basic needs Resources
At the Arts Action Consortium, we condemn the violence and injustice that continue to harm our communities. Those who work in art and culture have a responsibility to respond, to care for one another, and to speak with intention. In the face of attacks on the vulnerable and the erosion of civil liberties, we as cultural workers cannot remain silent. Defending culture and community is a necessary act of resistance. We believe in the power of art to sustain creativity, strengthen democracy, and foster dignity, compassion, and care. Through shared stories and collective action, we must keep working toward a more just and humane future for all.
Expand each section to explore resources available for Massachusetts Residents.
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Boston Food Justice Resource List
Find a list of resources for free or low cost food here.
The Dorchester Food Co-op is a community & worker-owned grocery store that makes healthy food accessible and advances economic opportunity through neighborhood engagement. The Dorchester Food Co-op is a diverse inclusive community with opportunities for employment, ownership, and access to healthy food. As a food co-op, they serve and reflect the wide variety of cultural, racial, and socio-economic groups that make up the neighborhoods of Boston.
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) partners with more than 600 hunger-relief agencies, including food pantries, community meal programs and other food assistance providers throughout the nine counties and 190 towns and cities across Eastern Massachusetts. Use this directory to find a food bank near you!
Arlington Street Church Supper Program
Friday Night Supper Program was cofounded by the Arlington Street Church and Dignity Boston in 1984. The two organizations continue to cosponsor the program, which provides meals to anyone in need every Friday night from 5pm to 7pm.
Fresh trucks are rethinking the traditional grocery store model, making it mobile and bringing food closer to the people that need it the most. Order online and check the mobile grocery store schedule here!
A reliable compilation of trusted food resources to ensure everyone in MA has access to food every day. Click here to find their monthly guide in English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, Vietnamese, and Cape Verdean Creole.
The Mobile Market provides free produce and shelf stable items. The truck visits sites all around the Greater Boston area. Check out the mobile market schedule here!
Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline
The food assistance line for all of Massachusetts. Whether you need help paying for food and don't know where to start or you're simply curious about ways to boost your food budget or save on groceries.
Too Good To Go offers surplus parcels from local restaurants, bakeries, and grocery stores for affordable prices every day!
Located at The Children’s Museum; income-constrained families can come to feed their children for free. You do not need to go to the museum to go to the cafe.
Consumers who sign up for the SNAP/EBT DashPass Plan will receive DashPass at a discounted charge of $4.99 a month instead of $9.99 a month for one year.
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City of Boston Free Immigration Consultations
Do you need immigration advice from a lawyer? The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement offers free one-time immigration consultations on the first and third Wednesday of every month from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts
Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts (VLA) helps artists, cultural organizations, and creative entrepreneurs through a lawyer referral program, direct representation, and educational programs. Fill out the AAC intake form for a free consultation.
Know your rights if an immigration officer (ICE) tries to talk to you. Click here for a resource guide.
Emergency Planning Guide for Families
Parents with uncertain immigration status may be concerned about the care and custody of their children in the event of sudden detention or deportation by federal immigration officials. The following guides have legal options to consider.
Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition
MIRA is the largest coalition in New England promoting the rights and integration of immigrants and refugees. They offer workshops such as immigration law and bystander training and have an immigration helpline, an immigration terminology guide, citizen application help, and so much more.
Rian empowers immigrants, refugees and international exchange visitors on the path to opportunity, safety, and a better future. They provide many services including Immigration Legal Services, Resource and Support Services, International Exchange Visitor Visa Services, Advocacy for just and humane immigration policies, and Community Building Opportunities.
GBLS attorneys and paralegals provide critical legal advice and representation to low-income individuals. In addition, thousands of other poor families and individuals benefit from the systemic advocacy GBLS carries out on behalf of its clients. They can help with issues including immigration, education, bankruptcy, healthcare, housing, and more.
Children’s Law Center of Massachusetts
CLCM's provides comprehensive litigation services, training, technical assistance and broader policy work. Reach out to them if you need representation regarding education, immigration, family integrity, youth justice, and more.
LCR provides legal aid for immigration, police accountability, fair housing, and more.
LUCE Immigrant Justice Network of MA
LUCE has a hotline for reporting ICE sightings as well as information for finding local actions.
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Metrolist is Boston's primary resource to find income-restricted housing. Metrolist has listings across Greater Boston, and information to help you find affordable housing.
With an Artist Housing Certification, you are initially qualified for some artist live-work spaces in the City of Boston. Most artist live-work spaces in the City of Boston are affordable. That means you may also have to meet other affordable housing requirements, like income and asset limits. Learn more about affordable housing in Boston.
Massachusetts individuals and families seeking emergency housing will find shelter programs and related services here. Families already living in shelter will also find related program information here.
Housing Assistance for Massachusetts Residents
This page provides an overview of the housing, home repair and home energy help programs available to homeowners, renters and landlords.
The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (HEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills.
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See if you qualify for savings on your monthly health insurance premium, shop health plans, see if you qualify for MassHealth, and Get the latest information on what to know about the new federal rules and how they could affect what you may qualify for and your coverage.
Free Health Care Programs Directory
Find a list of free health clinics and programs throughout Massachusetts.
Wellness and Mental Health Free Programs
Find a list of initiatives, programs, and resources throughout Massachusetts.
Resources on Racial Justice and Trauma
Find a list of initiatives, programs, and resources throughout Massachusetts.
Find a list of initiatives, programs, and resources throughout Massachusetts.
Find a collection of health and well-being resources here.
A free, confidential, multilingual health information and referral service who help all residents regardless of immigration status. If you or a loved one needs legal help, they also provide referrals to legal services.
A list of specialized mental health hotline resources.
Black Cross Health Collective is an affinity group of health care workers who live in Portland, Oregon. This resource offers information on protest preparation, aftercare, and helping yourself and others in the field. Learn more here.
Income-Eligible Reduced Train Fare
The MBTA’s income-eligible reduced fare program offers reduced fares to riders between the ages of 18 – 64 who are enrolled in an approved state assistance program.