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Community Resources
Click here for COVID-19 Food Pantry and Resource Information
Services for individuals and families under the age of 60*
The Community Services Coordinator provides comprehensive professional social services to town residents under the age of 60. Information and referral resources are provided in conjunction with local, state and federal programs. Confidential assistance is provided in the following categories:
- Connection to resources for basic needs (fuel, food assistance, emergency funds)
- Food Pantry and Food Resource Information
- Assistance with MassHealth, Fuel Assistance and SNAP applications
- Substance Abuse Resource Information for youth/adults
- Crisis intervention, support services
- Assistance with referrals for mental health services
- Assistance with applications for subsidized & affordable housing programs
- Career and legal services resources
- Domestic Violence Resources
Rental Assistance Programs
Rental Assistance is available for those impacted directly or indirectly from COVID-19. This could include losing a job, having hours reduced, losing access to childcare or dependent care, seeing increased expenses, or something else.
The Housing Consumer and Education Center (HCEC) through South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Framingham is the agency that administers state and federally funded homelessness prevention grants including:
- Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
- Federal Emergency Management Agency grant (FEMA)
- Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)
Eligibility Requirements
- Households of any size or composition at risk of being displaced or forced to leave their home due to an unforeseen housing emergency or a COVID-19 related employment loss.
- The household income must be below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
- Restrictions apply on rental assistance for families residing in subsidized housing or who have a rental voucher
- For most of this funding, citizenship or immigration status is not an issue.
Financial assistance is limited based on funding, eligibility, and service area. To apply for any of the above programs please click here https://www.smoc.org/housing-consumer-education-center.php
For assistance with the application or for additional information please contact the Community Services Office @ 978-929-6651 or lducharme@actonma.gov
Fuel Assistance Programs
Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government sponsored program that administered by SMOC in Framingham. Residents must have income below 60% of the state median income level.
Good Neighbor Energy Fund-The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is sponsored through the Salvation Army. This program assists households with incomes within 60-80% of the state median income and not otherwise eligible for other fuel assistance programs.
To inquire about eligibility for either of these programs or to schedule an appointment please contact the Community Services office at (978) 929-6651 or email lducharme@actonma.gov.
Additional Resources
Mass211.org - Non-emergency resource and referral on a variety of topicsWilliam James INTERFACE Referral Service
Free, confidential behavioral health and wellness provider referral service, available Monday through Friday, 9 am-5 pm, at 888-244-6843 (toll free)
Mobile Emergency Psychiatric Services Programs
Advocates Emergency Service: 800-640-5432
National Hotlines - Talk with someone anonymously
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255
(Online chat available at: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
Crisis Text Line Text the word “HOME” to 741741
Local Helplines - Talk with someone anonymously
Samaritans Boston: 617-247-0220; 877-870-4673
Samaritans of Merrimack Valley: 866-912-4673
Samariteen (Teen line): 800-252-8336 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends
GLBTQ youth support:
Fenway Community Health Center 800-399-7337;
The Trevor Project Helpline: 866-488-7386
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 800-841-8371