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Resources for Arlington Residents in Need
Section I – Food and Nutrition Programs/Services
Food Pantry
Arlington Food Pantry
The Arlington Food Pantry is open from 9:30am to 11:30am the second Tuesday and last Saturday of each month. The Food Pantry is located at the Church of Our Savior, 21 Marathon St, Arlington. Arlington residents must provide proof of residency and families may come to the Food Pantry once per month. The amount of food received depends on family size.
Helping Hand Food Pantry - Cambridge
Arlington residents, who miss the distribution dates at the Arlington Food Pantry, may receive services from The Helping Hand Food Pantry in Cambridge. A photo id is required and families may use the Helping Hand Food Pantry once per month. For locations, dates and times, please call 617-876-4381.
WIC – Women, Infant & Children’s Program
WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy food, nutrition and health education, and other services free of charge to pregnant or nursing mothers and families and caregivers with children less than 5 years of age. WIC meets in Arlington every Tuesday from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Alewife Brook Community Pediatrics. For more information on the WIC program, visit www.mass.gov/wic.
Income eligibility: 1) proof of current household income (e.g., a recent pay stub), 2) proof of Massachusetts residency (e.g., a utility bill, bank statement or rental agreement), and 3) proof of identity (e.g., driver’s license, birth certificate, MassHealth card, etc.)
Alewife Brook Community Pediatrics, 29 Massachusetts Ave, Arlington, MA 02474, 781-646-2032
Also: Cambridge/Somerville WIC, 366 Broadway, Suite 102, Somerville, MA 02145, 617-666-5059
Food Stamps/SNAP Program
The Food Stamp Program has a new name: SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP is a government assistance program that helps low-income households buy food. SNAP food stamps can be used to buy almost any food item in any supermarket where you usually shop for food. People who use SNAP food stamps can spend the money they save to help pay their other bills. SNAP food stamps are for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens with limited incomes who buy food and make meals at home. People living in homeless shelters, group homes for people with disabilities,~drug and alcohol treatment centers, and subsidized elderly housing are also eligible.
To download an application, obtain additional eligibility information or for a complete list of local offices, please visit www.gettingsnap.org
Below is a partial list of local organizations that can help with the SNAP application process:
Cambridge Economic Opportunity Council
11 Inman St, Cambridge, MA 02139
617-868-2900
East End House
105 Spring St, Cambridge, MA 02141
617-876-4444
Dept of Transitional Assistance
300 Ocean Ave, Revere, MA 02151
617-551-1700 or 800-650-2566
Project Bread
Food Source Hotline 800-645-8333
Section II – Heating/Fuel Assistance
State Fuel Assistance
Fuel assistance, also known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), is a government program that helps low-income families and individuals pay their heating bills during the winter. Fuel assistance is for low-income tenants and homeowners, and eligibility is based on the household's gross annual income. Renters may also receive fuel assistance even if their heat is included in the rent.
The amount of fuel assistance received depends on income, housing status, and heating costs. Also, most gas and electric companies offer discounted rates to people receiving fuel assistance. Residents may also be eligible for weatherization services, heating system repairs, and Citizens Energy heat assistance programs.
Community Teamwork, Inc. has closed the Arlington satellite office. Residents, who received State fuel assistance last heating season and are re-applying for State fuel assistance this heating season, should contact Community Teamwork, Inc. directly at 978-459-6161.
Residents, who did not receive State fuel assistance during the prior heating season and need assistance completing the application, should contact the Department of Health and Human Services at 781-316-3170 for assistance with completing new fuel assistance applications.
All decisions on eligibility are made by Community Teamwork, Inc. and questions or appeals should be directed to Community Teamwork, Inc. at 45 Kirk St, 2nd Floor, Lowell, MA 01852 or by calling 978-459-6161.
Note: This program is funded through the State and is separate from the Arlington Heating Assistance Program. Residents must be approved by the State Fuel Assistance and have exhausted the State’s funding before applying for the Arlington Heating Assistance Program.
Arlington Heating Assistance Program
The Heating Assistance Program is an emergency subsidy program that offers up to $200 annually to subsidize heating bills (i.e., gas heat, electric heat, or oil) once State Fuel Assistance Program funds have been exhausted. The program is supported by donations and is only available if adequate funds exist. Subsidy is available once per twelve month period. For more information or to download an application, please visit www.arlingtonma.gov/fuelassistance.
Eligibility Requirements: 1) must be an Arlington resident – proof of residency required, 2) proof of State fuel assistance application and copy of last four heating bills required, and 3) must meet income eligibility guidelines.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Catholic Charities and Salvation Army both offer assistance with payment of rent and utility bills for eligible clients. For program details and specific eligibility, please contact:
Greater Boston Catholic Charities, 617-625-1920
Salvation Army, 339-502-5900 or 617-547-3400
Weatherization/Home Repair Program
This program allows Arlington income-eligible homeowners to weatherize and repair their homes, including new heating systems, new storm windows, insulation, roofing and gutters and plumbing and electrical systems, porches and walkways. The interest rate is related to resident’s income level.
Low-Interest Home Improvement Loan Program
The purpose of this program is to improve living conditions for low and moderate-income homeowners in Arlington who meet income eligibility requirements. Loans are calculated at 1 point above prime and can range from $2,500 to $25,000, with up to 15 years to repay the loan.
Eligibility Requirements: 1) must meet income eligibility – proof of income required and 2) must have a good credit rating.
Contact Information: Arlington Home Improvement Program,
20 Academy St, Suite 202, Arlington, 781-316-3436
Home Modification Program
For residents who are elderly and/or physically challenged and need help with accessibility, the Home Modification Program helps families by improving access to their homes, thus enabling them to live independently in the community. Residents may be eligible for a low or no interest deferred-payment loan or an amortizing loan, depending on the family income. Loan amounts range from $1,000 to $30,000.
Contact: Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership, 617-425-6637
Lift
Lift is a growing movement to combat poverty and expand opportunity for all people in the United States. LIFT is staffed by trained volunteers and serves low-income individuals and families.
LIFT clients and volunteers work one-on-one to find jobs, secure safe and stable housing, make ends meet through public benefits and tax credits, and obtain quality referrals for services like childcare and healthcare. For more information on the LIFT program, visit:
Local Office Contacts:
Section III – Housing Assistance Programs/Services
Arlington Housing Authority
The Arlington Housing Authority provides subsidized housing for elderly, low-income families and disabled persons. Residents pay 30% of their income for rent regardless of their income. To apply for housing, visit the Arlington Housing Authority office. A waiting list usually exists for subsidized housing. The Housing Authority does not provide emergency shelter.
Contact Information: Arlington Housing Authority, 4 Winslow St, Arlington, MA 02476, 781-646-3400
Housing Corporation of Arlington
Housing Corporation of Arlington, a non-profit community development corporation, owns and operates units for low-income families and individuals within two-family homes and small apartment buildings in Arlington.~ Units vary in size from one to four bedrooms.
The Town, in conjunction with the Housing Corporation of Arlington, has a program that provides grants to individuals facing an immediate crisis with their housing. The program may be able to pay back rent to prevent eviction, or security deposits for new housing.
Millbrook Square Apartments
Millbrook Square, located at 17 Mill St, offers affordable housing for the elderly and disabled, where tenants pay 30% of their income for rent. Applicants must be income-eligible and at least 62 years old. Please call the owners directly at 781 641-1410.
First Time Homebuyers – Town of Arlington
This program offers affordable condominiums for first time homebuyers. Arlington’s zoning requires all new developments with six or more units include units for low and moderate income households. Purchase prices range from $150,000 to $250,000, with resale prices similarly restricted. Purchasers are selected by lottery, and must attend a class for First Time Homebuyers.
Caritas Communities, Inc.
Caritas Communities, Inc. manages 12 rooming houses in Arlington on Russell Terrace and Fessenden Road. References must have good rental history and good character.
Contact Information: Caritas Communities, 25 Braintree Hill Office Pk, Suite 206, Braintree, MA 02184, 781-843-1242
Homeless Shelters:
For people in need of emergency housing assistance please call:
Bristol Lodge Individual Shelter for Men
25 Lexington St, Waltham, 781-893-0108
Bristol Lodge Family Shelter, 781-647-9957
Bristol Lodge Single Women Shelter
205 Bacon St, Waltham, 781-894-1225
Department of Transitional Assistance (families)
617-551-1700 or 800-650-2566
Somerville Homeless Coalition
This program provides housing and case management services to homeless young adults ages 18 to 24 who are in recovery. Participants must demonstrate a commitment to recovery and have a foundation of stability in sobriety
Contact Information: Somerville Homeless Coalition,1 Davis Sq, Somerville, MA 02144, 617-623-6111
Section IV – Counseling/Support Programs for Youth and Families
Arlington Youth Counseling Center (AYCC)
AYCC is a fully licensed Massachusetts Department of Public Health mental health counseling facility that works towards the treatment, prevention and resolution of problems relating to Arlington children and their families. AYCC accepts most insurance (e.g., MassHealth, Network Health, Commonwealth Care, BCBS, Harvard Pilgrim, and Tufts). AYCC helps children and their families cope with peer and social stress, behavioral difficulties, family crisis and violence, depression, grief, abuse, neglect and alcohol and drug abuse.
Community Resource Services
The Community Resource Services program aims to connect Arlington residents to information, assistance, and referrals to local services and government programs. This includes connecting residents to basic needs services (such as food programs, housing assistance and shelter information) and also other needs (such as child care, domestic violence programs, and emergency financial assistance services).~ For more information or to make a referral,~please contact AYCC.
Health Access Project
Sponsored by the Child Care Resource Center, this program offers information on various affordable health care programs provided by the State, including MassHealth, Family Assistance, The Insurance Partnership, and the Children’s Medical Security Plan (CMSP).
Contact Information: 617-547-1063 x 271 or visit ccrcinc.org
Grandparent Support Group
The town of Arlington provides a support group for grandparents who are active in raising their grandchildren. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1:30 pm.
Contact Information: Lourie August, Council on Aging, 781-316-3410
First Step – Domestic Violence Support
Support groups also exist for women leaving violent home situations. First Step helps women learn healthy parenting, prevent and resolve issues of family violence and develop life skills.
Contact Information:
First Step Program Hotline, 781-316-3219
Domestic Violence Shelter 24 hour hotline: 877-785-2020
Communities United (Head Start)
The program provides various childcare resources in Arlington, including Head Start at the Calvary Methodist Church and the Dallin School. A complete list of day care programs in Arlington is maintained at the Robbins Library, Children’s Department.
Contact Information:
Head Start Director/Coordinator, 300 Mass Ave,
Arlington, MA 02474, 781-648-0515
Robbins Library, Children’s Department, 700 Mass Ave,
Arlington, MA 02476, 781-316-3235
Childcare Resource Center
The program provides childcare information and referral. Listings of licensed family daycare providers are available. Some referral services are free, others are provided on a sliding fee scale or at low cost.
Contact Information: Childcare Resource Center,
130 Bishop Allen Drive, Cambridge, MA 02139, 617-547-1063 x 71,
9:00am to 3:00pm, Monday through Friday
Mothers’ Support Groups
(Mothers and babies under one year), Fridays 10:00am – 11:30am, Calvary Methodist Church, 300 Mass Ave, Arlington
- Postpartum Depression Group
Wednesdays 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Jewish Family and Children Services, 1430 Main St, Waltham, MA, 781-693-5625
Program offers volunteer assistance and support to moms in their homes for one hour per week up to babies first birthday.
Contact Information for Mother’s Support Groups: Debbie Whitehill,
JF & CS Headquarters, 1430 Main St, Waltham, 781-693-5625
Recreation Program Scholarships
All recreation programs in Arlington, including the Arlington Recreation Department, the Arlington Boys’ & Girls’ Club, and Fidelity House receive Community Development Block Grant money to subsidize families needing help with recreational program fees. School-based programs will negotiate athletic fees on a case-by-case basis upon request from the parent/caregiver.
Contact information:
Section V – Senior/Disabled Programs and Services
Senior Transportation Services
The Arlington Council on Aging (COA) provides a transportation program for elders and disabled residents. Arlington seniors have access to the COA Van, a handicapped-accessible van, which transports residents from their homes to COA-related activities and/or to medical appointments at designated facilities. Arlington seniors and disabled residents may also use the Dial-A-Ride Taxi program, which provides transportation anywhere in Arlington. Both programs provide transportation at a nominal cost. Additionally, the COA manages several grant programs which provide transportation subsidies for medical appointments, including Sanborn Foundation, which provides free transportation for cancer patients to/from medical appointments. For more information, please visit arlingtonma.gov/coa or call the COA at 781-316-3400.
Eligibility Guidelines: 1) must be an Arlington senior and/or disabled resident and 2) meet program/income guidelines.
Senior/Disabled Wellness and Protection
Arlington Council on Aging
The Arlington Council on Aging (COA) provides a variety of programs for its seniors ranging from transportation services, wellness support, assistance with insurance, tax preparation, and more. For information on the Arlington COA programs, please visit our website at www.arlingtonma.gov/coa
Contact Information: Lourie August, Council on Aging, 27 Maple St, Arlington, MA 02476, 781-316-3410
Elder Abuse
For information on suspected elder abuse, please visit minutemansenior.org. Elder abuse is defined as physical, sexual, emotion abuse, neglect or financial exploitation, contact Minuteman Services.
Contact information: Minuteman Senior Services, 781-272-7177 or the elder abuse hotline at 800-922-2275
Disabled Persons Protection Commission
For information on suspected abuse of a disabled person, please contact the Commission at 617-727-6465, or 800-426-9009 (24 hour hotline).
Arlington Police Wellness Check
The Arlington Police provides wellness checks for its residents. People concerned with the well being of an Arlington resident, call the non-emergency police number.
Contact Information: Arlington Police, 112 Mystic St, Arlington,
781-643-1212
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Local information and help for ADA concerns is available through the Arlington ADA office.
E911 – Emergency Telephone Service
E911 is an emergency telephone listing service for frail or physically-challenged persons. Once registered, if an emergency 911 call is made from the resident’s telephone, emergency responders will have the resident’s name, address and particular disability (e.g., blind, deaf, wheel chair bound, etc.). Registration forms for E911 are available in the following locations in Arlington:
Contact Information: Arlington Police Department, 212 Mystic St, Arlington, MA 02474, 781-642-1212
Arlington Council on Aging, 27 Maple St, Arlington, MA 02476, 781-316-3400
Arlington Disability Commission, 27 Maple St, Arlington, MA 02476, 781-316-3430
Sanborn Foundation for the Treatment and Cure for Cancer
The Sanborn Foundation provides financial assistance with medical transportation for Arlington residents who are receiving cancer treatments. The program is run through the Council on Aging. The Sanborn Foundation also assists Arlington residents with cancer meet immediate short-term needs related to the disease and its treatment. Residents should make requests for transportation to the Council on Aging and requests for other assistance directly to the Foundation.
Contact Information: Transportation to Medical Appointments,
Council on Aging, 27 Maple St, Arlington, 781-316-3400
Sanborn Cancer Foundation, PO Box 417, Arlington, MA 02476, 781-643-7775
Veterans’ Services
Wartime veterans are entitled to emergency services and financial aid, including living expenses and medical expenses. Additionally, information and assistance with claims to the federal Veterans’ Administration Program is also available. For more information, please visit arlingtonma.gov/veterans
Widows’ Trust Fund
The Widows’ Trust Fund is primarily used for health needs, basic life necessities, one-time needs or short term needs. Examples include: wheelchairs, hearing aids, dentures, etc.
Eligibility Requirements: 1) available to income-eligible Arlington residents who are widows, 2) must submit documentation of expense
Section VI – Miscellaneous Programs
Clothing – Little Fox Thrift Shop
The Little Fox Thrift Shop is a volunteer-run shop that accepts and resells gently used children clothing, toys and various household items. Donated items are screened for cleanliness, working order and safety. All proceeds are donated to the Fox Branch Library. Please visit the Little Fox Shop website for more information and hours at littlefoxshop.com.
Contact Information: Little Fox Thrift Shop, Fox Library, 175 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02474, littlefoxshop.com.
Legal Services
Cambridge/Somerville Legal Services, 617-603-2700
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center, 617-661-1010
Greater Boston Legal Services, 617-371-1234 or 800-323-3205
Massachusetts Bar Assoc. Lawyer Referral, 617-654-0400 or 800-392-6164
Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, 617-973-8787 or 888-283-3757
Senior Citizen Law Project (Arlington residents 60+ years of age), 617-603-1776
Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association, 617-423-0648
Other Useful Telephone Numbers
Department of Children and Families 30 Mystic St, Arlington, MA 02474, 781-641-8500
Child Abuse Hotline 24 hour hotline, 800-792-5200
Social Security Administration Office serving Arlington, 10 Fawcett St 1st Fl, Cambridge, MA 02138,
888-527-9340
Suicide Prevention Hotlines, 24 hour hotlines,
800-784-2433
800-273-TALK
800-252-TEEN
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