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 as well as families and caregivers with children younger than 5 years of age. WIC has Arlington office hours every Tuesday from 10:00am to 6:00pm at 7 Central St, Arlington. 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.)
Contact information: Arlington WIC Office, 7 Central St, 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
80 Everett Ave, Chelsea, MA 02150
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. Recipients of State Fuel Assistance are also eligible for discounted rates on their electric and gas utility bills. Additionally, residents may be eligible for weatherization services, heating system repairs, and Citizens Energy heat assistance programs.
Contact information: Community Teamwork, Inc. has closed its 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. Community Teamwork Program is located at 45 Kirk St, 2nd Flr, Lowell, MA 01852. Hours of operation are Monday – Friday from 8:30am to 5:00pm, with extended hours on Wednesdays until 7:00pm.
First-time applicants may also apply through the Arlington Health and Human Services Department. Assistance is offered by appointment only. First-time applicants should call 781-316-3170 for information regarding appointment dates and times. Assistance with the Fuel Assistance application is available from November through April. A list of documents required to complete the application can be found at arlingtonma.gov/fuelassistance.
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.
Emergency Financial Assistance
Catholic Charities and Salvation Army both offer limited 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.
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
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 toward 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 of Arlington, 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, 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. For more information, please contact Millbrook Square directly at 781 641-1410.
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
Raft, a state-funded program, provides short term, limited financial assistance and support to allow low-income families to stay housed or move into their next homes during periods of financial crisis. Applicants must provide documentation/proof that a move is necessary to avoid homelessness. Please contact the Metropolitan Boston Housing Partnership (MBHP) for eligibility guidelines.
Caritas Communities, Inc.
Caritas Communities owns and manages 29 houses (2 in Arlington) and provides Single Room Occupancy (SRO) housing. ~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 Single Women Shelter
205 Bacon St, Waltham, 781-894-1225
Department of Transitional Assistance (families)
80 Everett Ave, Chelsea, MA 02150
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
First Time Homebuyers – Town of Arlington
This program offers affordable condominiums for first time homebuyers. Arlington’s zoning bylaw 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.
Contact information: Laura Wiener, Arlington Director of Housing, at
Section IV – Workforce Transition
Workforce Assistance
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, offers assistance with job placement, training as well as tips for job searches and interview techniques. For more information, please visit http://www.mass.gov/lwd/employment-services.
Workers In Transition
The Workers in Transition is a support group geared for networking and transition. The Support Group meets every Tuesday from 10:00am to 12noon at the Robbins Library, 700 Mass Ave, 4th Floor, Arlington, MA 02476
Contact information: Stewart Jester, 781-643-6123
Lift
Lift, a volunteer-run agency, assists low-income individuals and families with housing assistance, job placement, resource counselling and referrals for services like childcare and healthcare. For more information on the LIFT program, visit:
Local Office Contacts:
Section V – 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, etc.).
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 childcare, 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
Mothers Support Groups
There are a number of support groups for new mothers and parents. A partial list follows:
(Mothers and babies < 1 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 Mothers Support Groups: Debbie Whitehill, JF&CS Headquarters, 1430 Main St, Waltham, MA, 781-693-5625
Grandparent Support Group
The Town of Arlington provides a support group for grandparents who have responsibility for raising their grandchildren. The group meets the second Tuesday of each month from 12:00pm to 1:30pm.
Contact Information: Lourie August, Council on Aging, 781-316-3410
First Step – Domestic Violence Support
Support groups 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)
This 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 Childcare Resource Center 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
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:
Arlington Athletic Department, 781-316-3551
Section VI – Senior/Disabled Programs and Services
Senior Transportation Services
The Arlington Council on Aging (COA) provides a number of transportation services for residents ages 60 or older. The COA Van, a handicapped-accessible van, provides transportation for Arlington seniors from their homes to COA-related activities and/or to medical appointments at designated facilities. Arlington seniors 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 2) meet program/income guidelines.
Senior Services and Protection
Arlington Council on Aging
The Arlington Council on Aging (COA) also provides a variety of programs for its seniors ranging from health and wellness support to assistance with medical insurance, tax preparation, and much more.
Contact Information: Council on Aging, 27 Maple St,
Arlington, MA 02476, 781-316-3400
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, 781-643-1212
Arlington Council on Aging, 27 Maple St, Arlington, MA 02476, 781-316-3400
Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is defined as physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect or financial exploitation. For information on suspected elder abuse, please contact Minuteman Senior Services.
Contact information: Minuteman Senior Services, 781-272-7177 or the elder abuse hotline at 800-922-2275 or visit minutemansenior.org
Disabled Persons Protection Commission
For information on suspected abuse of a disabled person, please contact the Americans with Disabilities Commission at 617-727-6465, or 800-426-9009 (24 hour hotline).
Local information and assistance with ADA concerns is available through the Arlington ADA office at 781-316-3430, jjones@town.arlington.ma.us
Arlington Police Wellness Check
The Arlington Police Department provides wellness checks for its residents. People concerned with the well being of an Arlington resident, should call the non-emergency police number.
Contact Information: Arlington Police, 112 Mystic St, Arlington, 781-643-1212 (non-emergencies only)
Sanborn Foundation for the Treatment/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
The Center for Cancer Support and Education
Provides cancer support and wellness services to patients, caregivers, family members and health care professionals at no or low cost. For more information, please call 781-648-0312, or visit www.centerforcancer.org.
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
Section VII – Miscellaneous Programs
Widows’ Trust Fund
The Widows’ Trust Fund is available to Arlington widows for health needs, basic life necessities, and specific one-time or short term needs. Examples include: wheelchairs, hearing aids, dentures, etc.
Eligibility Requirements: 1) available to income-eligible Arlington residents who are widows, and 2) must submit documentation of approved expense.
Clothing – Little Fox Thrift Shop
The Little Fox Thrift Shop is a volunteer-run shop that accepts and resells gently used children’s 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 and Arlington Public Schools. Little Fox Thrift Shop is open Tuesdays 9:00am to12:00pm, Wednesdays 2:30pm to 7:30pm, Thursdays 9am to 12:00pm and 2:30pm to 5:00pm
Contact Information: Little Fox Thrift Shop, Fox Library, 175 Mass Ave, Arlington, MA 02474
Legal Services
Cambridge/Somerville Legal Services,
617-603-2700
Community Legal Services and Counseling Center
617-551-1010
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 Legal Helpline (60+ years of age)
866-778-0939
Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association
617-423-0648
Other Useful Telephone Numbers
Child Abuse Hotline 24 hour hotline, 800-792-5200
Mass Department of Children and Families
30 Mystic St, Arlington, MA 02474, 781-641-8500
Mass Dept of Transitional Assistance
617-551-1700 or 800-650-2566
Mental Health Crisis Team 24 hour crisis hotline, 781-893-2003
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 or 800-273-TALK or 800-252-TEEN
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