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
About: Resources to ensure that seniors have access to adequate support, services, and living arrangements.
Website:
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
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
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
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