Local city/town homebuyer assistance programs

Click the link below, and scroll down to "Programs by City/Town" for links to local homebuyer assistance programs.

Free cash for first-generation homebuyers

First generation homebuyers in Massachusetts who are below the Area Median Income can get $2,000 - $5,000 for a down payment from the STASH program.

CORI Sealing Clinic - Greater Boston Legal Services

Join the Boston Bar Association and Greater Boston Legal Services in our Virtual CORI Sealing Clinic, serving low-income communities in the area. A criminal record can make it harder to get a job or find housing. However, a CORI record may contain charges that can be “sealed” or expunged so that employers, housing providers, and others cannot see those charges. By signing up for the CORI Sealing Clinic, you will be provided with FREE legal information about your rights, and will be screened for eligibility to be matched with a FREE (pro bono) lawyer to assist you with obtaining, reviewing, and, if advised, sealing or expunging your records.

CORI Sealing Clinic - Lawyers Clearinghouse

Use the form below to complete the Lawyers Clearinghouse CORI Sealing Clinic Sign Up Form. Someone will follow up with you soon after you fill it out to discuss your eligibility for this service.

Recognizing Signs of Domestic Abuse

The webpage below provides information on how to recognize the signs of domestic abuse for yourself or your loved ones. It also tells you what steps to take if you suspect domestic abuse has occurred.

GoodRX Prescription Discounts

Search for your prescription's discount code on GoodRX to get a cheaper price at common pharmacies & retailers.

Apply for Emergency Housing Payment Assistance

Visit this website to apply for emergency assistance to cover rent or utilities. If you are experiencing difficulty with an application for emergency housing payment assistance, call 2-1-1 any day, any time.

Housing Help and Protection from Eviction

Click the link below to get help with housing including: - protection from eviction - rental assistance and mortgage assistance programs - entering a family homeless shelter - HomeBASE, an alternative to shelter - and more.

Find an affordable rental home/apartment

The online resource linked below - Housing Navigator Massachusetts - lists affordable rental homes/apartments throughout Massachusetts.

Housing discrimination

In Massachusetts it is illegal for a landlord, broker, real estate agent or seller to refuse to rent or sell an apartment or house to someone on the basis of their race, religion, skin color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, ancestry, marital status or military status, or because the renter or buyer has a child, has a housing voucher, or is on public assistance. If you believe that you are or may be the victim of illegal discrimination on the part of a landlord, rental agent, real estate agent or seller, please contact the Suffolk University School of Law Housing Discrimination Testing Program intake line at 617-884-7568.

Landlord-Tenant Legal Issues

If you are a tenant in Massachusetts seeking legal advice regarding an issue involving your landlord, please contact the Suffolk University School of Law Housing Discrimination Testing Program intake line at 617-884-7568.

Foreclosure Assistance

If you are a homeowner facing foreclosure within the next 7 days, please call the Massachusetts Division of Banks (DOB) Consumer Assistance Unit at 617-956-1501. The DOB may be able to arrange a 60-day pause to give you extra time to work things out with the bank.

Mortgage Assistance

If you are having trouble paying your mortgage, please visit the website below to apply for help through the Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund. For further information, call the HAF Call Center at (833) 270-2953, Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

Student Loan Payments

To provide relief to student loan borrowers during the COVID-19 national emergency, the federal government is pausing student loan payments, which allows you to temporarily stop making your monthly loan payment. This pause on payments will last until August 31, 2022, but you can still make payments before then if you choose.

More help with Student Loans

If you are experiencing difficulty with a student loan, please visit the website below.

Axuda Interest-Free Loans

Axuda is a crowdlending platform to help those who are financially struggling, living paycheck-to-paycheck, with unforeseen expenses. One Family program participants should email fstoltz@onefamilyinc.org to get more information and apply for a loan!

Fuel Assistance/Home Heating Assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides eligible households with help in paying a portion of their heating bills from November 1st through April 30th - even if heat is included in your rent. You may be eligible if you are a two-person household earning no more than $53,551, a three-person household earning no more than $66,151, a four-person household earning no more than $78,751, or a five-person household earning no more than $91,351.

Mass 2-1-1

Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 any day or time to speak with someone who can connect you with a wide range of resources in your community, government benefits, service providers and support groups. 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.

Network of Care Massachusetts

Find mental health care resources in your community at the link below.

Find a mental health provider in MA

Mental Health Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741741, or visit https://www.crisistextline.org/

Mass 2-1-1

Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 any day or time to speak with someone who can connect you with a wide range of resources in your community, government benefits, service providers and support groups. 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

Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 any day or time to speak with someone who can connect you with a wide range of resources in your community, government benefits, service providers and support groups. 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

Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 any day or time to speak with someone who can connect you with a wide range of resources in your community, government benefits, service providers and support groups. 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

Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 any day or time to speak with someone who can connect you with a wide range of resources in your community, government benefits, service providers and support groups. 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

Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 any day or time to speak with someone who can connect you with a wide range of resources in your community, government benefits, service providers and support groups. 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

Dial 2-1-1 or (877) 211-6277 any day or time to speak with someone who can connect you with a wide range of resources in your community, government benefits, service providers and support groups. 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 Smartphone/Phone Service/Internet Access

Assurance Wireless offers a free smartphone with free unlimited data/texts/minutes, and 10 GB of free mobile hotspot Internet access to a) families who participate in MassHealth, SNAP (food stamps), free or reduced school lunch, Pell Grants, federal public housing, or Section 8 housing, and b) to families earning up to 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Before reading this item, first read the item called "Fuel Assistance/Home Heating Assistance. If your income is too high for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, you may qualify for assistance from the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund. You may be eligible if you are a two-person household earning no more than $71,401, a three-person household earning no more than $88,201, a four-person household earning no more than $105,001, or a five-person household earning no more than $121,801.

Help Paying Past-Due Utility Bills

To apply, visit the website listed below.

MA Domestic Violence Hotline

SafeLink statewide domestic violence hotline

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.

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! 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!

Getting Your Landlord to Fix Sanitary and Safety Violations

For help with getting your landlord to fix sanitary and safety violations, visit the Up to Code website listed below.

New Hope

New Hope works throughout South-Central and Southeastern Massachusetts with those affected by domestic and sexual violence. Their services include a confidential hotline, rehousing support, counseling, supervised visitation, and more.

Black Female Therapist Directory

A resource to locate Black female therapists in your area and gain some tips on better mental health.

Landlord-Tenant Legal Issues

If you are a tenant in Massachusetts seeking legal advice regarding an issue involving your landlord, please contact the Suffolk University School of Law Housing Discrimination Testing Program intake line at 617-884-7568.

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.

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.

Discounted Internet Service

Access the Affordable Connectivity Program, which provides a discount of $30/month for internet access, at the link below.

Free tax help

Visit the site below for free tax prep help, including help accessing FREE money through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC), and accessing any missing stimulus payments.

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.

COVID Resources for Undocumented Immigrants

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

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.

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

For information about free and reduced-cost legal assistance and other legal resources, click the link below.

SNAP benefits calculator

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

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.

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/parentage

Information on what paternity/parentage 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

Greater Boston Food Bank

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

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 for Scholars (formerly "Sitters Without Borders") provides free evening babysitting sessions in the Greater Boston Area to low-income parents enrolled in an evening college or certificate program.

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

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)

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

SNAP EBT cards can be used to purchase groceries online for pickup or delivery at ALDI, Amazon, Hannaford, Price Chopper, Stop and Shop, and Walmart. ALDI - shop.aldi.us/store Amazon (delivery only - no delivery charge) - amazon.com/snap Hannaford - instacart.com/store/hannaford Price Chopper - instacart.com/price-chopper Stop and Shop - stopandshop.com/pages/snap-ebt-overview Walmart - walmart.com/cp/snap-online/1465096 For more general information, please visit the link below.

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

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).

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.

Discounted internet service from Comcast

To apply for assistance from the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund, call the phone number for your area appearing on the website listed below, or call (800) 334-3047.

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.

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.

Community Resources for Mental Health

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.

Local city/town homebuyer assistance programs

Free cash for first-generation homebuyers

CORI Sealing Clinic - Greater Boston Legal Services

CORI Sealing Clinic - Lawyers Clearinghouse

Recognizing Signs of Domestic Abuse

GoodRX Prescription Discounts

Apply for Emergency Housing Payment Assistance

Housing Help and Protection from Eviction

Find an affordable rental home/apartment

Housing discrimination

Landlord-Tenant Legal Issues

Foreclosure Assistance

Mortgage Assistance

Student Loan Payments

More help with Student Loans

Axuda Interest-Free Loans

Fuel Assistance/Home Heating Assistance

Mass 2-1-1

Network of Care Massachusetts

Find a mental health provider in MA

Mental Health Crisis Text Line

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Mass 2-1-1

Free Smartphone/Phone Service/Internet Access

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

Help Paying Past-Due Utility Bills

MA Domestic Violence Hotline

Food Pantries

Apply for SNAP Benefits (food stamps)

Getting Your Landlord to Fix Sanitary and Safety Violations

New Hope

Black Female Therapist Directory

Landlord-Tenant Legal Issues

Boston COVID-Tutoring

Financial Security for Women

Discounted Internet Service

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

COVID Resources for Undocumented Immigrants

Anti-Racism Resources for Asian Americans

COVID Resources That Take Race Seriously

Therapy for Black Girls

Free transportation to medical appointments

Protection Against Eviction

SNAP benefits calculator

Apply for a free computer

Low-Cost Refurbished Laptops

Free food delivery with SNAP

Basic legal info overview

Accessing legal help

Establishing paternity/parentage

Request child support change

Information about Child Support

Greater Boston Food Bank

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

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

City of Boston food resources

Unemployment for "urgent reasons"

Domestic Violence Legal Helpline

Domestic Violence Community Advocacy Hotline

Boston Children's Museum Resources

WGBH PreK-12 Distance Learning

Prescription Discount Cards

MassHealth COVID policy

Discounted internet service from Comcast

Childcare Financial Assistance

Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline

Community Resources for Mental Health

Managing Stress/Anxiety for Children & Teens

Domestic Violence Support