The Houses of Correction Program covers medication costs for HIV-positive residents in Massachusetts county jails. Enrollment occurs by submitting an application that is filled out collaboratively by jail staff and clients. Jail staff then submit the application by fax or email. When clients are released, coverage in our program may continue with a call or email.
The PrEPDAP Program covers the cost of pre-exposure mediation for Massachusetts residents at risk of HIV infection. This program can cover the costs for residents released from jail. Applications for enrollment can be found online or by phone.
Service hours:Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm.
Requirements & Restrictions:No cost to MA residents – Income must be below 500% of the Federal Poverty Line.
AIDS Action is New England’s largest provider of services to people living with HIV/AIDS and populations at risk of infection.
Programs
Cambridge
359 Green St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
617-661-3040
Transportation Google Maps
As one of several state-sanctioned and state-funded syringe exchange programs in Massachusetts, AIDS Action’s Access: Drug User Health Program distributes and exchanges syringes to people who inject drugs (PWID). Access: Drug User Health Program is one of the state’s pilot sites for the distribution of Narcan, a nasal spray provided to IDUs and their network of supportive family and friends to reverse potentially fatal overdoses.
The program also operates a drop-in center where members can access:
HIV/HCV/STI Testing
Offered both at the exchange and on outreach.
You can schedule a test by calling 857-313-6800 or walk in during exchange hours.
Outreach
Andrew and Alewife Stations, Egleston, Jackson, Porter and Davis Squares, and Malden. Call or text 617-470-0994 with any questions or to find out where our outreach team is today.
Medical Clinic
Come see Dr. Fleming for wound care, HIV/HCV/STI treatment, MAT services and more, or meet with our Public Health Nursing Team
Behavioral Health
Come to the exchange to talk with a Behavioral Health Clinician by appointment or walk-ins. Walk-ins available Wednesdays (9am – 12pm, 1 – 4pm), Thursdays (9am – 12pm) and Fridays (9am – 12pm, 1 – 4pm).
Exchange Hours
Monday-Wednesday, Friday: 9 am-12 pm, 1 pm-4 pm
Thursday: 9 am-12 pm
Information on alcohol abuse and treatment. Meetings and hotline available.
VIRTUAL MEETINGS: Local on-line and in-person meetings listed on website. Listings of online meetings outside the area can be found at https://aa-intergroup.org/
Service hours:Monday through Friday: 9:00am - 9:00pm; Weekends and holidays: 12:00pm - 9:00pm
Languages: English, Spanish, PortugueseMembers commit to running/walking with one of their six teams in the Boston area Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings. After 3 mornings of participation they are able to receive team gear, including a pair of running shoes. After 30 days in the program, members with 90% attendance earn the opportunity to move into the second phase of the program called Next Steps, which provides educational support, job training programs, employment partnership referrals and housing resources. Members can earn financial assistance to remove barriers to employment and housing such as work supplies, transportation and security deposits.
All their group runs meet every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. New members and volunteers are always welcome!
– Team Hope @ 5:45 am outside of 8 Farnham Street, Boston
– Team Common Ground/Vets @ 5:45 am near the Park Street MBTA Station at Park / Tremont Streets, Boston
After 3 days of participation members are eligible to receive team gear. After 30 days participation they are able to enter the Next Steps Program to be eligible for financial aid.
All interested members and volunteers must complete paperwork prior to attending their first run.
Potential members must be clean and sober to participate. Cannot accept level 3 sex offenders.
Transportation Google MapsBHCHP provides “medical respite care”, short-term medical and recuperative services, for homeless people who are far too sick for life in shelters but not sick enough to occupy a costly acute care hospital bed.
BHCHP’s 104-bed medical respite facility is located in Jean Yawkey Place on the campus of Boston Medical Center.
For patients and providers looking for more complete information on services provided at the Barbara McInnis House, please see their FAQ sheet.
For providers looking to admit a patient, please see their admittance requirements before filling out an admission form.
Service hours:Always open
Transportation Google MapsBay Cove Human Services is a private, not-for-profit corporation that provides services to individuals and families who face the challenges of developmental and intellectual disabilities, mental illness, substance use disorder, homelessness and/or aging. Call the main office number to be directed to the appropriate program.
Programs
M - F: 8:30am - 6pm. There are scheduled dosing hours on weekends.
Requirements & Restrictions:Certain programs may have restrictions. Call 617-371-3000 for more information.
Transportation Google MapsBay State Community Services is a comprehensive social services agency that provides counseling outpatient services, day programming, recovery center (peer support), recovery coaching, and child and family home-based services. BSCS hosts the Quincy and Plymouth Family Resource Centers.
Service hours:Please call main number 617-471-8400 or program(s) directly.
Other Locations:Quincy – A New Way Recovery Center
85 Quincy Avenue, Suite B
617-302-3287
Quincy – Family Resource Center
1120 Hancock Street
617-481-7227
Quincy – Outpatient Counseling and Recovery Support
1120 Hancock St.
Braintree – Home Based Child & Family Services
400 Washington Street
781-817-6675
Plymouth – Home Based & Child and Family Services
430-3 Court Street
Phone: 508-830-3444
Plymouth – Family Resource Center
430-3 Court Street
774-283-6531
Walpole – Turning Point Recovery Center
32 Common Street
508-668-3960
The CVPR works to improve the health and well-being of people impacted by multiple forms of violence, including domestic violence, sexual assault, community violence, and homicide by providing trauma-informed services and programs.
All of CVPR’s direct service programs are:
The Boston Area Rape Crisis Center provides free, confidential support and services to survivors of sexual violence ages 12 and up and their families and friends. They work with survivors of all genders from the immediate crisis after sexual violence to years and decades later, and their goal is to empower survivors to heal and seek justice in ways that are meaningful to them. They assist survivors as they navigate the health-care, criminal justice, social service, and school systems.
Services include the following:
*Hotline: by phone 24-7 at 800-841-8371 and webchat at barcc.org/chat
*24-7 Medical Advocacy
*Case Management (assistance with housing, health care, and more)
*Individual and Group Counseling
*Legal Advocacy, including immigration services
Services in English and Spanish, with other languages upon request.
Service hours:Hotline and medical advocacy: 24-7
Office hours: Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Family Justice Center
989 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215
Waltham Office:
24 Crescent Street, Suite 202
Waltham, MA 02453
Anyone 12 years or older welcome.
Languages: Services in English and Spanish, with other languages upon request Transportation Google MapsBHCHP seeks to provide or assure access to the highest quality health care for all homeless men, women and children in the greater Boston area. Services are provided at medical centers, shelters, and on the street.
Patient services at Jean Yawkey Place include primary care, dental services, family services, HIV care, pharmacy, podiatry, optometry, behavioral health, transgender programming and substance abuse treatment.
Some services are provided at special times, call for more information.
Service hours:
Monday through Friday: 8:00am to 4:00pm
Evening clinic until 8:00pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays
Monday - Thursday 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
The Boston Public Health Commission, the country’s oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs.
The Commission’s more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services.
Programs & Services:
Service hours:
The Help Desk hours are from 8:00 AM until 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday
Requirements & Restrictions:Varies by Program
Languages: Transportation Google MapsBowdoin Street Health Center is proud to provide health services to you and your family. They have been an active participant in the Dorchester community for over 40 years and offer care for infants, children, teens, adults and seniors.
Recognizing how social and economic factors in the community can also influence an individual’s health status, Bowdoin Street actively engages with community organizations and public entities to prevent violence, improve access to healthy, affordable foods and promote wellness through exercise and stress reduction.
The Center is also an innovator in transforming its practice into a Patient-Centered Medical Home, improving patient outcomes through stronger provider-patient partnerships in co-managing one’s health. Bowdoin’s approach includes a self-care program, a multidisciplinary care team, group medical visits, screenings for depression and home visits.
Mon-Thurs, 8:00am - 7:00pm; Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm; most Saturdays, 9:00am - 1:00pm
COVID-19 Testing Hours of Operation: Mon, Tues, Thurs, & Fri: 9:30am - 4:30pm; Wed & Sat: Closed
Waiting time: On any given day that you call them, they will try to give you an appointment with your doctor that same day or the next day, regardless of why you are calling. Will try to do the same for new patients too. Languages: Multiple languages; see website Transportation Google MapsBridge offers a comprehensive range of services to youth ages 14 to 24 in a positive and safe environment.
Street Outreach and Mobile Medical Van: Street Outreach is Bridge’s daily “foot patrol” of trained outreach workers who make regular consistent contact with homeless youth on the street throughout a range of neighborhoods in Boston and Cambridge. The Mobile Medical Van (MMV) connects with the street outreach team each weeknight. See specific hours below. The Van provides medical attention, survival kits, clothes, food and referrals.
Runaway Program: Bridge is the local respondent for the national runaway hotline offering 24-hour access to a counselor and a safe overnight accommodation away from the streets for homeless youth ages 14-17 for up to 72 hours.
Traditional Day Program (TDP): Visit the second floor of the Bridge building for a free breakfast or lunch. You can shower, use the lockers, do your laundry, attend a workshop, and see a case manager.
Medical Care: Bridge offers weekly free medical services staffed by healthcare professionals at the 47 West Street Facility.
Counseling and Support Services: Get help for substance abuse, family & peer relationships, survival needs and other crisis intervention services. Bridge counselors will support and listen to you.
Emergency Residence: Short-term transitional residence at the 47 West St. location for homeless youth ages 18 to 24. Youth commit to counseling, employment and continue their education. During the winter months, Bridge opens up the Warming Center, as an adjunct to the ER, each night to youth who need overnight shelter and survival each day from November through April.
Education and Career Development Program: Classes for youth to attain their HiSet. Takes place M – F from 9am – 12pm and 1pm – 4:00pm. Flexible schedule, rolling admissions, guidance counseling for youth who wish to enter or continue college or vocational program.
Transitional Living Program: Long-term transitional residential program. Residents are required to maintain employment, continue their education, and meet weekly with a counselor.
Single Parent Home: Transitional living program for pregnant and parenting homeless young women and their children. Serves up to 10 families at any given time and may stay for up to 2 years.
Housing: Bridge offers a variety of supportive services for youth seeking housing. Liberty House is the next step for young adults who have participated in their Transitional Living Program in Brighton. Bridge also currently participates in rapid re-housing programs for youth based on the “housing first” model. This program with the City of Boston is another avenue to prioritize youth for housing.
Service hours:Intake: Mon. - Fri. 9am - 4:30pm
Mobile Medical Van Hours: Mon. - Fri., 5pm-6:30pm @ Boston Common, 7pm - 8:30pm @ Harvard Square
Youth only, ages 14 to 24
Languages: Spanish, English Transportation Google MapsCambridge 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 MapsThe 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 MapsCasa Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of domestic violence awareness efforts and of shelter and supportive services to survivors. Their comprehensive range of services, available in both Spanish and English, provide survivors with tools to recover from the trauma of abuse and begin to build sustainable self-sufficiency.
Free Supports for Survivors
Supportive services are available by appointment during standard office hours.
Hotline is 24/7
Languages: English, Spanish Transportation Google MapsCASPAR (Cambridge And Somerville Program for Addiction Recovery) is a community-based non-profit organization founded in 1970 in response to growing community need for substance use disorder treatment.
FirstStep: The FirstStep Street Outreach program offers life-saving alternatives to unsheltered homeless men and women who are affected by substance use disorder, mental illness and medical complications associated with life on the streets.
Emergency Service Center: The Emergency Service Center (ESC) is one of three shelters in Massachusetts that accept homeless people who are actively using alcohol and drugs. At the ESC clients receive medical and mental health care, nutritional food, personal hygiene supplies, clean clothes, counseling, case management, and employment, housing, and treatment referrals in an environment that is welcoming and safe. The ESC provides a 24-hour shelter, 365 days a year to residents of Cambridge and Somerville.
Residential Programs: Their residential programs are designed to help individuals maintain sobriety, while developing skills they’ll need when they transition to the “real world.”
Requirements & Restrictions:For residents of Cambridge or Somerville.
May be eligible if resident of Cambridge or Somerville before incarceration.
Services meant for people that struggle with substance use disorder addiction.
Catholic 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
De Novo provides free civil legal assistance and affordable psychological counseling to low-income people. Their services combat the effects of poverty and violence by helping clients and their children meet basic human needs for safety, income, health and housing.
De Novo provides high-quality, free civil legal assistance to low-income people living in Greater Boston, and to immigrants and refugees statewide. They offer legal assistance in the areas of housing and homelessness prevention, family law/domestic violence, immigrant and refugee rights, and disability benefits.
De Novo offers free legal services to victims of crime regardless of their income.
They also provide counseling services.
To request legal assistance, contact their Intake and Referral Line at (617) 661-1010 from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday
Transportation Google MapsCourt-based forensic mental health assessments and consultations for people facing criminal or delinquency charges and civil commitment proceedings. Services provided:
Forensic Mental Health Services:
• Court based forensic mental health assessments and consultations who are facing criminal or delinquency charges and civil commitment proceedings.
• The Forensic Transition Team provides reentry services for DMH clients who are transitioning from prisons, jails, and other places of detention to the community.
• Jail diversion activities.
Check out DMH Forensic Mental Health Services at a Glance for more program information.
Adult Services:
• Adult Community Clinical Services
• Formerly Community Based Flexible Supports
• Respite Services
• Program of Assertive Community Treatment (PACT)
• Clubhouses
• Recovery Learning Communities (RLCs)
• DMH Case Management
• Homelessness Services
Child, Youth, and Family Services:
• Child/Adolescent Case Management
• Individual and Family Support Services
• Day Services
• Caring Together Services
• Clinically Intensive Residential Treatment (CIRT)
• Intensive Residential Treatment Programs (IRTP)
• Parent and Family Support Services
• Transition Age Youth
• School and Community Therapeutic Support
• Information and Referral
• Consultation and Education
• Juvenile Forensic Court Services
• Continuing Care Inpatient Services
• Massachusetts Child Psychiatry Access Program (MCPAP)
DLC is committed to promoting the civil and human rights of all persons with disabilities.
DLC’s Core Function is to keep people with disabilities safe from abuse and neglect wherever they live and where they receive services. DLC does this primarily by monitoring for abuse and neglect as well as investigating suspicious deaths and allegations of abuse and neglect.
Client services:
Please note that due to COVID-19 staff are working remotely. They are therefore not taking any walk-in visitors to help slow down the spread of COVID-19.
Service hours:M-F: 9am - 5pm
Requirements & Restrictions:Who They Serve:
The 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: SpanishFathers’ UpLift works to assist fathers in overcoming barriers (financial, oppressive, emotional, traumatic, and addiction-based) that prevent them from remaining engaged in their children’s lives. We engage in a three-tiered approach to our mission, focusing first on impacting individuals, then on building families, and finally on enabling societies and communities to better serve and support fathers and families beyond our doors. These three tiers of impact are upheld by four pillars of programs outlined below:
Central to Fathers’ Uplift’s mission is a priority placed on making mental health accessible and familiar for historically marginalized and low-income communities. We believe that therapy and coaching services are most effective when staff share cultures, backgrounds, and experiences with the population they’re serving. Because of this belief, the majority of Fathers’ Uplift staff are people of color, including both Black and Hispanic coaches, making our services accessible to both English-speaking and Spanish-speaking populations in our community and maximizing feelings of trust and familiarity.
Service hours:Mon: 9am-5pm
Tues: 9am-5pm
Wed: 9am-5pm
Thurs: 9am-5pm
Fri: 9am-5pm
Sat: appointment only
Sun: Closed
Fenway Health advocates for and delivers innovative, equitable, accessible health care, supportive services, and transformative research and education. They center LGBTQIA+ people, BIPOC individuals, and other underserved communities.
Services
The Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center, is a program of Fenway Health that provides safe, non-judgmental care for young people ages 12-29 who may not feel comfortable going anywhere else.
Service hours:1.1340 Boylston Street: Mon-Thurs: 7:30am-7:30pm; Fri: 7:30am-6:30pm; Sat: 8:30am-1:30pm
2. South End: Mon-Thurs: 8:00am - 7:00pm; Fri: 8:00am-5:00pm
3. Sidney Borum, Jr. Health Center: Mon-Thurs: 9:00am-7:00pm; Fri: 8:00am - 5:00pm
GLAD maintains GLAD Answers which provides legal information, referrals on issues related to sexual orientation, HIV status, and gender identity and expression. These issues include employment and housing discrimination, harassment, HIV testing rights and privacy, access to health care, family law, insurance, immigration, youth and student rights, and many others.
Although you can call, email, or chat online to get more information, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they are not able to answer phone calls live at this time but will return your call. Live chat is also unavailable. During this time, email is the quickest way to get a response.
Requirements & Restrictions:Target population: gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and people with HIV.
Languages: GLAD Answers is in English. Additional languages available through interpreter service. Transportation Google MapsHarbor Health Services Inc. is a non-profit public health agency with a mission to help individuals achieve their full potential through access to local, affordable services that promote health. Harbor provides medical, behavioral health, dental, and support services to more than 34,000 patients in Boston, the South Shore, and Cape Cod.
Harbor Health operates five community health centers:
Service hours:
Varies by location, check website.
Other Locations:Geiger Gibson Community Health Center
250 Mt Vernon St
Dorchester, MA 02125
617-288-1140
Daniel Driscoll – Neponset Health Center
393 Neponset Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02122
617-282-3200
Harbor Community Health Center – Plymouth
10 Cordage Park Circle
Plymouth, MA 02360
508-778-5470
Harbor Community Health Center – Hyannis
735 Attucks Ln
Hyannis, MA 02601
508-778-5420
Ellen Jones Community Dental Center
Patriot Square
516 Route 134
South Dennis, MA 02660
508-778-5400
Harvard Street Health Center provides the following services:
Programs
Other Locations:Behavioral Health/Veteran’s Center
895 Blue Hill Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02124
617-822-7129
The Institution for Sexual Wellness provides evidence‐based comprehensive assessment, psycho-pharmacological and psycho-therapeutic sex offender treatment to individuals whose behaviors pose a high risk to themselves and/or others. Services offered include full clinical evaluations, dynamic risk assessments and treatment needs evaluation, interim evaluation, firesetting evaluations, forensic evaluation and consultation, group and individual therapy, as well as psycho-pharmacological therapy.
Call the Institution for Sexual Wellness at (617) 479-4501 to schedule an initial appointment.
M-W: 9am-5pm, and flexibility as on a needs-be basis
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:
La Alianza Hispana is a community-based organization providing culturally and linguistically appropriate health and education programs to the Latino Community of Greater Boston.
Programs
Service hours:M - F: 9am - 5pm
Requirements & Restrictions:None
Languages: Spanish, English Transportation Google MapsLamour Clinic Health Institute is a multi-services community-based agency that is committed to advocating and providing community-based, culturally competent, and comprehensive programming services. Its mission is to provide behavioral health, therapeutic and community-based services that aid individuals, children, and families to achieve optimal daily functioning.
M-Th: 8:30am-7:30pm
F: 8:15am-5pm
Sat: 9am-4pm
Medford, MA.
Dorchester, MA.
Louis D. Brown Peace Institute provides services that are consistent and compassionate for families of murdered loved ones and families of incarcerated loved ones to prevent cycles of retaliatory violence.
Services include:
Mental Health Legal Advisors Committee provides information and advice to individuals involved with the Massachusetts mental health system through the MHLAC Intake Line. If you need help or advice, you must call the MHLAC Intake Line and leave a voicemail message.
Things to know beforehand:
Priority Areas Covered
M - F: 9am - 5pm
Requirements & Restrictions:No criminal representation
Languages: Access to many languages via phone interpreters Transportation Google MapsThe Multicultural AIDS Coalition mission is to mobilize communities of color to end the HIV epidemic. Multicultural AIDS Coalition provides integrated HIV/STI testing – includes one-on-one counseling, screening for HIV, hepatitis C, syphilis, Chlamydia, and gonorrhea. They also provide various groups both educational and support groups. Follow-up support services and navigation to treatment is provided. MAC follows all COVID-19 protocols for clients and staff.
Specific Programs Include:
CONNECTED Boston – Comprehensive prevention, screening, and care services for gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men. A Drop-In Center provides a variety of HIV and other health services as well as a safe space for the LGBT persons of color.
Women Connecting Affecting Change – A women led program that addresses needs of Black, Latina, and other women at high risk for infection. Services are provided at a Drop-In Center on Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester. HIV/STI screening, one-on-one counseling, group counseling, peer-support is provided, and risk reduction services including access to syringe services are provided.
Casa Iris – A peer support, Drop-In Center for Latinos/Latinas offers support groups for Latinx individuals living with HIV, referrals to other health and social services, and individual peer support designed to help clients manage their health and thrive.
AFIA- Africans for Improved Access provides HIV/STI prevention, education, and support services to the African immigrant and refugee community in Massachusetts. They also facilitate cultural competency training for providers who serve African immigrants and refugees. AFIA offers group-level and individual-level services tailored for individuals from the Sub-Saharan African community.
Service hours:M - F: 10am - 5pm
Other Locations:Multicultural AIDS Coalition- Dorchester Location
409 Blue Hill Ave
Dorchester, MA 02121
Women Connecting Affecting Change (WCAC)
157A Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02121
This hotline connects callers to the nearest available services for survivors of sexual assault. Instant message is possible by clicking the “chat” button on the website.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline is a safe, confidential service. When you call the hotline, only the first six numbers of the phone number are used to route the call, and your complete phone number is never stored in their system. Most states do have laws that require local staff to contact authorities in certain situations, like if there is a child or vulnerable adult who is in danger.
Service hours:Hotline and online chat available 24/7
Languages: English, SpanishThe National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, across the United States. The Lifeline is comprised of a national network of over 180 local crisis centers, combining custom local care and resources with national standards and best practices. Instant messaging services are available by clicking “chat” on the website.
Launching on July 16, 2022, 988 will become the national three-digit dialing code for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Moving to 988 does not mean the current 800 number (1-800-273-8255) for Lifeline goes away. Dialing either number will route callers to the same services, no matter which number they use.
Service hours:24/7
Languages: English, Spanish (Note: network centers also have access to interpreting services for other languages)New Beginnings Reentry Services, Inc. works in partnership with community agencies to empower and provide supportive services to formerly incarcerated women to successfully rejoin their communities. NBRS addresses the critical issues of education, physical and mental health, as well as personal development through programs and services.
Languages: SpanishThe 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 MapsNEFA is a nationally recognized center for the evaluation and treatment of problematic sexual behavior.
NEFA provides:
Office Hours: M – Th 9am – 5pm
Requirements & Restrictions:Client needs to be accepted to treatment by a clinician
Waiting time: Less than a month for appointments Languages: English, Spanish 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 CreoleOn 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 MapsM-F 9am-7pm
Other Locations:1773 Dorchester Ave Suite 2c Dorchester, MA. 02124
Languages: English Transportation Google MapsThe Massachusetts Parole Board operates regional reentry centers across the state. These centers help inmates make the transition from prison to the community. Staff help released inmates to:
These centers are open to released inmates with no post-release supervision. If you are a released inmate, members of their department may be able to bring you to the reentry center closest to your release address. This program is also available to former inmates at any time after they are released.
Other Locations:Locations:
Regions 1 and 2
60 Clayton Street, 1st Floor, Dorchester, MA 02122
(617) 376-6260
Region 3
100 Willow St., Lynn MA 01902
(978) 750-1900
Region 4
340 Main Street, Suite 380, Worcester 01608
(508) 753-7252
Region 5
436 Dwight Street, Springfield 01103
(413)-784-1210
Region 6
499 Essex Street, 1st Floor, Lawrence 01840
(978) 687-6342
Region 7
231 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Brockton 02301
(508) 587-0987
Region 8
1204 Purchase Street, New Bedford 02740
(508) 999-4820
Region 9
188 Concord Street, 2nd Floor, Framingham 01702
(508) 875-0621
Provides inclusive and fully accessible services to those whose lives have been impacted by sexual violence along with education geared toward ending sexual violence, across Central Massachusetts.
Rape and Sexual Assault Hotline is open 24/7.
The mission of Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts is to ensure every person in the state has access to sexual and reproductive health care and education no matter who they are, where they live, or who they love.
Health services:
Call 800-258-4448, option 2, or click here to schedule an appointment.
Service hours:Hours vary by location. Visit website for more information.
Other Locations:Central MA Health Center:
470 Pleasant Street
Worcester MA 01609
Western MA Health Center:
3550 Main Street
Springfield MA 01107
Metro West Health Center:
91 Main Street
Marlborough MA 01752
Some appointments require parental consent for minors.
Waiting time: Varies. Languages: Translation services are offered for most languages. Transportation Google MapsRight Turn provides a broad range of evidence-based treatment programs for individuals, and families recovering from substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders.
All programs and services are covered by certain Blue Cross Blue Shield, Tufts Health Plan and other private insurance carriers. Please call for more information.
The mission of Rosie’s Place is to provide a safe and nurturing environment for poor and homeless women to maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.
Service hours:
Hours vary by program
Requirements & Restrictions:Women and anyone who self-identifies as a woman.
Target population: homeless and low-income women
Roxbury Youthworks, Inc.’s mission is to help youth caught in cycles of poverty, victimization and violence transition successfully into adulthood.
Services:
Safe and Sound Recovery Center, part of the Boston Public Health Commission, provides peer-led, outpatient substance use services. Located in Boston, the center’s goal is to support people in their journey to sobriety through various programs, including recovery coaching, support groups, and peer leadership training.
Services:
Walk-ins Welcome: No appointment is necessary for enrollment.
Intakes: Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. (Wednesday until 1:00 p.m.)
Program Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Wednesday until 2:00 p.m.)
Experience all that the Boston Kroc has to offer. Enjoy access to classes and state-of-the-art equipment where you can focus on your fitness goals. Or explore how our arts, science and education, youth leadership, ministry, culinary arts, and other programs are helping our communities grow stronger. The Boston Kroc offers something for everyone.
The Salvation Army South End Corps
Annually, over 3,400 individuals are served through their emergency assistance programs
For more information on these services, please contact the South End Corps at 617-536-5260 or visit them at 1500 Washington Street, Boston, MA 02118.
The Salvation Army also runs Family Thrift stores where you can score great deals on clothing, home goods, and electronics.
Somerville Store
487 Broadway
Somerville, MA 02145
Samaritans’ mission is to reduce the incidence of suicide by alleviating despair, isolation, distress, and suicidal feelings among individuals in the community, 24 hours a day; to educate the public about suicide prevention; to help those who have lost a loved one to suicide, and to reduce the stigma associated with suicide.
Samaritans provides life-saving suicide prevention services throughout Greater Boston, MetroWest, and across Massachusetts. Their services are free, confidential, and nonjudgmental.
Services
Learn more about their services during COVID-19 here.
Service hours:Helpline: 24/7
Grief Support Services: SafePlace meetings will be held virtually via Zoom until further notice. Meetings will take place on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings from 6:30-8pm.
Community Education & Outreach: Each week they hold a regularly scheduled suicide prevention workshop on Tuesdays at 2pm EST via zoom.
Since 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, SpanishSteppingstone 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
The Dimock Center provides the residents of Boston with convenient access to high quality, low-cost health care, and human services.
Mon - Fri 9-5pm
Other Locations:Educational Facility:
1800 Columbus Avenue, Roxbury
The EC provides a safe place for individuals to:
The EC spaces offers guests access to:
The Federation currently oversees over 15 projects related to supporting families whose children have special educational needs and special healthcare needs, as well as families of culturally and economically underserved populations by promoting family engagement within general education. The projects are organized into five “Centers” by the primary type of service offered to families and are described below.
The Federation provides information, support, and assistance to parents of children with disabilities.
Transportation Google MapsThe Home for Little Wanderers helps build stable lives and hopeful futures for children who are abused, neglected or at-risk. The Home for Little Wanderers ensures their emotional, social, educational and physical well-being from birth to age 26 through a dedicated team of professionals and a wide range of critical services.
Programs
Therapy Matcher is a free, confidential telephone referral service offered by the National Association of Social Workers, MA Chapter. Provides professional, personalized counseling referrals matched for location, specialty, and insurance or fee requirements.
Service hours:Call or email any time, and a staff person will get back to you.
Health center and social services for adults and children. The health center provides a range of services including:
M – Th: 8:30am – 8pm; F: 10am – 5pm; Sat: 9am – 12:30pm
Other Locations:Teen Clinic and HIV & Women, Infant and Children’s Program
415 Columbia Road, Dorchester MA 02125
Tel: 617-287-0786
Tel: 617-825-8994 (WIC)
Dental & Eye Care
636 Columbia Road, Dorchester MA 02125
Tel: 617-825-9839
Upham’s Elder Service Plan (UESP) / PACE
Savin Hill 1140 Dorchester Ave, MA 02125
Dudley Square 36 Dearborn Street MA 02119
Jackson Square 125A Amory St, Boston, MA 02119
UESP/PACE Tel: 617-288-0970
Dorchester residents
Waiting time: 7-10 days Languages: Spanish, English, Creole, Portuguese, French, Vietnamese, and Arabic Transportation Google MapsVA Boston health care supports the health, welfare, and dignity of female Veterans and their families by ensuring equal access to timely, sensitive, and quality care. A women Veteran care coordinator can help you get the services you need.
Their women’s health program offers Women Veterans comprehensive care, including:
West Roxbury VA Medical Center
1400 VFW Parkway
West Roxbury, MA 02132
Brockton VA Medical Center
940 Belmont Street
Brockton, MA 02301
Causeway VA Clinic
251 Causeway Street
Boston, MA 02114
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 MapsAt Whittier Street Health Center, they are dedicated to providing high quality and accessible clinical services to all of their patients.
Clinical Services
Whittier Street Health Center accepts walk-ins. When the Center is closed, a 24/7 live answering service will attend to all calls and direct to a provider on call.
They are also providing testing of COVID-19 at the clinic Monday – Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm. The vaccine shot is available for both Moderna and Pfizer. The 3rd shot, the booster, is also available. FLU shots for all patients also available.
Service hours:M-F: 8:30am – 8pm; Sat: 8:30am – 5pm
Other Locations:Whittier Street Health Center – Satellite Clinic
278 Blue Hill Avenue
Roxbury, MA
617-858-2550
M-F: 8:30am – 5pm
Whittier will not deny services to any patient due to the inability to pay, disability, race, color, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, or religion.
Discounts are available for patients based on family size and income.
Languages: English, Spanish, Swahili, Arabic, Bosnian, Krio, Portuguese, Yoruba, Russian, Farsi, Somali, Urdu, Haitian CreoleHealthy meals, essentials, and one-on-one assistance from a unique daytime shelter and advocacy center in Boston dedicated to helping women in need.
A nutritious breakfast and lunch, seasonal gear, toiletries, undergarments, feminine hygiene products and other basic necessities are always available at their 67 Newbury St. location. Advocates provide individualized services to guests, and free medical services are available from Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program.
Mon-Sat 7:00AM-2:00PM
Requirements & Restrictions:Anyone that identifies as a woman is welcome and their children (though services are for adult women only).