Assistance programs Middlesex County Massachusetts.
Financial assistance programs are available across Middlesex County, including the cities of Lowell, Cambridge, and others. Find how to get help with rent or security deposits, mortgages, heating bills, free groceries or food, and other needs. The government well as non-profits, charities or churches offer emergency financial help along with social services such as vouchers to pay for medications. Or find free car repairs or train passes, job placement, and more.
Housing Affordability is a huge issue in Middlesex County MA, including Lowell and Cambridge. This is when agencies and the government work to stop homelessness and help people with mortgages. A major component is providing financial help for mortgages as well as deposit or moving help. There is also assistance for immigrants, seniors, and the disabled (or people that live on a fixed income).
Resources, programs, and services that can help pay bills in an emergency
The local community action agency, Action for Boston Community Development of Middlesex County (ABCD for short) is focused on ensuring people become self-sufficient over the long term. However, they clearly recognize that sometimes people need help today to make it thru short term problems.
Therefore ABCD offers a number of financial assistance programs and social services that help families through difficult times. They offer fuel and heating bill assistance in winter, rent help, food pantries, foreclosure counseling, utility bill help, and more. They have multiple offices around the county and in Cambridge, but are headquartered at 178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111. Or call them at 617-348-6000.
- Housing Assistance Programs: One resource offered is ABCD Housing Services. They have full time staff that are experts in all aspects of housing counseling and assistance programs. They diligently work to assist both low and moderate-income families, whether they are at risk of losing their home or if they are currently homeless. The primary goal is to prevent people from being evicted or losing their home. They can provide mortgage counseling, direct people to grant programs, and help people find other ways to get housing assistance. Find additional rent assistance programs.
- Career Development: The organization realizes that job skills, including education and skill development tied to labor market needs are key elements in fighting poverty. People need jobs in order to become self sufficient. So ABCD works closely with Boston academic institutions and businesses to develop collaborative programs that help people find jobs and also educate workers who are consistently applauded for their commitment and ability to get the job done. Or find other free job training in Massachusetts.
- Energy and Heating Bill Assistance: More than 15,000 families are assisted every year. ABCD Fuel Assistance serves people throughout Middlesex County, including in Boston, Cambridge, Brookline and Newton. Grants are provided to help people pay fuel bills during the heating season. Assistance is provided from November to March of each year.
- Heating and Cooling System Repairs and Replacements Program: Low income homeowners can get free repairs, or even replacement of heating systems if they are facing an emergency. If your system is no longer functioning, a replacement of the heating systems will be considered.
- Weatherization: This program will help Middlesex, Cambridge and Boston families lower their energy bills by up to 35%. People who apply and are accepted can receive free cash grants of up to $6,000 that are used to improve their home, with the goal of reducing their energy bills.
- Free Health Care: They run several modern, cutting-edge, community-based health clinics that provide public health disease prevention and health promotion programs. The goal is to help those who are under insured or who lack health insurance. Numerous other programs exist that provide health care assistance, and click here to find additional ways to get medical bill help.
- Federal Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - This is a federal government funded program. It will provide cash grants and other assistance for low and moderate income families. For those who do qualify for LIHEAP assistance, they may be able to get hundreds of dollars a year for their utility bills.
- Transportation - ABCD will try to help working parents with transportation for a job or interview. As resources allow, this may be a free bus or train ticket or a gasoline vouchers. Referrals are given to non-profit credit counselors for car payment assistance.
- Public assistance can be arranged by ABCD in Middlesex County. Case managers help people apply for low income housing, food assistance, social security disability, foreclosure and more. Even find what to do when social security benefits are cut to get more relief.
- Food Pantries: Multiple food distribution or located around Boston and Middlesex County. They will distribute groceries or hot meals to struggling families who are facing an emergency.
All of the services listed above are offered by Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) (phone 617-348-6000), while the items below are offered by other local Middlesex County charities and non-profits. Click more ABCD resources.
Community Teamwork provides assistance to dozens of towns and cities in Middlesex County Massachusetts. A focus of this non-profit is on enabling the less fortunate to regain self-sufficiency and get back on the right path to financial stability. Some of the resources available include the following.
- Food assistance from WIC, SNAP food stamps, free pantries and soup kitchens.
- Fuel assistance and energy conservation from government programs.
- Home Modification and Improvement loan for seniors and disabled. They can help the elderly or disabled fix a roof or make their home safe.
- Details on energy saving and conservation measures, including weatherization for families in poverty.
- Information on job training centers.
- Community Teamwork Inc, or CTI, supports Lowell MA and northern Middlesex County. A number og grant, job programs, and other resources are offered. If you need assistance with paying your winter fuel bill, contact Community Teamwork Inc., which is a private nonprofit social service agency that serves people in the Greater Lowell Massachusetts area.
- Families can apply for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The fuel assistance program provided by CTI provides help and grants for heating costs when the household income falls below poverty guidelines. The program operates annually from November 1 through April 30, and will accept applications during that time.
The funding is limited, and after the fuel assistance program ends in April, CTI has other programs that can help residents with weatherization and funding repairs on their homes. They can help people with replacing windows, tuning up their furnaces, or putting on a new roof. Community Teamwork can be reached at (978) 459-0551. Click more information Community Teamwork assistance programs.
Somerville Homeless Coalition offers housing assistance programs for that city. A local non-profit is available. This organization provides free homeless shelters as well as counseling. There is also transitional housing, rent help, and food services to thousands of people each year. They can be reached at 617-623-6111. Their programs include:
- Prevention & Stabilization Services (PASS) - This component has been available since 2000, and provides rent grants to people who are facing an eviction.
- Food Aid - Several resources are available to aid people. They include Project Soup and various food pantries that provide free groceries.
Another option is the Ashland Emergency Fund, which is for local households. If you live in Ashland Massachusetts, a local nonprofit may be able to provide you help with your property taxes, water bills, rent, utility bills, and even mortgage payments. They offer a wide variety of resources and programs for residents, and the Ashland TAB has also selected the Ashland Emergency Fund for a charity campaign called Gifts of Hope.
The organization helps dozens of local families and individuals pay their rent, pay utility bills, manage medical bills and more each year. They have also even provided emergency mortgage assistance to help them prevent a foreclosure. Find other ways to stop a foreclosure, or for more information or to apply to the Ashland Emergency Fund, visit www.ashlandemergencyfund.org or dial 508-532-7942.
Cambridge and Lowell Catholic Charities has several locations around the county. The assistance programs they oversee range from funds for rent to free foreclosure prevention. They also offer cash grants for energy or heating bills. Call the agency at (617) 482-5440 to learn more or to apply for help. Also, click here for information on Massachusetts energy assistance programs.
Free holiday assistance, meals, coats for kids, free food and gifts are also offered by Catholic Charities. Many of the items distributed are donated by businesses and members of the community, so resources are limited. This agency is a great place to call for financial assistance for paying bills and other expenses, as well as material assistance.
Several other locations are around Middlesex County Massachusetts. Call anyone of these for programs that can help with bills. they also address self-sufficiency, and that may include gasoline cards for work or free bus or train vouchers. There is also emergency rent, food, and assistance with health care.
- 270 Washington Street, Somerville, Massachusetts, 02143. Telephone: (617) 625-1920
- 117 N Common St, Lynn, MA 01902. Call (781) 593-2312
- 205 Hampshire St, Lawrence, MA 01841, 01840. Dial (978) 685-5930 or (617) 625-1920
- 70 Lawrence Street, Lowell, MA, 0185. Phone: (978) 452-1421
- Click here for more information on Catholic Charities Middlesex County area.
Salvation Army - Middlesex and Cambridge Corps offers numerous programs to help the working poor, unemployed, and low income individuals. Some of the services they offer include free food pantries that distribute groceries and household items. Housing assistance that can be used to pay rent and / or a mortgage. Financial aid for energy bills, including utility, electric, heating, and gas bills.
There is also season help, including school supplies giveaways and free Holiday/Christmas help, such as meals and gifts. Money may even be made available for needs such as prescription drugs and doctor bills. The Salvation Army helps the poor, homeless, single moms or dads and the community at large. Dial (617) 547 - 3400.
The Salvation Army also has other local branches and offices around Middlesex County, including in Lowell, Framingham, Waltham, the city of Boston, and Mystic Valley. The main branch is at at 617-542-5420, as most of the branches offer supports. As noted, as funding allows, there will be rent help, utility assistance, food, and other support services. Read more on Salvation Army assistance in Middlesex and Suffolk.
The City of Everett runs several programs for its residents. Call them at (617) 394 - 2260. While with all places and organizations, funding will be limited, they may be able to help people in an emergency. Learn about rent and mortgage payment assistance to stop an eviction or foreclosure. There is also energy conservation programs as well as gas bill payment assistance or funds for water and electric bills.
CAPIC, or the Community Action Programs Inter-City, may have some resources for the Middlesex Massachusetts region. Get information on Fuel Assistance as well as emergency rent help. Other programs may be HomeCorps for foreclosure counseling, Head Start applications, child development, and free tax completion assistance from VITA.
While a number of factors are looked at, in some cases any financial aid paid out is in the form of a low interest rate loan. A number of referrals and information on public benefits, such as food stamps, are offered too. The goal is to offer funds to help address a crisis while helping clients can long term stability, including around budgeting or debt relief. Click here Community Action Programs Inter-City.
Newton Massachusetts residents may be able to receive a grant to pay a one time expense. They can apply for the Horace Cousens Industrial Fund. It is a charitable trust which gives financial help and a one time financial aid grant to residents who are faced with a temporary but severe financial problem. The grant can’t be used to pay a recurring bill. Dial (617) 796 - 1324.
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee, Inc. provides a variety of resources. There are financial assistance programs and social services for Cambridge residents who need help. Services include a free food pantry for groceries or personal hygiene supplies.
There is also free landlord- tenant counseling, information on utility and rent assistance programs, budgeting counseling, and more. A number of hone buying and more assistance programs are offered too, in an effort to help low-income families in Middlesex County MA find and purchase a home. Call (617) 868 - 2900, or learn more on financial help for mortgages.
Homestart - Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund (phone 617-542-0338) may be able to help the needy and low income with paying for initial rental costs. They help residents find affordable housing. The non-profit is also involved in providing funds for rental security deposits and first and last month rent payments.
Runs the homeless prevention and rapid rehousing fund. This can provide emergency rent assistance and money to prevent an eviction. Also learn about the tenant based rental assistance program. Call 617-542-0338.
Care & Share Fund Inc. - Some grant money can help pay for education. they help students, immigrants and the working poor in Cambridge MA. There may also be free clothing, medical bills, or holiday meals and gifts. From time to time get rent help, food, and school supplies, including laptops or Chromebooks for a job or school. Call 443-521-4070.
Bedford Town Center – An assistance program known as Bedford Youth and Family Services provides heating fuel bill payment assistance, federal and state of Massachusetts benefits assistance including SNAP or WIC applications. There are also free family based services, and specialized information and referral to charities and non-profits. Location is 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, Massachusetts, 01730. Phone (781) 275 - 7727
Hugh Cargill Trust Committee – This is a trust fund that can help the low income and Poor in Concord Massachusetts only. Service and assistance provided includes gas and electric bill payment assistance. They try to help struggling homeowners and offer mortgage payment assistance, emergency rent help, and prescriptions. The uninsured and struggling can also seek medical bill payment assistance. Phone (978) 318 - 3100 Ext: 2030
New England Farm Workers Council, Inc. - The Fuel Assistance Program operates from November 1 to April 30 providing heating fuel bill payment assistance. Address is 473 Main St., Floor 3, Fitchburg, Massachusetts, 01420. Call (978) 342 - 4520
Referral line - This is a service that anyone can dial. There is in effect free information on many programs to help families living in poverty and the unemployed, among others. A few examples of services from the InfoLine in Middlesex County are as follows.
- Resources for child care, including Head Start, vouchers to pay for day care, and WIC cards for buying baby formula.
- Housing assistance for paying rent, heating bills, and public housing units.
- Callers can learn about free of low cost medical care, free health insurance, clinics, and government aid including Medicaid or the Affordable Health Care Act.
- Much more is offered too. Whether it is job training, a list of programs for telephone bills (such as Lifeline), or any poverty fighting tools, residents can call. More information on Middlesex County InfoLine.
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. (MOC) is a non-profit that offers short and long term support. This includes education, job training programs, and support from Individual development accounts and more. Or explore low income housing assistance, including emergency rent payments. IDAs can help residents buy a home or start a business. Call (978) 345-7040.
Natick Service Council provides eviction prevention. The goal of these services is to prevent homeless and keep families in their homes or apartments. The service works by offering limited financial assistance for paying rent, energy bills and housing expenses. They can also work with companies such as NSTAR and help people apply for LIHEAP federal fuel assistance. Address is 2 Webster Street, Natick, Massachusetts, 01760. Phone (508) 655 - 1791.
Rent help - There are several non-profits that can assist as well as government organizations in Middlesex County Massachusetts to contact. The programs range from funds to pay back rent to legal representation and grants for a security or utility deposit. The main goal is to reduce the number of homeless people in the region. Click here rental assistance Middlesex County.
Middlesex St. Vincent de Paul churches are mostly made up of volunteers. The charity can serve as a resource for the less fortunate, and they operate in the county as well as the cities of Lowell, Haverhill, and Cambridge. Assistance includes free food from a pantry, clothing, and a thrift store. Financial aid, while limited, may be able to help with heating bills or housing expenses.
There is also vouchers for medications, school supplies, and more. Free winter coats may be offered to seniors or kids, and there is personal or household stuff as well. More on Middlesex County St. Vincent de Paul.
The Second Step and the Liz Kirsch Opportunities Fund can assist with basic needs of domestic-violence survivors. Emergency funds can be used for bills, including even child care assistance. Other services in Middlesex County include security deposit assistance, moving costs, transportation assistance, rental assistance, and funds for utility and gas bills. Newtonville, MA, 02460. Call (617) 965 - 2538.
Water bills are a struggle for low income families or those that are trying to keep up with basic housing payment. Companies as well as charities may offer help. Maybe a payment plan or a grant. Or get abatements. Find how to get water bill help.
HUD grants - Federal government issued money can help with housing needs in Middlesex County. The grants can pay for rehousing, utility bills including water or electric, rent, and legal aid. Tenants of all backgrounds can apply, including the disabled and families living in poverty that are facing homelessness. More eviction and rehousing in Middlesex County.
Free back to school supply giveaways take place across Middlesex County. Donations and volunteers help students. Whether is is basic supplies (backpacks, bags, notebooks) or clothes (shoes, uniforms, winter coats, etc.) there are many free items given to students of all ages before the school year. More on free back to school supplies in Middlesex County.
Free holiday and Christmas help - Dozens of agencies, such as the Salvation Army, provide assistance during Thanksgiving, Christmas, and other holidays. Middlesex County families and children can receive free clothes, Christmas toys, and hot meals, among other resources. More on Middlesex County Massachusetts free holiday programs.
Town of Wayland can offer short-term, emergency financial assistance to residents. Any type of payment will be made directly to the vendor, landlord or suppliers of services. Other resources offered are utilities, prescription medicine, medical bill expenses, rent, food, clothing and more. There may be some transportation programs for work or interviews. Address is 41 Cochituate Road. Dial (508) 358 - 3624.
Short term housing and low income homes are located across the county. Resources range from non-profit and government funded transitional housing programs to emergency shelters. Most of the programs also have a case management component that will help clients regain self-sufficiency, employment, and improve their financial situation so that they can pay the rent on their own in the future. More on Middlesex County transitional housing programs.
South Middlesex Opportunity Council – Offers a number of programs. There may be funds to pay rent in an emergency. Other resources include mental health counseling and applications to WIC baby formula or day care. Additional social services are provided too.
This is the non-profit community action agency that helps low income and struggling people in area. They offer information and referrals to federal government and Massachusetts programs. They may also be able to provide financial assistance for the following expenses.
- Housing Counseling - Learn about foreclosure prevention programs, including mediation. Also get mortgage payment assistance.
- Rent payments - Funds may be able to pay your rent or housing costs and keep you in your apartment. Stop an eviction.
- Money for energy bills - Get help with heating, water, and electric bills.
The non-profit is an anti-poverty fighting group. Location is 7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702. Phone number - (508) 620-2300
MAPS – A non-profit agency that is based in Cambridge Massachusetts. They can provide utility bill payment assistance to those in a crisis. 1046 Cambridge Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139. (617) 864-7600
Cash assistance - The state works closely with the county as well as local governments in Lowell and Cambridge to administer public aid. Programs range from cash and grants to pay heating and energy bills to free food for seniors, children, and low income families from SNAP and other resources.
There is also daycare vouchers, Medicaid applications and information on government day care programs for working parents. Middlesex County also administers various rental and housing assistance programs. More Middlesex public assistance.
Middlesex County resources, assistance programs and agencies that cover all of Massachusetts
Cambridge, Lowell, and all Middlesex County Massachusetts families can get access to statewide resources. they include free foreclosure counseling, utility help, rent assistance, food and other financial aid from these statewide programs.
There are also national agencies too. They are located throughout the site, but a major one for the region is dealing with debts and unpaid bills. Find free advice from non-profit credit counseling for credit card help, credit repair services, and other aid.
Foreclosure counseling, debt assistance and mortgage help
Homeowners Options for Massachusetts Elders (HOME), which can be reached at (978) 970-0012 or (413) 443 - 7138, provides loss mitigation / anti-foreclosure counseling. They also offer help with FHA loans and assist potential home buyers. Or learn about homeless prevention, legal advice, and mortgage help. Also learn about Massachusetts foreclosure programs.
Another non-profit housing agency is Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, Inc. The programs they run include rent payment assistance, foreclosure information, mortgage and loan delinquency. There is also free default resolution counseling as well as credit repair services. Dial (800) 272 - 0990.
Homeowners across Middlesex County, and specifically people in the Cambridge area, can receive confidential one-on-one foreclosure counseling. Middlessex County MA residents can also get information on how to get help paying their mortgage from Chase. The lender has opened a home loan counseling center in the region. More Chase Cambridge homeownership center.
Homebuying is a struggling in the eastern Massachusetts region, including Middlesex County. Non-profits offer advice as well as access to loans. Or government programs can help pay closing or down payment costs. Even find sources of free loans for housing.
In addition to those organizations, the region is also served by a number of non-profit credit and housing counseling organizations. They offer individuals a number of solutions to their housing or debt problems. Find a list of Middlesex free credit counseling agencies.
Medical assistance and free health care programs
Community Health Connections, Inc. (phone (978) 665 - 5901 or (978) 878-8100) is a clinic that offers services on a sliding fee scale. It provides family medicine offering continuity of care to infants, children and adults of all ages in the Middlesex area. Medications, physicals, immunizations, help for diabetics, and other care is arranged.
The Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center - Great Brook Valley Health Center is another local health car clinic that offers comprehensive primary health care services for children and adults in the area. The uninsured and low-income can get free or low-cost medical care as well as basic dental. Dial (508) 270 - 5700.
Hispanics, immigrants, and other newcomers in Middlesex County can get medical care too. As too many lack health or dental insurance or the funds to pay the medical bills. Find resources for immigrants.
Patients in the northern part of the county can turn to The Greater Lawrence Family Health Center. This facility provides primary health care, prescriptions and community medicine for Greater Lawrence Massachusetts residents regardless of their current health insurance coverage or ability to pay current programs. The free health center can help women, kids and anyone in need with their medical or hospital bills. Dial (978) 685 - 1770.
The low income, people with no or limited health insurance, and others in the community have their choice of other clinics and assistance programs as well. Read more Middlesex County free community clinics.
Free food and household products in Middlesex County
Some of the options for food, household items, clothing, and other items may include the following. If those resources can’t help, there are many other pantries, soup kitchens and food assistance programs in the community. To learn more, click here for other Boston area and Cambridge/Middlesex Massachusetts food banks.
If those locations can’t help, then there are additional food banks to try. These focus on residents outside of the city limits, both to the west and east. Groceries, holiday meals, and other support is provided. Find a listing of free Middlesex County food pantries.
A Place to Turn, which is based in Natick, provides residents with a food pantry with some general clothing available. Free groceries, feminine products and other goods may be offered. Dial (508) 655 - 8868.
Bedford Community Table/Pantry, Inc. distributes free meals and food from its pantry. Dial (781) 275 - 7355.
Free clothing and household goods - In addition to the centers above, there are dozens of other organizations as well as clothing closets or furniture banks that focus on meeting basic needs of those who are struggling. Some are churches, or maybe a regular charity organization. The locations distribute free clothing and household supplies around Cambridge, Lowell MA and other towns as well as cities in Middlesex County.
They also tend to have free furniture or back to school items, whether supplies, uniforms, or shoes. Many unemployed and/or low income individuals receive assistance every year. Learn more free clothing closets, furniture or school supplies in Middlesex County.
Boston programs
Of course the most populous city in Middlesex County is Boston, and some programs exist for that area as well. Learn more on Boston assistance programs.
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