Resources

COVID-19 Resources

General Information

Center for Disease Control (CDC) – Latest information & advisories
World Health Organization (WHO) – Latest information & advisories
Mass.gov – Latest MA closures, essential services, dates, resources
Massachusetts 211 – Information Line: dial 211 for the latest MA information & resources
AlertsMA – subscribe to real-time notifications by texting the keyword COVIDMA to 888-777, para Espanol, texto COVIDMAESP a 888-777
Help Steps – Free & confidential web & app based system that connects you to help services
Youth.gov – Resources to support youth & families
Asian American Resource Workshop – General information and resources for dealing with racism, community aid, workers rights, housing rights, justice, small businesses, artists & freelancers, and language resources
Massachusetts Immigration & Refugee Coalition (MIRA) – recursos para personas que hablan español / resources and information on COVID-19 for individuals and families who speak Spanish
HYAS Know Your Rights Guide – information for refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants about their housing, employment, safety, & health rights during COVID-19. Click for your preferred language: English, Spanish, Farsi, Arabic, French, Russian, Swahili
Town of Sudbury – Guide to local employment, food, financial aid, medical & mental health, housing, self-care, parent/caregiver support resources
Acton-Boxborough United Way – Information, free food, community, senior, and veteran resources for Acton & Boxborough
COVID-19 Health Literacy Project: Fact sheets for individuals, families and children about COVID-19 available in 30 languages
Emergency Kit – Info from Mass.gov about building an emergency kit and what should go in it during COVID-19.
Emerson Health Find Help – enter your zip code to find info on local financial assistance, food pantries, medical care, and other free or reduced-cost services.

Domestic Violence

National Domestic Violence Hotline – Staying safe during COVID-19: 800-799-7233, or text LOVEIS to 22522
MA Safelink – Hotline for safety planning, resources, referrals: 877-785-2020
Non-Emergency Text Line – Text with a victim witness advocate from the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office for resources and information for those who feel unsafe calling or prefer not to call: Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm, 781-281-4066
Casa Myrna – shelter & supportive services to survivors, providing safety, resources, advocacy, & information
Futures Without Violence – Information, resources, & safety planning for survivors during COVID-19
REACH Beyond Domestic Violence – Safety planning, food & financial aid resources. NEW online chat option, Tuesday-Thursday 2:00-4:30pm
Safe Horizon – 24-hour Hotline 1-800-621-HOPE (4673) or chat with an advocate: Safehorizon.org/SafeChat
National Sexual Violence Resource Center – Key resources & recommendations on COVID-19 as it relates to sexual harassment, abuse, & assault
Jane Doe, Inc. – Information & resources during COVID-19
Rape Crisis Centers – List of Massachusetts rape crisis programs, or download a Word doc or Excel sheet of centers & hotlines by town
Sexual Assault Prevention & Survivor Services – Mass.gov list of rape crisis centers & counselors and prevention plans
A Guide to Your Rights as a Survivor of Sexual Assault – Pamphlet put out by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety & Security (EOPSS) describing legal rights and listing many hot line numbers
The Network/La Red – Offers support services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, SM, polyamorous, and queer survivors of partner abuse): Hotline 617-742-4911 (voice), 617-227-4911 (tty)
National Teen Dating Abuse Hotline: 866-331-9474
Native Helpline for Domestic and dating violence: Hotline 844-762-8483
Voices Against Violence 24/7 Support Line: 508-626-8686 or Mondays from 9am-5pm, digital advocacy is available at rc.chat/voices or text 508-761-1301
Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) – helps maintain as confidential the address of a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking who has been accepted into the program.
Shelter in Safety – Resources, a place to share your story and hear others’ stories
How to Support Survivors in the Time of COVID-19 – Video from REACH Beyond Domestic Violence with tips for supporting survivors sheltering in place
Metrowest Legal Services – Free virtual legal help in civil cases to low-income residents in Metrowest & Southern Norfolk country
Pair Project – free immigration services to indigent asylum seekers and detained immigrants
2 09A Abuse Protection Orders & 258E Harassment Protection Orders – Eligibility, application process, & resources to obtain protection orders during COVID-19.
Dangers on Being Quarantined with an Abuser – Informative article from DomesticShelters.org, including tips & resources
Tele-Commuting Protects Employees from Viruses, Not Violence – Informative article from DomesticShelters.org on working from home for those in a controlling relationship
World Health Organization (WHO) Q&A: Violence Against Women During COVID-19 -Information about DV during COVID-19, safety planning and what you can do in various situations
OneLove 10 Signs During COVID-19 – PDF guides to 10 signs of what HEALTHY and UNHEALTHY relationships look like while sheltering in place and social distancing
OneLove Real Time Resources – Reach out 24/7 through phone, text, app, or live chat
Case Management & Application Support for Survivors of Domestic Violence – 1:1 support overwhelming & completing complex tasks such as applying for fuel assistance, rental/mortgage assistance, subsidized housing, & food stamps. Sudbury residents only. Email socialworker@sudbury.ma.us
Between Compassion and Accountability: Guidelines for Faith Leaders Responding to Those Who Abuse Intimate Partners – Developed with Dr. David Adams and Safe Havens: Interfaith Partnership Against Domestic Violence & Elder Abuse
College Hunks Moving Junk – this moving company help domestic violence victims move out of abusive situations for free. A certified DV shelter must call to arrange. 833-626-1326
Safe Place for Pets – database for domestic violence survivors to find safe housing for thier pets by zip code.
Regaining Independence After Domestic Violence – article about different kinds of abuse and resources for leaving an abusive partner.
Family Promise – Can sometimes assist families with alternative housing solutions to avoid emergency shelter situations.
Concord Emergency Shelter – from March 1, 2023, DHCD is leasing all rooms at the Best Western Hotel in Concord to provide temporary housing for families, pregnant women, and infants.
Long-Term Stay Hotels
- Residence Inn, Dedham: 781-407-0999 x7555, 259 Elm Street, Dedham, MA 02026, $69/night
- Hyatt Place, Boston-Medford: 781-395-8500, 116 Riverside Ave. Medford, MA 02155, $69-89/night
- Homewood Suites, Norwood: 434 Providence Hwy Rt. 1, Norwood, MA 02062, $69/night, click here to book at this discounted rate through 7/1/20
- Residence Inn by Marriott, Worcester: 508-753-6300, 503 Plantation Street, Worcester, MA 01605
- Boxborough Regency: 978-263-8701, 242 Adams Place, Boxborough, MA 01719, discounted rate $65/night

Financial Aid

MWLS CELHP Update on COVID Eviction Legal Help Project – Update as of May 2021 on eviction moratoriums and resources for assistance
CARES Act Individual Direct Payments – Info on direct payments from the government to each citizen & green card holder as determined by the the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Securities Act)
CARES Act for Small Businesses – Info on the CARES Act (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, & Economic Securities Act) & the loans and grants your business may qualify for
Unemployment – Apply for government unemployment benefits if you have lost your job
WorkforceGPS – Unemployment compensation information
Pandemic Unemployment Assistance – Apply for up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits for self-employed, independent contractors, workers with limited work history, and others who are unable to work as a direct result of COVID 19 but do not qualify for traditional unemployment
Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) – Government financial assistance for families with low-income
Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Dependent, and Children (EAEDC) – Government financial assistance for low-income people in these categories
MA Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF) – mortgage payment assistance for homeowners who have fallen behind due to COVID-19.
Budget Buddies – Financial resources, information, & assistance. Click for their PowerPoint presentation on Navigating Financial Uncertainty. For specific questions or issues, email support@budgetbuddies.org or leave a voicemail or text at 617-297-7376
SMOC Fuel Assistance – Assistance paying for fuel for heating for low-income families through April 30, 2020, 978-264-1734
A Friend in Need – One time support of up to $500 for residents of Acton, Boxborough, & Maynard in need: 978-263-2332 (South Acton CC), AFIN@southactoncc.org
Massachusetts Workers Emergency Relief Funds – Information on various relief funds for all workers regardless of immigration status
Acton & Maynard Mortgage Assistance Program – Up to $3000 one-time mortgage assistance grant for qualifying families residing in Acton or Maynard toward overdue payments since April 2020 or upcoming payments to Jan 2021. Applications must be filed by 12/18/2020. Funds are first come, first served until exhausted.
Wayland Community Fund – Short-term emergency financial assistance to Wayland residents for basic needs such as utilities, rent, food, medical bills, and other living expenses, 781-531-5435
Wayland Housing Authority – low income public housing, 508-655-6310
Good Neighbor Emergency Fund – available to any MA resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month’s energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance
Merriam Fund – help paying small bills for Weston residents. Call the Board of Selectmen: 781-786-5020, or email in confidence: merriamfund@westonmass.org
Acton-Boxborough United Way COVID-19 Grants – help paying for rent, utilities and more
Acton Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) – Grants for temporary rent assistance for Acton residents with a loss of income due to COVID-19. Click for Guidelines and Application – DEADLINE JUNE 15, 2020!
HOPESudbury: Provides emergency financial support by directly paying bills for those in need in Sudbury
HOPESudbury Holiday Gift Cards – Sudbury residents may apply to receive a Target gift card for the holidays.
Sudbury Mortgage Assistance Program – up to $3000 for Sudbury residents facing hardship due to the pandemic.
Sudbury Rental Relief Program (SRRP) – SRRP pays a portion of a household’s rent for 6 months. Sudbury residents who meet income criteria, are not receiving other rental assistance, and do not own real estate can apply online. BOH Social Work Office can assist with the application is desired.
Lincoln Council on Aging’s Emergency Assistance Fund and Society of St. Vincent de Paul Financial Assistance Program & Food Pantry – Contact the CoA at bottumc@lincolntown.org or (781) 259-8811 or the Society of St. Vincent de Paul at St. Julia Parish at (781) 899-2611 or svdplincolnweston@gmail.com for a private & confidential consultation to determine what services and benefits may be of help, including possible payment of some bills
Senior Female Financial Assistance – SWAN assists single, widowed, or divorces women 65+ within 25 miles of Boston, and The Sarah Devens Trust assists single, widowed, or divorces women 73+ with an annual incomes less than $30,000.
Acton ARPA Childcare Subsidy Program – Based on income and qualifying need, residents of Acton can apply for up to $3000 for childcare expenses to return to work, education, or to seek employment. Program runs 7/1/22 – 6/30/23. Contact lducharme@actonma.gov or at 978-929-6651.
Safelink Wireless – Free cell phone service for those at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Fresh Start Furniture Bank – Free donated furniture for families in need. Referral from a social service agency required. DVSN can refer.
Go Sudbury! Taxi Subsidy Program – FREE taxi transportation for vulnerable populations (older residents, veterans, persons with disabilities, medical staff, first responders, etc.) for trips to work, medical appointments, grocery shopping, or other trips (program running +/- Sept 2020 – Feb 2021).
Peter Pan Bus Lines – FREE bus transportation for domestic violence survivors for medical treatment, housing relocation, or other emergency services.
Mission Moves – assist clients in Sudbury & Maynard who are moving with renting, packing, driving, and unloading a truck. Provided by the St. John Church in Sudbury. Contact the Sudbury Town Social Worker at socialworker@sudbury.ma.us or 978-440-5476.
Furnishing Hope – provide furniture, household items, moving and set up services to families transitioning from homeless or domestic violence shelters to stable housing.
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) – helps eligible households to pay a portion of their winter heating bills.
dhead Massachusetts – search by town to find local assistance program information.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) – government program to help low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected dcevices.
Free Faily Law Clinic – designed to serve survivors of domestic violence, get free individual and confidential advice from family law attorneys, December 16, 2022, 10am – 4pm, virtual & in-person appointments available, call 508-371-4054 or email Izzie at family.americorps@mwlegal.org
Holiday Shopping Day – free toys, crafts, cookies, cocoa, & holiday cheer, December 13th, 2022, 1-5pm, Framingham Family Resource Center, 88 Lincoln St., Framingham
Holiday Family Dinner Event– an evening of food, dessert, games, & gifts – December 14th, 2022, 6pm, Framingham Family Resource Center, 88 Lincoln St., Framingham – Limited Space! Contact Christi_Fagerberg@WaysideYouth.org

Food & Medication Services

SNAP – Formerly food stamps, help buying food for low-income citizens
Project Bread – Hotline for information on local MA food pantries & the SNAP program, 800-645-8333
Pandemic EBT (P-EBT) – support to help families with children who were receiving free and reduced-price school meals pay for food
Sudbury Food Pantry – Drive through food pantry, open Tuesdays & Thursdays 11:30am-2:15pm, registration at 11:45, 978-443-7725, Our Lady of Fatima Church, 160 Concord Rd, Sudbury
Sudbury Food Insecurity Program – Free restaurant gift cards for Sudbury residents in need. Email name, number of household residents, address, 3-4 favorite Sudbury restaurants to socialworker@sudbury.ma.us
Slices of Hope – Juliana’s Catering is offering Sudbury residents one free pizza for families who self-identify as being in need. Pick-up Mon-Thurs 1-4pm.
Open Table – Drive through food pantry only, open Tuesdays 1-6:30pm and Thursdays 3-6:30pm, new clients 5:30-6:30pm. 978-369-2275, 33 Main St, Maynard. CC Mobile Food Pantry, every other Wednesday 3:30-5pm, referral required, DVSN can refer.
Open Table Mobile Food Pantry – drive through grocery distribution on 2nd & 4th Wednesdays of the month, 1pm-2pm. First Parish Church, 20 Lexington Rd., Concord.
Stow Food Pantry – Drive through food pantry. Call or email for an appointment: 978-897-4230, stowfoodp@gmail.com, Pompositticut Community Center, 509 Great Rd, Stow
Lexington Food Pantry – Parking lot pick up and home delivery options, Saturdays 9:30-11am, lexfoodpantry@gmail.com, Church of Our Redeemer, 6 Meriam St, Lexington
Town of Boxborough Food Resources – Grocery shopping & medication pick-up, SNAP benefits, local food pantries
Acton-Boxborough Food Pantry – Drive through only, open Wednesdays 10am-7pm, Thursdays 9:30-11:30am except the week of the 4th Wednesday each month. 978-635-9295, 235 Summer Rd, Boxborough
Mini Food Pantry – Take what you need, leave what you can. Non-parishable food in a box in front of South Acton Church UCC, 35 School St., South Acton.
Bedford Food Bank – Drive through food pantry for vulnerable senior citizens/veterans/existing Bedford Food Bank clients, school-aged children/families of the Bedford Public Schools in need of food support at this time (including, but not limited to, students currently on free or reduced breakfast and lunch), and any member of the Bedford community facing food insecurity. Thursdays 4-5:30pm, Town Center Building, 12 Mudge Way, Bedford, bedfordfoodbank@bedfordma.gov
Project Just Because – food pantry for all MA residents, Mon-Thurs 9:30am-3:30pm at 109 South St., Hopkinton.
Mt. Calvary Community Supper – Dinner to go Wednesdays 5-6pm, one meal per person, bring your own bag, 978-263-5156, Fellowship Hall, 472 Massachusetts Ave, Acton
Lasagna Love – Homemade family-size lasagnas on request.
Minuteman Senior Services – Meals on wheels deliveries, 888-222-6171
Neighbor Brigade – Grocery deliveries left outside, limited help with rides to essential appointments & gift cards for non-food essentials
Acton Pharmacy – Free same-day delivery of prescription medication or curb-side pick up, Mon-Fri 8:30am-7pm; Sat 8:30am-4pm; Sun 8:30am-3pm; Seniors shopping hour: 8:30-9:30am (hours valid until April 30, 2020)
Family Wize – request a card to get free or discounted prescriptions.

Emotional Support

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides a crisis hotline, plus resources and information to help states, territories, tribes, mental health and substance use disorder professionals, and others looking for information on understanding the background, history, funding opportunities, and implementation resources for strengthening suicide prevention and mental health crisis services. Call 988 (starting 7/16/2022).
Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) – provides clinical triage and service navigation for mental health & addiction services in MA, including outpatient, urgent, and immediate crisis intervention. Call or text 833-733-2445, or chat in realtime online at MassHelpLine.com
National Center for Disease Control (CDC) – Strategies & tips for coping with stress
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) – Parent/caregiver guide to helping families cope during COVID-19
Advocates Mobile Crisis – Mental health or emotional crisis emergency psychiatric support helpline: 800-640-5432
Disaster Distress Hotline – Crisis counseling for those in emotional distress, dealing with stress, depression related to a natural or human-caused disaster: 800-985-5990
Crisis Text Line – Text with a crisis counselor: Text HOME to 741741
Parental Stress Helpline – Talk to counselors for stress relief, information, & resources: 800-632-8188
Mental Heath Resource List – list of 60 digital resources for mental health.
Something Bad Happened: A Kid’s Guide to Coping with Events in the News – Video of author, psychologist & parent coach Dawn Huebner reading her book guiding 6 – 12 year olds and the adults who care about them through conversations about serious world events
SAMHSA Taking Care of Your Behavior Health – Tips for social distancing, quarantine, & isolation during an infectious disease outbreak
Mass.gov – Information, resources, and tips for maintaining emotional health & well-being during COVID-19
A Guide to Mental Health Resources During COVID-19 – Resources curated by the Department of Psychiatry at Massachusetts General Hospital
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) COVID-19 Resource Guide – Information & resources for mental health during COVID 19
National Alliance on Mental Illness Family to Family – Free psychoeducational classes for family and friends of individuals dealing with mental illness. Tuesday evenings in September or October 2020. Registration required.
Integrated Condolence Care Program – Red Cross Virtual Family Assistance Center for those who have lost loved ones due to COVID-19. Phone calls, online classes, state & local resources for counceling, information, & financial aid. Toll-free 833-492-0094
Mass Support Network – Anonymous, confidential, and free program for individuals (including youth), families, schools, organizations, businesses, and communities providing emotional support, coping strategies, resources, and info – plus, presentations & coping groups.
Emerson Hospital Behavioral & Mental Health Resources – information about no fee and/or low barrier to entry support programs and tools for navigating the Massachusetts behavioral health care system provided by non-profit organizations and Department of Mental Health partners.
Eliot Community Human Services – Virtual counseling & support
Cambridge Women’s Center – Emotional Support & Resource Referral Helplines Monday-Saturday 10am-8pm, 617-354-6394 or 617-354-8807, dial ‘1’ for emotional support & ‘2’ for resource referrals and navigation assistance, voicemail available
William James INTERFACE Referral Service – Toll-free mental health & wellness referral helpline for residents of 54 participating MA communities Monday – Friday 9am-5pm, 888-244-6843
ARC – COVID-19 specific information and resources for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities
MA Substance Abuse Information and Education Helpline – resources for those struggling with substance abuse during COVID 19, Hotline available Monday-Friday 8am-10pm, Weekends 8am-6pm, 800-327-5050
Bridge Club of Greater Lowell – assists with navigating recovery or returning from relapse, including detox, rehab, sober living, and reentering the workforce.
Online Support Tools – Document of various organizations that provide online help for mental health concerns
Mental Health Wellness Tips for Quarantine – List of 25 ways to cope & maintain consistency during COVID-19 from William James College by PsyD Eileen Feliciano
Division on Addictions – Free assistance finding treatment options best suited to individual needs.
Human Relations Service (HRS) – private, non-profit mental health agency serving families and children in Wellesley, Weston, and Wayland.
Male-Identifying Virtual Support Group – through Sojourner House in Providence, RI. Contact Kassie Hawkins at khawkins@sojournerri.org or 401-861-6191 x115.
Metro Community Development Corporation – support groups, financial coaching, & tax prep help.
Peer Support Warmlines – call when feeling sad, anxious, lonely, or just want to talk. Boston Peer Support Line, 800-733-7563, Monday – Sunday 4-8pm. Western MA Peer Support Line, 800-407-4515, Monday – Thursday 7-9pm, Friday – Saturday 7-10pm.
APISAA Therapist Directory – list of contact information for Asian, Pacific Islander, and South Asian American therapists in every state.
Advocates Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic – access to services such as mental health, substance use, employment, housing, and peer support regardless of location or ability to pay. 508-782-2095.
Tempo Young Adult Resource Center – supports young adults ages 17-24 with challenges such as employment, school, food, and housing insecurity.
NAMI Family-to-Family Class – FREE 8-week class for family & friends of people living with mental health conditions. Thursdays 9/16/21-11/4/21, 6:30-9pm via Zoom, Tuesdays 10/12/21-11/30/21, 6:30-9pm in person, vaccination required.
Big and Mini – matching older adults with 18-25 year olds for conversation and connection.
Eldera – matching kids with older mentors for weekly virtual conversation, storytime, and activities.
SAGE Connect – a phone-buddy program that matches LGBT elders with volunteers for weekly phone calls.
Dorot Caring Calls – connects older adults with volunteers ages 18 and up for weekly phone calls.
Wholistic Healing Workshops – workshops to help families of incarcerated loved ones and survivors of homicide victims using a holistic approach through self-care exercises, DIY-healing remedies, art and music therapy, and more.
The Network/La Red – phone-based support groups for all genders and sexualities. Call their 24/7 confidential hotline at 800-832-1901 for more information.

Family Education & Entertainment

Credential to Career Coaching – assists low-income parents in pursuing higher education and achieving career goals.
One Family Scholar – provides coaching & scholarships to single parents in college.
Summer Childcare Sudbury – List from Sudbury Social Workers of childcare and camps available on July 1, 2020.
Comcast Internet – Free Xfinity internet access from businesses and outdoor areas for anyone, not just Xfinity customers
Xfinity Education – Free educational programming for Xfinity customers
Physical Activity Alliance – List of resources, activities, ideas for exercise and keeping kids active at home
Town of Lexington Virtual Programs – Learning, tours, fitness, sports, and more virtual activities
Lexington Historical Society – Digital content, online collections, & virtual tours
Lexington Symphony – Watch past concerts & new content created by musicians, donate to support musicians who have lost their wages & benefits due to cancelled concerts.
Acton-Boxborough Schools Learning Resources – for students and their families
Acton-Boxborough Schools Community Resources – for all community members
Acton Childcare Subsidy Funds – provide children age 0-13 subsidies at any DEEC licensed childcare program, Rec Dept school break vacation program, or AB Community Education. First-come, first-served through June 30, 2022. Call the Community Services Office at 978-929-6651 or email lducharme@actonma.gov for info & to apply.
CDC Guide to Supporting Children through Stress
Family Resource Centers (FRC) – statewide network of community-based providers offering multi-cultural parenting programs, support groups, early childhood services, information and referral resources, and education for families. In person appointments & remote services available in various locations.
First Connections – parenting resources & Zoom groups for children & parents. For free diapers & wipes for low-income families, email Linda at lmatthews@jri.org
Teen to Adult Parent Support Group – NAMI virtual support group for parents of teens with mental health conditions. 7-8:30pm on the 2nd & 4th Thursday of each month. Email ttapsgroup@gmail.com for more info.
Emotional Wellbeing After Baby – support group for mothers and fathers experiencing anxiety or depression in the first postpartum year. Thursdays 10-11:30 via Zoom. Email hobrien@jri.org for info.
New Dad’s Group – peer-led group where new fathers can connect with and ask questions of experienced fathers. Email hobrien@jri.org for info.
First Connections ParentChild+ – free school readiness program for children ages 18-48 months in your home. Call 978-5054429 or email FirstConnections@JRI.org