Family Services

Salvation Army Services Network

About: Provides services from food, meals, emergency aid, veterans and children’s services.

Contact: Multiple locations.  Visit website for full list.

Phone: Visit website for local phone.

Website: https://massachusetts.salvationarmy.org/MA/index

Holliston Youth & Family Services

About: Provides crisis intervention and counseling to residents of the Town of Holliston.

Office of Children, Youth and Family Programs

About: Manages many statewide programs for families needing support and health resources.

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/office-of-children-youth-and-family-programs

Hopkinton Free Lunch Program

About: FREE MEALS FOR ALL STUDENTS:  due to a grant from the USDA.

Those with financial hardships may qualify for additional services (free/reduced transportation, athletics, field trips, test fees, etc.) if they complete the free/reduced lunch application. See below.



Contact: mbabin@hopkinton.k12.ma.us  

Phone: (508) 417-9394

Website: https://www.hopkinton.k12.ma.us/district-departments/food-services

Family Ties

About: Statewide network for families with children & teens with special needs, run by parents of children with special needs.

Contact: Visit website to access local assistance.

Phone: 800-905-8437

Website: https://www.massfamilyties.org/

Healthy Families

About: An affiliate of Healthy Families America®, is a free and voluntary support program for first-time moms and dads aged 23 and under.

Contact: Serves all Massachusetts communities. Enter zip code for a specific contact.

Website: http://healthyfamiliesma.org/

Mass Department of Children and Families

About: The Department of Children and Families (DCF) is committed to protecting children. The Department looks into allegations of abuse and neglect reported by professionals and the public.  

Contact: Visit website to access local assistance.

Website: https://www.mass.gov/child-abuse-and-neglect

Parental Stress Hotline

About: The hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Parental Stress Line is a project of Parents Helping Parents of Massachusetts.

Contact: 108 Water St.  Watertown, MA 02741

Phone: 24-hour Hotline: 800-632-8188,  Office Phone: 617-926-5008

Website: https://www.parentshelpingparents.org/stressline

New Hope

About: New Hope works with those affected by domestic and sexual violence. 

Contact: Many locations throughout south-central and southeastern Massachusetts.

Phone: 24-hour Hotline: 800-323-4673

Website: https://www.new-hope.org/

Sunshine Behavioral Health

About: Provides domestic violence and substance abuse treatment services.

Contact: Offers services throughout the United States.

Phone: 833-949-0251

Website: https://www.sunshinebehavioralhealth.com/massachusetts/

Voices Against Violence

About: Voices provides free and confidential services to victims and survivors of sexual and domestic violence in the MetroWest area. Services are provided in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. Member of Jane Doe, Inc and the Mass Coalition Against Sexual Assault & Domestic Violence.

Contact: SMOC: South Middlesex Opportunity Council, 7 Bishop St. Framingham, MA

Phone: 24-hour Hotline:  800-593-1125

Website: https://www.smoc.org/voices-against-violence.php

Neighborhood Brigade

About: Neighbor Brigade establishes community-specific networks of volunteers that can be mobilized to help residents facing sudden crisis manage day-to-day tasks such as meal preparation, rides, and basic household chores. 

Contact: P.O. Box 735, Maynard, MA 01754,   info@neighborhoodbrigade.org

Phone: 1-855-241-4357

Website: https://neighborbrigade.org/

South Middlesex Opportunity Council

About: A multi-service agency, providing a range of health care, housing, and employment services. 

Contact: 7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702 

Phone: (508) 872-4853 

Website: https://www.smoc.org/overview.php

The Massachusetts Substance Abuse Helpline

About: Statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment, recovery, and problem gambling services. Helpline services are free and confidential.  

Contact: Visit the website for a list of regional centers 

Phone: 800-327-5050

Website: https://helplinema.org/

Addiction Center

About: Your guide for addiction and recovery.

Contact: Visit the website for more resources and information.

Phone: 870-515-4670

Website: https://addictioncenter.cpom/addiction/role-family-addiction-recovery/

Caring.com Senior Services
Talking to Kids About Cancer

About:  A cancer diagnosis affects every family member — including children. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer, find tips on talking to kids about cancer.

Website: https://www.mesotheliomasymptoms.com/resources/children

Housing & Shelter

CMHA Residential Assistance

About: Short-term housing assistance to families in transition. Apply online.  English or Spanish.

Contact: hc@cmhaonline.org

Website: https://www.cmhaonline.org/raft-erma-faq

Single Mother Grants.Org

About: Financial assistance programs that help single mothers with rent, utility bills, child care, education, medication, housing, medical bills, and mortgage, among others. 

Contact: Multiple locations. Visit Website for details.

Website: http://singlemothersgrants.org/

Department of Transitional Assistance

About: Provides temporary financial, housing, food, and employment assistance.

Contact: Offices throughout Middlesex and Worcester counties

Phone: 877-382-2363

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance

Homeless Shelters Directory

About: The most complete list of shelters in Massachusetts. The shelters listed below are emergency shelters but many are general homeless shelters or transitional housing opportunities. Please note that many of these facilities have waiting lists (some are very long).

Contact: Web directory ONLY

Phone: For more information, submit online form.

Website: https://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/state/massachusetts

Homelessness Assistance Programs (HUD)

About: Website directory for housing and rent assistance across the US.

Contact: Web directory ONLY

Phone: 800-569-4287

Website: https://www.hudexchange.info/housing-and-homeless-assistance/

Mass Coalition for the Homeless

About: Maintain a statewide directory of temporary housing for people in need.

Contact: Marisa@MAHomeless.org

Phone: 781-595-7570   Ext.15

Website: https://mahomeless.org/

Mass Housing Office

About: Resources and Information to access emergency family shelter.

Contact: Visit website for list of locations in the state.

Phone: 866-542-0653

Website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-emergency-family-shelter

Massachusetts Independent Living Council

About: Organization works to ensure all Massachusetts residents with disabilities have access to quality independent living facilities

Contact: Visit the website for a list of regional centers

Phone: 508-620-7452 

Website: https://masilc.org/

Massachusetts Department of Home Heating and Energy Assistance

About: Directory of Resources and Links to Assistance in the state of Massachusetts.

Contact: Visit the website for a list of telephone contact numbers

Phone: (800) 632-8175 

Website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-home-heating-and-energy-assistance

Citizens Energy Assistance

About: Temporary discount programs for low-income families to purchase electricity.

Contact: JOE4SUN@citizensenergy.com

Phone: (855) JOE-4-SUN

Website: https://www.citizensenergy.com/joe4sun-ma

Household Goods

About: Requires a referral from registered social or case worker to apply for needed household furniture.

Contact: Online access only.  Complete application via website

Phone: 978-635-1710

Website: https://householdgoods.org/receive/

Fighting Housing Insecurity Support and Resources

About: Learn about programs that you may qualify for.

Contact: visit the website below

Website: Click here for the link

Utility Assistance Programs

About: Learn about resources and programs that you may qualify for.

Contact: visit the website below

Website: Click here for the link

Free-cycle.Org

About: Nonprofit helps connects people who want to give or receive household goods for free in their towns.  

Contact: Visit the website for a list of locations by town. 

Website: https://www.freecycle.org/

Family Promise Metrowest

About: Serving families that are facing homelessness or are at risk and helping them to get back on their feet with shelter, educational programs, and support. 

Contact: Visit the website for more information.

Website: www.familypromisemetrowest.org

Health

MassHealth

About: The Massachusetts Program that pays for some or all health insurance premiums for qualifying state residents.

Contact: Business Office:  100 Hancock St. 6th Floor, Quincy, MA 02171

Phone: 800-241-2900

Website: https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth

Healthcare for Seniors

About: Medicare virtual resource center, reviewed by experts, helps inform seniors and people with disabilities about how Medicaid works with Medicare. We cover the dual eligibility standards, how to apply, and most importantly, the associated costs.

Contact: Please visit the links below.

Website: MedicarePlans.com

How Medicaid works with Medicare

Dual eligible standards

Qualifying and applying

Medicaid and Medicaid costs

How to apply

Metrowest Free Medical
Program

About: A resource that guides access to the health care system for the under or uninsured in Massachusetts.

Contact: Multiple locations in Metrowest. Visit
Website for details.

Phone: English: 508-656-0740
Por/Es: 508-656-0741

Website: https://metrowestfreemedicalprogram.org/

Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center

About: Provides many health-related services at No or reduced cost in central Massachusetts and Metrowest.

Contact: multiple locations in Worcester, Milford, and Framingham.

Phone: 800-853-2288

Website: https://www.kennedychc.org/

Autism Alliance of Metrowest

About: Provides support, programs, and resources to families affected by autism spectrum disorders. 

Contact: 1881 Worcester Rd. Suite 100A Framingham, MA 01701

Phone: 508-652-9900

Website: https://www.autismalliance.org/

Call2Talk

About: Confidential24/7 suicide prevention & crisis intervention
Hotline. Part of Mass211.org

Contact: Multiple locations. Contact by phone or text.

Phone: 508-532-2255
413505-5111
Txt: C2T to 741741

Website: https://mass211.org/call2talk/

Samaritans

About: 24/7 free, confidential and life-saving suicide prevention services.

Contact: Services available throughout Greater Boston and Metrowest. Visit Website for details

Phone: 877-870-4673 (HOPE) call or text

Website: https://samaritanshope.org/

Trans Lifeline

About: Hotline offers emotional and financial support to trans people in crisis.

Contact: mailing address:  195 41st St. #11253, Oakland, CA 94611

Phone: 24/7 Hotline: 877-565-8860

Website: https://translifeline.org/

The Trevor Project

About: Leading national organization providing
Crisis intervention/suicide prevention services to LGBTQ young people <25 yrs.

Contact: mailing address:  P.O. Box 69232 West Holywood, CA 90069

Phone: 24/7 Hotline: 866-488-7386
Or text Start to 678678

Website: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

Mass Support Org

About: Provides free community Covid 19 support services statewide 

Contact: Multiple locations.Visit website for further details

Phone: 888-215-4920

Website: https://masssupport.org/

Advocates Psychiatric
Emergency Services

About: Provides 24/7 mobile crisis intervention, statewide. Spanish and Portugese-speaking counselors.

Contact: Multiple locations.  Visit website for full list of locations.

Phone: 24/7 hotline800-640-5432

Website: https://www.advocates.org/

HelpGuide.org Relaxation Techniques

About: We know that being a parent can be stressful at times. Living in a constant state of stress can take a significant toll on our bodies which affects all aspects of our lives. While it’s common for parents to push their needs to the side, it’s important to prioritize our well-being and take the time to recharge. That’s why the HelpGuide created this guide, Relaxation Techniques for Stress Relief, that covers:

-Lesser-known stress relief techniques like body scan meditation
-How to find the right method for your needs
-Tips for starting and sticking to a relaxation practice

Website: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm

Special Interest

Lawyers Clearinghouse

About: Gives free Legal help and/or referral services Boston or Metrowest area residents at risk of homelessness or other non-criminal matters.  

Contact: Operate on a remote basis. Visit website for specific contact Information.

Phone: 617-544-3434 

Website: https://www.lawyersclearinghouse.org/

FormsPal

About: Free high-quality legal document templates and information.

Website:

formspal.com

Veterans Legal Services
Aka Shelter Legal Services

About: Helps Massachusetts veterans overcome adversity by providing free civil legal aid.

Contact: 885 Centre St # F306, Newton, MA 02459 

Phone: 857-317-4474

Website: https://www.veteranslegalservices.org/

Metrowest Legal Services

About: Provides free civil legal aid to low-income people and victims of crime who would be denied justice without our help. 

Contact: 63 Fountain Street Suite 304 Framingham, MA 01702 

Phone: 800-696-1501  

Website: https://mwlegal.org/

Women’s Lunch Place

About: A free shelter for women in crisis. Provides food, shelter, basic medical care, and related services.

Contact: 67 Newbury Street, Boston, MA 02116

Phone: 617-267-1722

Website: https://womenslunchplace.org

Veterans Services Metrowest District

About: Various services and resources available to veterans in the MetroWest region.

Contact: Offices and services available in Hopkinton, Holliston, Medway and Ashland

Phone: Visit website for local phone

Website: https://www.metrowestveteranservices.com/home

Massachusetts Dept. of Veterans Services

About: Support Services and resources for veterans and their families.

Contact: 600 Washington Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02111

Phone: 617-210-5480

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-veterans-services

Massachusetts Department of Veteran’s Services (VA)

About: US government organization dedicated to providing healthcare, employment, and education benefits to US veterans.

Contact: 600 Washington Street, 7th Floor, Boston, MA 02111 

Phone: 800-698-2411

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-department-of-veterans-services

Veteran’s Crisis Line

About: Suicide prevention hotline, affiliated with the Department of Veteran’s Affairs. Confidential 24-hour hotline.

Contact: Visit website for additional contact information.

Phone: 800-241-2900

Website: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Garrison Speed Shop

About: GSS is committed to helping our nation’s Active military, Veterans and First Responders through Recreational Motorsport programs, and skilled trade vocational services. 

Contact: Visit website for additional contact information.

Phone: 774-277-1973

Website: https://garrisonspeedshop.org/

Food & Nutrition

Massachusetts Food Pantries

About: Directory of Food Banks, Soup Kitchens, and non-profit organizations committed to fighting hunger.   

Contact: Online directory

Website: https://www.foodpantries.org/st/massachusetts

Project Bread

About: Online support for food assistance/resources in 180 languages  

Contact: Online only

Phone: 800-645-8333

Website: https://www.projectbread.org/

WhyHunger

About: Website features resources open to organizers working to reduce food insecurity in their community. 

Contact: 505 Eighth Avenue Suite 2100 New York, NY 10018

Phone: 212-629-8850

Website: https://whyhunger.org/

Pearl Street Cupboard & Cafe

About: A United Way organization serving Metrowest area with food pantries and hot meals for those in need.

Contact: 46 Park Street, Framingham, MA 01702

Phone: 888-811-3291

Website: https://www.uwotc.org/food

MassHealth-WIC

About: WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare and other services, free of charge, to Massachusetts families who qualify.

Contact: wicinfo.dph@massmail.state.ma.us

Phone: 800-942-1007

Website: https://www.mass.gov/orgs/women-infants-children-nutrition-program

Guide to Hunger Insecurity Assistance Resources

About: Learn about local and federal programs that you may qualify for.

Contact: visit the website below

Website: Click here for the link

SNAP

About: Available to low-income households to encourage healthy food choices.

Contact: visit the websites below

Website: Food Stamps for Seniors
Meals on Wheels

Employment

MassHire Career Centers

About: Statewide career centers, job listings and job training.

Contact: Visit the website for a list of regional centers.

Website: https://www.mass.gov/masshire-career-centers

MassHire JobQuest

About: Online full and part-time job listings, maintained in partnership with Division of Employment and Training Career Centers.

Contact: Online job listings only.  Search by skills, attributes and other job-specific criteria.

Website: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/find-a-job-with-masshire-jobquest