Public Benefits and Community Assistance

Our program is a neighborhood gathering place where housed and unhoused neighbors can mingle and get acquainted in a low-key, judgment-free setting.

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.

As part of our program, we hand out various combinations of sandwiches or bagged lunches, juice boxes, snacks, socks, some seasonal items, toiletry kits, and more to the community.

We offer warm hospitality and an evening meal in a safe, dignified environment to anyone in need of nourishment, every Tuesday evening.

We provide meals and materials to individuals who are low-income or extremely low-income, and who are experiencing homeless, are housing insecure, or living in persistent poverty.

Assist older adults with transportation to and from clinics so that they can keep much-needed medical appointments for screenings and treatments. This role is in high demand!

Help an older adult in Cambridge or Somerville budget and manage their finances. This program helps ensure that essential bills like rent and utilities are paid!

We preserve and maintain affordable apartments that are home to low and moderate income Cambridge residents. Property management and community coordinators help ensure that everyone feels at home.

We provide several support services for senior citizens in Cambridge each year including regular outreach meetings, education on common scams or general safety, and our Secret Santa for Seniors event.

Our hotline helps prevent suicide by giving free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you and loved ones, and best practices for professionals.

Since 1987, First Church Shelter has provided a basic act of mercy to the poor and homeless of Cambridge and surrounding communities.

We provide homeless people with a safe, caring place to stay in the winter, plus counseling resources and transitional supports for anyone employed and saving money towards secure housing.