The Asian American Civic Association provides limited english-speaking and economically disadvantaged people 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
Education
Training
M - F: 9am - 5pm
Languages: English, Chinese Transportation Google MapsThe BRN programs ensure that clients can maintain their commitments within and to the legal system and navigate programs to assist their transition as they leave incarceration.
Assisting people with a disability to live as full a life as possible through:
Monday through Friday: 8:45am to 5:00pm
Other Locations:1526 Dorchester Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
Any individual/family member who self identifies with a disability.
Waiting time: Appointments are recommended but walk-ins are not turned away, and 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:Men referred by the county sheriffs’ departments, the Massachusetts Department of Correction, the Massachusetts Parole Board, or the Massachusetts Probation service.
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) is an anti-poverty agency fighting to empower people and mobilize resources to fight poverty’s causes and impacts. See specific services below:
May vary by program
Requirements & Restrictions:May vary by program
Languages: Amharic, English, Haitian Creole, Portuguese, Spanish Transportation Google MapsCommunity Programs:
Service hours:
Walk-in hours
Monday: 9:00am - 7:30pm
Tuesday - Thursday: 9:00am - 4:30pm
Friday: 9:00am - 11:30am
The Women’s Center offers extensive FREE services to women. They provide direct services in a number of areas and will help point women to other local programs if needed. They have a wide array of support groups, classes, and workshops, and two computer labs in a large comfortable house. Pre-COVID women and their children could come in 10am-8pm weekdays and 10am-3pm Saturdays. They could use a phone, the kitchen, which includes food donations, a library, and more. They offer an extensive information, resources, and referral system, as well as provide crisis intervention and peer support counseling for women in crisis though a Helpline and in-person at the Center. The population using the center is very diverse, and includes many experiencing homelessness, women of color, trauma survivors, of different ages and backgrounds. Participant’s confidentiality is respected and they are not subjected to intake questioning.
Currently, drop-in hours are restricted and are on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Offerings include:
Check the website for the specific hours
Service hours:Currently open 3-8pm Tuesdays, and noon-5pm Thursdays and Saturdays. Check website for current hours.
The helpline is currently closed.
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/bicultural behavioral health facility that specializes in serving men and women with a history of substance abuse in Massachusetts.
Varies by program.
Requirements & Restrictions:Varies by program.
Waiting time: Varies by program Languages: Spanish, English Transportation Google MapsCatholic Charities operates a number of community service centers in eastern Massachusetts. The centers provide a wide variety of support services including some basic needs emergency assistance, education and training programs, transitional housing for families, child care, and family counseling, and support.
Programs:
For COVID-19 Program Updates, click here.
Service hours:See CCAB website
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
To provide families with relief, City Mission has four programs dedicated to homelessness prevention:
For more information please contact the Director of Homelessness Prevention Programs, Paola Miranda, at pmiranda@citymissionboston.org
Service hours:M - F: 9am - 5pm
Transportation Google MapsThe Elizabeth Stone House partners with adult and child survivors of domestic violence and related trauma – mental illness, housing instability, and substance misuse – to achieve safety, stability, and overall wellbeing.
Service offerings include:
COVID-19 Update: The Elizabeth Stone House building is not open to non-residents, but staff are still available to assist individuals via phone.
Languages: SpanishFather 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 abuse, housing, and employment. 3 meals a day can also be provided.
Service hours:24/7
Other Locations:54 North Main Street
Brockton 02301
508-587-5441
Guests must prove tie or connection to the greater Quincy/Brockton/South Shore area; Must speak to assessment specialist; Male or Female, 18+; Sex offenders must register with Quincy/Brockton Police Department.
Waiting time: Lottery system. No referrals are taken. Languages: Languages are provided on an at-need basis Transportation Google MapsHaley House uses food with purpose and the power of community to break down barriers between people, empower individuals, and strengthen neighborhoods.
Five Branches
Education & Training
Heading Home offers a variety of services available to individuals and families. These include:
Shelters & Emergency Services:
Dorchester and Roxbury Family Shelters: 6 emergency assistance shelters for 42 families.
Transitional Housing:
Medford Family Life Education Center: Emergency shelter for 6 families and transitional shelter for 2 families.
Transitional Apartments: 17 supported single-resident apartments for families receiving support services.
Permanent Housing:
Congregate Housing: Supported permanent housing provided for men and women with shared living spaces in Cambridge.
Scattered-Site Apartments
Permanent Housing Partnership: Permanent housing and intensive services for individuals with disabilities, provided through partnerships with housing development corporations.
If you are a homeless individual looking for housing, please contact Michael Montanille, Individual Services Intake Coordinator at 617.864.8140, ext. 119 or download a copy of their application for permanent housing online.
Service hours:Varies by program
Requirements & Restrictions:Different programs may have requirements; ask when applying.
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.
Housing Applications can be found here.
Service hours:M - F: 9am - 5pm
Other Locations:Representation at all major shelter locations.
Requirements & Restrictions:Low income seniors age 55 and up
Waiting time: 1 to 3 weeks Languages: English, Spanish Transportation Google MapsHomeStart aims to end homelessness in Greater Boston by assisting individuals in obtaining housing and settling into the community, and by developing strategies to prevent homelessness before it starts.
Services
Monday - Friday: 9am-12pm; 1pm-4:45pm
Walk-in Hours: Currently suspended due to office closure
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.
Programs
Requirements & Restrictions:
Varies by program.
Transportation Google MapsHouse of Hope is dedicated to assisting homeless families in Massachusetts. We provide services to families referred to us 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:
Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development
Division of Housing Stabilization
To apply for shelter services, please call (866) 584-0653 and speak with a Homeless Coordinator.
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, we 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.
Interns discover that work is valuable, work allows them to give back to society, and it builds their self-esteem. We have learned that our internships can literally transform our intern’s relationship to work.
The families who are living in our shelters will be the source of the 25-35 interns per year who will gain real world experience as they operate our retail store and prepare and serve our meals as they Learn2Work!
Learn2Work includes two initiatives: the Hope Chest Retail Program and a Culinary Skills Program.
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.
People seeking low-income housing should watch the video (from the website link above). The video is recommended because it teaches you what you need to know *before* you search – and also helps you do the search at the same time. By the time you have finished the video, you will have also finished your housing search.
Requirements & Restrictions:Online resources only; not available by phone or email.
HousingWorks does not work with individuals or families; instead, they work with their case managers and advocates.
Provides affordable housing, education, training, community engagement, and supportive services, including:
Cambridge Biomedical Careers Program: This free 9-month training program (September–May) prepares participants for entry-level jobs in the biotechnology, life sciences, and medical research industries, and supplies local employers with work-ready, diverse employees. The laboratory training is done in partnership with Bunker Hill Community College. In the program, students also receive job readiness training such as preparing a resume, interviewing, and job search, and are introduced to industry professionals through career talks and employer site visits. After graduation, students receive follow up services for up to one year, until they are placed in relevant employment.
There is no tuition fee. Applications are accepted April through August. Eligibility requirements include: a GED or HS diploma, Massachusetts residency (primarily Cambridge, Boston, and MetroNorth), income eligibility, age 18+, and good reading and math skills.
Contact: 617-918-7520
Information Technology Careers Program
The JAS IT Career Program is a FREE educational and career skills training program that prepares individuals for Computer User Support Specialist positions in any business environment. The program is ideal for people who are looking for a new career or are entering the job market for the first time.
Through this training module students are able to obtain stackable industry recognized credentials and certificates (i.e. CompTIA, CompTIA A+, etc.)
Contact: 617-918-7520
YouthBuild/Just-A-Start: JAS YouthBuild is a comprehensive youth development program for 16 to 24 year-old out of school youth that provides education leading to grade level increases and credential attainment (high school diploma or HiSET – formerly GED); career exploration and employment skills building (with a construction/facilities maintenance and/or healthcare focus); and leadership and life skills training. Through their housing community service work experience, youth gain occupational skills leading to HBI PACT and OSHA certificates (industry recognized credentials), in addition to applied academic skills and leadership development. JAS YouthBuild also provides comprehensive guidance, counseling, case management, and support services. Youth who complete the program transition to employment, training, and/or college and receive intensive follow-up support for at least one year, with additional support beyond.
Contact: youthbuild@justastart.org or 617-918-7506
Home Improvement Programs: Provides assistance in managing home improvement projects and helps homeowners, condominium associations, and landlords secure financing for housing improvements. JAS’s experienced rehab specialists guide clients through the entire process, from application to completion.
Contact: 617-918-7514
Homeowner Services:
JAS offers an array of services to meet the ongoing needs of low and moderate income homeowners in Cambridge. These services include: technical assistance with property maintenance and repair; advisory services for condominium association finances, management, and compliance; education and training courses; and leadership development for condominium associations.
Contact: 617-918-7514
Real Estate Development Projects:
As part of its core mission, Just-A-Start (JAS) develops and owns affordable apartments that allow low and moderate income residents to live in Cambridge at rents that are within their means. JAS currently owns nearly 600 units and has partnered with Maloney Properties and Wingate to provide the portfolio with professional management. If you are interested in affordable rentals in Cambridge, please contact Maloney Properties and Wingate for more information.
Mediation/Conflict Resolution:
To avoid evictions and/or homelessness, Just-A-Start (JAS) professionals mediate and help resolve disputes between tenants, landlords, homeowners, and others by creating a safe, neutral forum in which meaningful dialogue can occur. Mediation allows parties to understand each other’s perspectives, explore options, and come up with a resolution that everyone feels comfortable moving forward with. Through these efforts, JAS has helped thousands of individuals reach compromise and address conflicts before they spiral out of control, often preventing unnecessary eviction. For qualifying cases, JAS professionals also provide mediation to resolve consumer disputes referred through district courts or the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office.
Contact: 617-918-7518
Other Locations:
YouthBuild
1175 Cambridge St. Cambridge
617-242-1460
Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate and proof of address.
Transportation Google MapsWe empower survivors of incarceration to overcome housing discrimination and use their voices to advocate against oppressive systems. We ensure community-based solutions to address the root cause of homelessness. We educate landlords, public housing authorities, and organizations on the collateral consequences of criminalizing housing.
Service hours:By appointment only
Requirements & Restrictions:required to be formerly incarcerated
Languages: EnglishJRI works in partnership with individuals, families, communities and government to pursue the social justice inherent in opening doors to opportunity and independence.
JRI offers a wide array of services including:
The Department of Housing and Community Development, through its community and business partners, provides affordable housing options, financial assistance, and other support to Massachusetts communities.
Visit this link for an extensive list of DHCD programs.
Service hours:
Office hours vary depending on program. DCHD General Office Hours: M - F 8:45am - 5pm
Requirements & Restrictions:Income restrictions apply.
Transportation Google MapsMcGrath House is a 33-bed Community-based Residential Reentry Program for female returning citizens. 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 mission of the New England Center and Home for Veterans (NECHV) is 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:
Services open 24/7, Office hours are M – F: 9am – 5pm
Requirements & Restrictions: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 MapsAssistance with: Food, Clothing, Housing, Referral Services, Transportation to and from doctor appointments, In home care for the elderly and Veterans, Pampers and Housing Supplies for those moving in a new apartment.
Service hours:Mon-Fri: 8:30am - 6pm
Requirements & Restrictions:Clients must fill out an application for their services. Verification of homelessness or need will be requested, verification of identity, proof of income and proof of residency.
Waiting time: Allow 14 business days for non-emergency requests Languages: English, Spanish, Haitian CreoleNuestra Comunidad is devoted to building the 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.
On The Rise is a day program for women and trans/nonbinary individuals currently experiencing or recovering from homeless. We provide tangible, day-to-day essentials in our Safe Haven, including showers, breakfast and lunch, mail, toiletries, computers, a nap room, and more. Our team of Advocates work closely with people on a wide variety of issues, ranging from employment, substance use, mental health, physical health, moving logistics, applying for housing, legal issues/court, and more. For those with the fewest options, we cultivate long-term relationships that foster safety and belonging. Guided by the strength and initiative of our program participants, we join their journey to wellbeing, as skilled partners and advocates.
Service hours:Monday, Wednesday - Friday: 8:30am-3:30pm
Tuesday: 12pm-3:30pm
If you have not visited them or used their services before, they ask that you complete a low-threshold intake with one of their Advocates. There is no formal referral process to engage with their program.
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 low-income women with children access to education, jobs, housing, and emergency services.
Services:
Although our building is closed for now, they are here for you. Just call 617-442-1880 or email info@prohope.org.
Click here for COVID-19 resources.
Service hours:M – F: 9am – 5pm
Languages: Spanish, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean Creole Transportation Google MapsProject Place Re-entry Services and Programs provide a path to success and self-sufficiency for men and women returning to the community after incarceration. Through a sense of belonging to the Project Place community that maintains high standards of accountability, participants can thrive as they pursue their goal of stabilization through employment.
Employment, Job Training, & Resource Services
Project Place Re-entry works with residents, residential facilities and agencies within Suffolk County and the expansive surrounding communities. They help all who are re-enter the community and need help in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Project Place utilizes programs and curriculum developed specifically for individuals returning from incarceration and/or those who are system impacted. Courses include Financial Math and Budgeting for Society, Anger Management, Family Reunification and other educational resources. The Re-entry team provides individualized case management while assessing the needs of each person. Their services included guidance for obtaining identification and documentation, health insurance, assisting with housing, including transitional housing, and employment.
Project Place has a full Career Services Department that works closely with their Re-entry Department for their clients and focuses on each individual client and partnering employers. Career Services and the Re-entry Departments at Project Place are practiced in overcoming the hurdles of CORI challenges and windows in work history
Community Re-entry for Women (CREW) provides job readiness and life skills training to incarcerated women at the Suffolk County House of Correction. Through linking the participants with case management, career coaching and health care, the program seeks to foster the strength and independence of participants in preparation for positive re-entry into the community. This program is only available to incarcerated females at the SCHOC. Upon release, the women are welcomed to the Project Place community and continue to work with a case manager for programming and support services.
Stabilization Programing Around Recovery and Resiliency Coaching (SPARRC) is one of several entry points into Project Place and is essential for many people before they begin job training. The program is for those who desire change but aren’t quite prepared for or ready to commit to the Re-entry curriculum or Work Ready. Covered topics include:
Work Ready: WORK READY is a 4-week job-readiness training program focused on the basics of preparing clients for a successful job search. Clients will learn to develop resumes, write cover letters, perform a focused job search, & prepare for the interview process. In addition, clients will attend a weekly computer class. Upon completion of the program, clients will be assigned a career coach/case manager to assist with job search and provide ongoing support & resources. Classes are presently held virtually.
Further Credentialing: Project Place offers a 4-week Customer Service Training with Professional Certification in Customer Service through the National Retail Federation Foundation. They also offer a 4-week practicum focused on daily guided job search with the express goal of employment for clients who complete Customer Service credentialing. ServSafe, an industry-recognized certification in food safety is offered regularly. OSHA training is offered on an occasional basis as well.
Social Enterprises: Project Place operates three businesses. These enterprises provide transitional employment for clients for up to 3 months at starting pay of $13.50/hr. Individuals apply to be hired. Their social enterprises provide an opportunity to fill gaps in work history & gain references while pursuing permanent employment with the support of a case manager. To be considered for hire into one of their enterprises, clients must first complete Work Ready.
Housing
All programs are CORI friendly.
Transportation: Silver Line: East Berkeley St.; Red Line: Broadway.
Service hours:M - F: 9am - 5pm
Languages: English, Limited Spanish Transportation Google MapsThe mission of the Somerville Homeless Coalition is to provide homeless and nearly homeless individuals and families with individualized supportive services and tailored housing solutions with the goal of obtaining and maintaining affordable housing.
Programs
M - F: 9am - 5pm
Languages: English, SpanishSince 1984, St. Francis House has offered basic care and services that make the difference between hope and despair, and often between life and death.
Programs
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
Mass 211 is an easy to remember telephone number that 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. Always a confidential call, Mass 211 maintains the integrity of the 9-1-1 system saving that vital community resource for life and death emergencies.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, Mass 211 is an easy way to find or give help in your community.
Mass 211 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277).
211HELPSteps is the online platform of Mass211. From any desktop or mobile device, individuals can search and then connect to local health and human service resources across the Commonwealth. Programs that are included support basic needs such as food security, housing, childcare, transportation as well as resources for mental and emotional health.
Service hours:24/7
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 for individuals and families, affordable housing opportunities for eligible individuals, HIV/AIDS case management and housing opportunities. They also offer HIV/HCV/STI testing and they have an HIV drop in center. Multiple sites located throughout Boston.
Transportation Google Maps