities

HousingMatch.org

Free produce for SNAP participants

SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping

Project Bread Food Resources

Pre-K – Grade 9 Learn at Home

Breakfast & Lunch from Women’s Lunch Place

CVS free prescription delivery

City of Boston food resources

Unemployment for "urgent reasons"

Domestic Violence Legal Helpline

Domestic Violence Community Advocacy Hotline

MA Domestic Violence Hotline

RAFT, ERMA, & ERAP housing programs

HomeBASE

Emergency Assistance Family Shelter

Boston Children's Museum Resources

WGBH PreK-12 Distance Learning

Prescription Discount Cards

MassHealth COVID policy

Student Loan Payments

If you are unable to afford your bills

Tips for paying bills

Discounted internet service from Comcast

Childcare Financial Assistance

Food Pantries

Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline

Apply for SNAP Benefits (food stamps)

Community Resources for Mental Health

"Isle of Calm" Playlist

Managing Stress/Anxiety for Children & Teens

Domestic Violence Support

Protection from Utility Shutoff