Public Benefits and Community Assistance

We work with individuals and families who need help with their housing.

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.

Known as universal preschool, we provide free preschool to Cambridge 4 year-olds and some 3 year-olds beginning in September.

Our programs are offered to Cambridge home owners who are are over the age of 60 or a person with disabilities. Call 617-349-6220 for more information.

Council on Aging offers a wide range of social services and is committed to meeting the needs of seniors. We can connect people to services or even meet them where they live to help them connect.

Contact the MSC if you are living on the street, in emergency shelters or at risk of losing your housing and need help.

On The Rise is a daytime, drop-in program for unhoused women, trans, and non-binary people providing the relationships, safety and resources they need to move out of homelessness.

We can help you with applying for health insurance like MassHealth, Health Connector plans, Health Safety Net, Medicare and dental plans through the Massachusetts Health Connector.

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.

Our aging information and service center makes referrals to elder services and disability services, either through those individuals directly or through a caretaker.

Cambridge Camping's CCAccess scholarship program makes unforgettable camp accessible to all, offering day and overnight options.

JAS partners with the IRS to offer on-site Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) tax prep services free of charge for families earning less than $54,000 per year.

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 visit moms and dads of young children at a convenient location to share information about early literacy development, talking and reading with children, and community resources.

We serve children and youth (ages 6-22) with disabilities by providing a super fun summer program full of outdoor activities, swimming, field trips, crafts, cooking, and more!

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.

We will fix up 800+ donated bicycles and give them to qualified Cambridge residents. With bicycles people will also receive a bike lock, helmet, and lights.

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.