Boston
Ask about Boston
Ask in your own words. We look up programs and offices for Boston and tell you where to go next.
Local offices in Boston
We found these on official websites. Call before you go, since hours and places can change.
Human services · City office
Center for Working Families
7 Palmer Street, 2nd Floor, Roxbury, MA 02119
Help here
- Financial coaching and job servicesGet one-on-one help with financial education, credit building, and employment services.
- Free tax helpFind free tax preparation services for eligible residents.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
State office
DTA Jackson Square Transitional Assistance Office
1785 Columbus Avenue, Boston, MA 02119
Help here
- Cash and food benefitsApply for or get help with state cash and food benefits.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
State office
DTA Nubian Square Transitional Assistance Office
2201 Washington Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
Help here
- Food and cash benefitsVisit the local DTA office for help with food and cash assistance services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Housing help · City office
Office of Housing Stability
26 Court Street, Boston, MA 02108
Help here
- Housing crisis helpGet information and referrals if you face eviction, fire, disaster, or another housing crisis.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Housing help · City office
Boston Housing Authority
52 Chauncy Street, Boston, MA 02111
Help here
- Public housing and rental assistanceLearn about public housing and rental voucher programs for eligible residents.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bostonhousing.org
Utilities · City office
Boston Water and Sewer Commission
980 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02119
Help here
- Water and sewer bill assistanceAsk about payment plans, financial hardship help, and eligible water and sewer bill discounts.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on bwsc.org
Public health · City office
Boston Public Health Commission
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02118
Help here
- Public health programs and servicesFind Boston public health programs, including family and child health, recovery services, and shelter services.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Housing help · City office
Fair Housing and Equity
1 City Hall Square, Room 966, Boston, MA 02201-2041
Help here
- Housing discrimination complaintsContact the office to report possible discrimination when renting, buying, or financing housing in Boston.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Local office · City office
Boston Human Rights Commission
1 City Hall Square, Room 966, Boston, MA 02201
Help here
- Human rights information and referralsGet information about human rights concerns and referrals for discrimination complaints.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Human services · City office
Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services
1 City Hall Square, Room 805, Boston, MA 02201-2022
Help here
- Neighborhood help and city servicesGet help connecting with city services and sharing neighborhood concerns with the city.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Older adults · City office
Age Strong Commission
1 City Hall Square, Room 271, Boston, MA 02201
Help here
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Veterans · City office
Veterans Services
26 Court Street, 5th Floor, Boston, MA 02108
Help here
- Veteran benefits and financial assistanceGet help with veterans benefits, Chapter 115 financial assistance, and related services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Local office · City office
Boston 311
Help here
- Non-emergency city servicesReport a non-emergency problem or ask where to get city help.Apply online
- Utility issue reportsReport a city utility problem, such as an issue with water, heat, gas, or electricity.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Human services · City office
Boston Centers for Youth and Families
1483 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
Help here
- Community center and family programsFind affordable programs, activities, and community resources at centers across Boston.Apply online
- ChildcareLearn about affordable childcare offered through the BCYF City Hall Childcare Program.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Human services · City office
Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement
1481 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02120
Help here
- Youth resources and programsFind city programs, resources, and opportunities for young people ages 14 to 25.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Immigrant services · City office
Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement
1 City Hall Square, Room 806, Boston, MA 02201
Help here
- Immigrant support and referralsFind information and connections to services for immigrants living in Boston.
- Free immigration consultationsFind out how to access free immigration legal consultations offered through the city.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Jobs and training · City office
Office of Workforce Development
43 Hawkins Street, Boston, MA 02114
Help here
- Job training and education resourcesFind city-supported job training, education, and employment programs for Boston residents.Read more
- City AcademyLearn about training programs that prepare Boston residents for entry-level city jobs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Jobs and training · State office
MassHire Boston ABCD Career Center
10 Malcolm X Boulevard, Roxbury, MA 02119
Help here
- Job search and career supportGet free job search help, career planning, workshops, and information about training.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Jobs and training · State office
MassHire Downtown Boston Career Center
75 Federal Street, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02110
Help here
- Job search and training helpGet job search help, career guidance, and information about training.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
State office
Boston Re-Employment Center
2 Avenue de Lafayette, Boston, MA 02111
Help here
- Unemployment insurance and job search helpAttend an appointment for help with unemployment insurance and job search services.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
State office
Boston Haymarket RMV Service Center
136 Blackstone Street, Boston, MA 02109
Help here
- Driver license, permit, and ID transactionsComplete eligible driver license, learner's permit, and ID transactions by appointment.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Library · City office
Boston Public Library
Central Library, 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Help here
- Library system and programsUse library branches, digital resources, learning programs, and research services across Boston.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Local office · City office
Boston Bikes
Help here
- Discounted Bluebikes membershipEligible Boston residents can apply for a Bluebikes pass for $5 a year.Apply online
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Parks and recreation · City office
Parks and Recreation Department
1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd Floor, Boston, MA 02118
Help here
- Parks and recreationFind city parks, recreation programs, sports, and activities across Boston.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Checked on October 8, 2026
Food near you
Food pantries and free meals, closest to the center of Boston first. Hours change, so call first when you can.
Food pantry
Food pantry distribution
Fourth Presbyterian Church
1.9 miles from the center of Boston340 Dorchester St, Boston, MA 02127
Hours
- Tue9:30 AM to 12 PM (2nd and 4th of the month)
Listed on fourthboston.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Boston Rescue Mission Food Pantry
Boston Rescue Mission
2.3 miles from the center of Boston39 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111
Hours
- Mon2 PM to 3 PM
- Sat2 PM to 3:30 PM
Listed on brm.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Meals
St. Francis House
2.5 miles from the center of Boston39 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116
Hours
- Mon7 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Tue7 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Wed7 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Thu7 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Fri7 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Sat7 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Lunch
- Sun7 AM to 9 AM. Breakfast; 11:30 AM to 1 PM. Lunch
Who can come: Guests
Listed on stfrancishouse.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Free meals
Manna
2.6 miles from the center of Boston138 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111
Hours
- Mon9:30 AM to 2 PM
- Tue9:30 AM to 12 PM
- Sun8:30 AM to 11 AM
Who can come: Unstably housed people in Boston
Listed on mannaboston.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Boston Food Pantry
American Red Cross of Massachusetts
2.6 miles from the center of Boston1033 Massachusetts Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Hours
- Wed9 AM to 12 PM
- Sat9 AM to 12 PM
Who can come: Everyone is welcome
What to bring: Complete an in-person registration intake and bring the pantry card. Photo ID is not required.
Listed on redcross.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Food pantry
Food Access Center (Food Pantry), North End
ABCD Action for Boston Community Development
2.7 miles from the center of Boston1 Michelangelo Street, Boston, MA 02113
Hours
- Tue9 AM to 4 PM
- Wed9 AM to 4 PM
- Thu9 AM to 4 PM
- Fri9 AM to 4 PM
Listed on bostonabcd.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofits that serve Boston
Each one serves this area. Call before you go, since services and hours change.
Food bank
Food banks supply the food pantries and meal sites near you. Call or check the website to find one close by.
Nonprofit
The Greater Boston Food Bank
70 South Bay Ave, Boston, MA 02118
Listed on feedingamerica.org, checked on October 10, 2026
Free legal help
Free help with civil legal problems, like eviction, benefits and family law, for people with low incomes. Funded by the Legal Services Corporation.
Nonprofit
Volunteer Lawyers Project of the Boston Bar Association
Listed on lsc.gov, checked on October 10, 2026
Community action
Local nonprofits that help people with low incomes. Many help with energy bills, rent, jobs and taxes. Call to ask what they offer now.
Nonprofit
Action for Boston Community Development, Inc. (ABCD)
178 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111-1006
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Nonprofit
Community Action Programs Inter-City, Inc. (CAPIC)
100 Everett Avenue, Unit#14, Chelsea, MA 02150
Listed on nascsp.org, checked on October 9, 2026
Offices for all of Suffolk County
Boston is in Suffolk County. These county and state offices serve people there too.
Child support · State office
Boston Child Support Metro Regional Office
100 Cambridge Street, 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02114
Help here
- Child support servicesGet help starting, enforcing, or changing a child support order.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
State office
EOHHS Chelsea Center Transitional Assistance Office
80 Everett Avenue, 3rd Floor, Chelsea, MA 02150
Help here
- Cash and food benefitsApply for or get help with state cash and food benefits.Apply onlineRead more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Community action · Nonprofit
Action for Boston Community Development
178 Tremont Street, Boston, MA 02111
Help here
- Community assistanceGet help finding energy assistance and other local services for eligible residents.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Older adults · City office
Boston Age Strong Commission
1 City Hall Square, Room 271, Boston, MA 02201
Help here
- Older adult servicesBoston residents age 55 and older can get help finding services, benefits, and programs.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on boston.gov
Older adults · Regional office
Mystic Valley Aging Services
300 Commercial Street, Suite 19, Malden, MA 02148
Help here
- Aging and disability supportOlder adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers in Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop can get help finding support to live independently.
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mves.org
Jobs and training · State office
MassHire Metro North Career Center Chelsea Access Point
4 Gerrish Avenue, Chelsea, MA 02150
Help here
- Job search and training helpAsk about local job search and workforce services available at this access point.Read more
Last checked October 8, 2026 · Found on mass.gov
Massachusetts programs by kind of help
These are run by Massachusetts and work the same everywhere in the state. Each page lists the programs and how to apply.
- FoodFood benefits, WIC, school meals and food banks.
- HousingRent help, shelter, and help with heat and power bills.
- HealthHealth coverage, Medicare, mental health care and help with drug costs.
- MoneyCash help, disability, retirement and veterans payments, and tax help.
- CareChild care, help for older adults and disability support.
- EducationHelp paying for college and training, and free preschool.
- WorkJobs, unemployment, and the IDs and papers you need for work.
- Legal helpFree legal help with eviction, family law, benefits and more.
- SafetyHelp with abuse at home, a safe place to stay, and crisis lines.
Checked on October 8, 2026
Federal help anyone can use
These come from the federal government, so they work the same in every state.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people with little income and few resources who are 65 or older, blind, or have a disability, including children.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes and now cannot work because of a disability that will last a long time.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Social Security retirement benefits
Social Security Administration. Monthly payments for people who worked and paid Social Security taxes, starting as early as 62. Spouses and widows may also get benefits.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Health insurance for people 65 or older and for some younger people with a disability or kidney failure.
Call 1-800-633-4227 - Extra Help with Medicare drug costs
Social Security Administration. Help paying for Medicare prescription drug plans for people with limited income and resources.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - VA health care
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Health care at VA clinics and hospitals for veterans who served in the active military and did not get a dishonorable discharge.
Call 1-877-222-8387 - VA disability compensation and benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Monthly payments for veterans with an illness or injury caused or made worse by military service, plus education, home loan and other benefits.
Call 1-800-827-1000 - FAFSA, the federal student aid form
U.S. Department of Education. One free form that opens federal grants, work-study and loans for college or trade school. Many states and schools use it for their own aid too.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Federal Pell Grant
U.S. Department of Education. Money for college or trade school that usually does not have to be paid back, for students with financial need.
Call 1-800-433-3243 - Lifeline phone and internet discount
Federal Communications Commission. A monthly discount on phone or internet service for households with low income or who get benefits like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
Call 1-800-234-9473 - Head Start and Early Head Start
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Free preschool, child care and family support for young children from birth to age 5 in families with low income, run by local programs.
Call 1-866-763-6481 - IRS Free File
Internal Revenue Service. File your federal tax return online for free with tax software offered through the IRS, if your income is under the year's limit.
- VITA and TCE free tax help
Internal Revenue Service. IRS-certified volunteers prepare and file your taxes for free, in person, for people with low or moderate income, older adults and people with disabilities.
Call 1-800-906-9887 - Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)
Internal Revenue Service. A federal tax credit for people who work and earn low to moderate income. It can mean a bigger refund, even if you owe no tax.
Call 1-800-829-1040 - Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Help paying rent in a home you choose, for families with very low income, older adults and people with disabilities. Local housing authorities run it, and many have waiting lists.
- Replace a Social Security card
Social Security Administration. Get a free replacement Social Security card if yours was lost, stolen or damaged. Many people can ask online.
Call 1-800-772-1213 - FEMA disaster assistance
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Help with a place to stay, repairs and other needs after a disaster the President has declared in your area.
Call 1-800-621-3362
Checked on October 9, 2026
Talk to a person
- Mass 211
Free help finding food, housing, bills and more near you.
Call 877-211-6277 - 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 if you are in crisis or worried about someone. Any time.
Call 988Text 988