Cambridge, MA Financial Assistance
In Cambridge, Massachusetts, there are a variety of resources available for individuals and families that are struggling financially. This guide aims to introduce you to some of the government programs, non-profit agencies, and strategies that can help you navigate these challenging times.
Government Financial Assistance Options
1. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP provides eligible households with funds to buy food. The amount you receive each month depends on your income and the number of people in your household. To apply, you can complete an application online, call the DTA Assistance Line, or visit a DTA office.
2. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
The TANF program offers financial aid and other services to families in need. Eligibility is based on your income, resources, and living arrangements. Like SNAP, you can apply online, over the phone, or in person at a DTA office.
3. MassHealth
Massachusetts' Medicaid program, MassHealth, provides health care benefits to low-income individuals and families, including some low-income adults, children, pregnant women, elderly adults, and individuals with disabilities. You can apply online, by mail, or by visiting a MassHealth Enrollment Center.
Government Subsidies
1. Energy Assistance
The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) provide help with heating costs and energy efficiency upgrades to qualifying households. Contact the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC) to apply.
2. Housing Subsidies
The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) provides housing assistance in the form of vouchers (Section 8) and public housing applications. To apply, contact CHA or visit their office.
Non-profit Agencies
1. Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC)
The CEOC provides education, skills training, one-on-one counseling, and direct emergency services to individuals in financial need.
2. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army in Cambridge offers numerous services, including utility assistance, food pantry access, and emergency shelter.
3. Cambridge Community Center (CCC)
The CCC offers support for families through various programs, including after-school programs and food assistance.
Strategies to Get Out of Financial Need
1. Increase Your Income
This could mean getting a second job, starting a side gig, or sharpening your skills to qualify for higher-paying jobs. The CEOC offers skills training programs and job placement services that can help.
2. Manage Your Expenses
Become an expert at budgeting and cut out unnecessary expenses. Free budget counseling services are often available through non-profits and community organizations.
3. Take Advantage of Every Available Assistance Program
From assistance programs offered by your utility company to food pantries and clothing closets, to free or low-cost healthcare, take advantage of every resource available to you.
4. Seek Financial Counseling
Organizations like the CEOC offer one-on-one financial counseling to help you develop a plan to improve your financial situation over time.
Overall, remember that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Many resources exist to support you and your family during challenging times.
Search for Financial Assistance in Massachusetts
Latest additions in Massachusetts
Cambridge Housing Assistance Fund
CHAF provides the
needy with initial rental costs, rental security deposits and first and
last month rent payments.
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3821750,-71.1313637
- Phone
- 617-234-5340
- Location
- Cambridge, MA
Solutions At Work, Inc.
Mission Solutions at Work
focuses on breaking the economic chains that bind people in homelessness
and poverty. We provide the paid employment, skills training and
tangible resources that help people make the transition to independence.
We want to end homelessness. At Solutions at Work we solve problems with
real, tangible solutions. We offer the means to help families and
individuals make a successful transition out of homelessness and provide
homeless persons with the tools, information, and places to make their
voices heard effectively as self-advocates. We weave together a unique
array of direct services providing furniture, children?s clothing, adult
back-to-work clothing, computer, moving services, and paid job training,
while enhancing the leadership skills and work experience of our
employees, participants, and volunteers. The people employed by our
transitional employment program help others who are moving out of
homelessness by working to provide these services. .. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3716151,-71.1148607
- Phone
- (216) 294-3886
- Location
- Cambridge, MA
Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs (HDSP) - CAMBRIDGE
*Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program*
On February 17, 2009, President Obama signed the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009,which ludes $1.5 billion for a Homelessness
Prevention Fund. Funding for this program, called the Homelessness
Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP), is being distributed
based on the formula used for the Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) program.
Grantees may provide rental assistance or services to eligible program
participants who are residing or would like to reside outside their
jurisdiction. They may also fund ubgrantees that serve persons outside
of the jurisdiction, subgrantees that are located outside of the
jurisdiction, and subgrantees that serve multiple jurisdictions. A
grantee may establish more stringent requirements, such as requiring
that HPRP funds be spent within the jurisdiction or establishing a
residency requirement,but HUD is not setting these requirements.
Counties served:Hampden County
.. (continue to details page for more info and costs)
42.3695697,-71.1033539
- Phone
- (617) 349-6204
- Location
- Cambridge, MA