Public Benefits and Community Assistance

We help people pay for theirwinter heating bills if they are from low-income households in Cambridge and Somerville.

We help individuals fill out their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) so they can get the most financial aid for which they are eligible.

We are an IRS certified Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) partner that provides free tax preparation for individuals and families with low to moderate income.

We help people apply for and resolve problems with Social Security, SSI, SSDI, TAFDC, and EAEDC.

This list contains several programs that provide low-cost or free internet and phone services to low-income households and individuals, including the Lifeline Program and Comcast Internet Essentials.

We provide financial education and coaching to help individuals achieve their financial goals.

Our team of social workers can help make referrals to community services, help you complete applications, navigate resources, and help connect you to mental health or substance misuse programs.

Our City programs connect renters, homeowners and landlords to resources that help save money on their utility bills while also addressing climate change through renewable energy and efficiency.

When people come in we can help them use their digital devices (smartphones, tablets, computers), apply for services online, learn digital literacy and safety/privacy tips, and get access to devices.

Safehome: Up to 1 month stay in a confidential location for an individual or family.
Transitional Housing: Up to two years of rental assistance for up to 16 survivors and their families.

We extend access to technology like Chromebook laptops and mobile WiFi hotspots by allowing patrons to check out devices.

We are a student-run civil legal aid organization committed to providing free representation to low-income and marginalized communities in the Greater Boston area.

We can help you find out if you're paying too much for your electricity bill and find the best programs to help you save money.

We offer help in applying for SNAP/Food Stamps or completing annual recertifications and interim reports. We can also help you resolve problems that may lead to loss or reduction of benefits.

The guide is organized around six key themes: affordable housing, emergency housing, housing rights, legal and mediation services, safe & healthy homes, and financial assistance.

Housed In Cambridge: Information to Open Doors is a citywide campaign designed to educate and inform residents on housing opportunities and housing-related resources and services.

Housed in Cambridge: Information to Open Doors webinar recordings.

Qualifying individuals can apply to receive affordable internet access and a new laptop.

We offer a wide inventory of adult professional outfits and children's clothing and resources.

We enhance the city's quality of life by improving our transportation system and city-wide mobility.

Residents can apply for a new bicycle voucher (to buy from participating shops). Those selected can choose a pedal bike, e-bike, e-cargo bike, adaptive bicycle or electric wheelchair attachment.

We you make your home more energy-efficient and help to save you money on your utility costs if you qualify for our low-income programs.

We help Cambridge residents access and navigate affordable housing opportunities, obtain eviction and tenant displacement prevention, and other housing related resources and services.

We offer access to affordable rental and homeownership units for low, moderate, and middle-income households.

We provide shelter, transitional & permanent housing + support services to extremely low-income homeless/formerly homeless adult individuals & families with children in Cambridge & Greater Boston.