Boston Massachusetts Financial Assistance

Boston, MA Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance Resources in Boston, Massachusetts

A Comprehensive Guide to Financial Assistance and Resource Options in Boston, Massachusetts

If you live in Boston and you're facing financial hardship, you are not alone. Whether due to job loss, health bills, or unexpected expenses, countless Bostonians face fiscal challenges. Luckily, various government programs and non-profit organizations work to provide financial assistance to individuals and families in need. This guide outlines some of these resources, their eligibility criteria, and how to apply.

Government Financial Assistance Options:

1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Formerly known as Food Stamps, SNAP is federal assistance that helps low-income households purchase healthy food from authorized retailers. Eligibility is based on household size, income, assets and other factors. For more information and to apply, visit the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance website or call their hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

2. Medicaid and MassHealth

These programs provide comprehensive health care or help pay for part of the cost. Eligibility depends upon household size and income. To apply, visit the MassHealth Enrollment Center or apply online through the Massachusetts Health Connector website.

3. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

TANF, also known as Massachusetts' Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), provides temporary cash assistance, job preparation, and work assistance. Eligibility is based on household income. You can apply at your local Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) office.

4. Unemployment Insurance (UI)

UI provides financial assistance to individuals who are unemployed through no fault of their own. To be eligible, you must meet certain wage and job separation requirements. Check the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance website for more details.

Non-profit Agencies that Provide Assistance

1. The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers various assistance programs, including rental and utility help, food pantries, and emergency shelter. Contact the Boston branch at (617) 536-5260.

2. ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development)

ABCD provides low-income residents with services such as fuel assistance, food pantries, and child care vouchers. Visit the ABCD website or call their main number at (617) 348-6000.

3. United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

United Way offers support through its 2-1-1 hotline, an information and referral line that connects residents to services in their community, from housing help to job training programs. Dial 2-1-1 on your phone to get started.

Strategies to Overcome Financial Hardship:

While government and non-profit programs can offer immediate and temporary assistance, there are long-term strategies worth considering to alleviate financial hardships.

1. Financial Education and Budgeting

Understanding how to manage your money can make a huge difference in your financial health. Plenty of financial consulting firms and community nonprofits offer free workshops and one-on-one counseling to help you create a budget, pay down debt, and build an emergency fund.

2. Job Training and Education

Many nonprofits and government programs offer job training and employment services, which can lead to more stable, higher-paying jobs. Check with local community colleges and vocational schools for affordable, industry-specific training programs.

3. Affordable Housing

Check with the Boston Housing Authority and local nonprofits about affordable housing options and subsidies. Federal programs like HUD’s Section 8 vouchers can also help lower housing costs.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help when you need it. Utilizing these resources is not a sign of weakness, but a step toward stability and success. You are not alone, and there are countless organizations and programs ready to help you through the tough times. Reach out today, and start on the path toward financial wellness.

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Fair Housing Center Of Greater Boston, Inc.

The Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston was founded in 1998 by local housing and civil rights professionals and works to eliminate housing discrimination and promote open communities throughout the region. Service Area and Target PopulationWe serve the communities of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Middlesex, and Plymouth counties and seeks to promote fair housing for all protected classes under federal, state, and local laws. Our current programs target discrimination based on race and national origin, family status (the presence of minor children), and source of income (particularly use of Section 8 housing subsidies). We focus on these groups because of the prevalence of discrimination against them, as well as the lack of focused resources for their defense. We partner with urban community organizations serving home seekers, suburban community organizations promoting diversity within their communities, and attorneys experienced in civil rights litigation. Why the Fair Housing Center is neededDiscrimination in housing not only takes away our freedom to choose where we live, it also limits the variety of people with whom we can interact and the opportunities available to us in our own neighborhoods. Where we live often determines the quality of our children s education and our access to jobs. The Greater Boston region remains one of the nation s most segregated housing markets for African Americans and Latinos. The Fair Housing Center s discrimination testing audits have documented that racial discrimination is the norm rather than the exception for people of color attempting to rent or purchase homes in our region. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3548276,-71.0615750

Phone
(617) 427-9740
Location
Boston, MA

Homestart, Inc.

HomeStart s solution to homelessness is simple: Housing First.At HomeStart, Housing First means that our first priority for every person is a stable housing situation. We then work with each person s individual needs to provide services and support to make sure they are able to remain housed.Since 1994, HomeStart has helped more than 3,500 homeless people move to their own homes. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3529225,-71.0610626

Phone
(161) 754-2033
Location
Boston, MA

Traveler s Aid Family Services, Inc.

For families who find themselves homeless and on the street, at police stations, or in hospitals at the middle of the night, Travelers Aid Family Services (TAFS) provides temporary emergency shelter, placing families in motels while they pursue longer-term solutions. When families need shelter for a longer period of time in order to, for instance, access job training, search for permanent housing, or stabilize their children s educational or medical problems, TAFS provides transitional and permanent housing. Our homelessness prevention programs are a lifeline to families looking for help to prevent from falling into homelessness in the first place. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3506730,-71.0568090

Phone
(617) 542-7286
Location
Boston, MA

Catholic Charities Archdiocese Of Boston

The mission of Catholic Charities is building a just and compassionate society, rooted in the dignity of all people. Founded in 1903, Catholic Charities serves low-income families and individuals, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, gender, age, or sexual orientation. In fiscal year 2008, Catholic Charities assisted more than 200,000 people in communities throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Out of respect for our clients and supporters, 84 cents out of every dollar goes directly to client services. Services are sensitive to the needs of diverse populations. Catholic Charities works closely with other community providers and engages volunteers in effective community responses. Resources are targeted to neighborhoods of working poor families, whose wages do not keep pace with need. Catholic Charities serves towns throughout Eastern Massachusetts. Multiple service centers are located in Boston. Others are located as far West as Framingham, as far South as Brockton, and as far North as Lawrence. Today, Catholic Charities maintains the same strong commitment that has guided it for nearly 100 years. Moving decisively toward meeting the needs of a changing population and the challenges of the new millennium, Catholic Charities remains focused on its primary mission: providing hope for all. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3526349,-71.0487515

Phone
(617) 482.5440
Location
Boston, MA

Nigerian Youth Organization Inc

To provide a range of programs that will improve the youths quality of life through education, performing arts and culture. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.2954170,-71.0897350

Phone
Location
Boston, MA

Energy Consumers Alliance Of New England Inc.

We have a dual mission of making energy more affordable and environmentally sustainable. We do so with a combination of market-based programs and pro-consumer, pro-environment advocacy and education work. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3123476,-71.1140589

Phone
+1 617-524-3950
Location
Boston, MA

Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing

PROVIDE AFFORDABLE HOUSING .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3337090,-71.1037950

Phone
(617) 566-6565
Location
Boston, MA

Department of Neighborhood Development - BOSTON

*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program* On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program. Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements. Counties served:Plymouth County .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3590304,-71.0588367

Phone
(617) 635242
Location
Boston, MA

Department of Housing and Community Development - MA STATE PROGRAM

*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program* On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program. Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements. Counties served:Middlesex County .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3797768,-71.1445187

Phone
(617) 5731100
Location
Boston, MA