Basic Needs: clothing, food, shelter, etc.

The Home for Little Wanderers: Family Resource Center

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Roslindale (main site)
780 American Legion Highway
Roslindale, MA 02131

Dorchester (satellite site)
Up Academy Dorchester
35 Westville Street
Dorchester, MA 02122

Boston (satellite site)
Suffolk County Juvenile Court
24 New Chardon Street
Boston, MA 02114
*check in at Juvenile Clerk’s office, 2nd floor

Phone: 

(617) 469-8501

Email: 

FRC@thehome.org

Website: 

www.thehome.org/frc

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Roslindale

  • Tuesdays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Wednesdays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Thursdays 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
  • Fridays 12 noon– 4 p.m.
  • Saturdays 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Dorchester 

  • Mondays 9 a.m. – 12 noon
  • Wednesdays 12 noon – 5 p.m.
  • Fridays 9 a.m. – 12 noon

Boston

  • Mondays 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Mission: 

The Family Resource Centers (FRCs) of Massachusetts are a statewide network that provides services to strengthen families and keep them connected to resources within their own community. There are FRCs in every county in the Commonwealth. In addition to assisting families, the FRCs support the children of those families that may have behavioral issues and need additional supports.

Locations

Up Academy Dorchester
35 Westville Street
Dorchester, MA 02122
United States
See map: Google Maps
Roslindale (Main site)
780 American Legion Highway
Roslindale, MA 02131
United States
See map: Google Maps
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

For services or to make a referral, please contact:

Amy McCarthy, Program Director
amccarthy@thehome.org 
FRC@thehome.org
(617) 469-8501

Key Programs Offered: 

How They Can Help
Families come to the FRC for many reasons. The goal of the FRC is to connect those looking for help to the appropriate services, whether they are within the FRC or in the community. Some of the resources the staff at the FRC help families find include:
• Housing support
• Utility assistance
• Legal aid
• Summer camps and sport leagues
• Other family needs

Children who need assistance or are at risk of needing court involvement (Child Requiring Assistance-CRA) can be assessed by an FRC clinician to develop a Family Support Plan to address the child’s and the family’s needs.

Services Offered
The FRC offers an array of services through its experienced staff.
School Liaisons help families with truancy, absenteeism, special education and behavioral issues.

Family Support Workers connect families with resources in the community.
Family Partners help families navigate the child-serving system and use their lived experience as caregivers to partner with other caregivers to help achieve their goals.

Peer Support Workers work with youth to engage them in a process of change by sharing their experiences and struggles
as young adults.

The FRC also facilitates groups and classes for families such as evidence-based parent groups and family enrichment activities.

Youth On Fire

Phone: 

(617) 661-2508

Website: 

http://www.ccaa.org/youth_on_fire.html

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

DROP-IN HOURS
Monday: 11:00 AM to 8 PM

Tuesday: 1:00 PM to 6 PM

Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday: 11:00 AM to 6 PM

(hot meals are served between 2:30 and 5:30 PM)

Mission: 

The Youth On Fire drop-in center was established in the fall of 2000 to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for homeless and street-involved youth. YOF is open five days a week and serves young people between the ages of 14 and 24. Often the behaviors necessary to survive on the streets put these youth at a higher risk for contracting HIV. YOF serves the physical and mental needs of these youth.

The center offers basic necessities, as well as prevention information on HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C and other diseases associated with high-risk behavior. YOF has onsite hot meals, clothing, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as weekly medical care, mental health counseling, and referrals to community resources. The ultimate goal of YOF is to help as many youth as possible to have a healthy lifestyle, remain HIV-negative, and seek greater stability through permanent housing, employment, or school.

Location

1555 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge
United States
See map: Google Maps

Boston GLASS Community Center

Phone: 

857.399.1920

Email: 

Outreach@jri.org

Website: 

http://www.jri.org/services/health-hiv-lgbtq-services/health-and-prevention-services/boston-glass

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Hours of Operation (Drop-in) :

Monday: 12 – 8

Tuesday: 12 – 8

Wednesday: 1 – 7

Thursday: 12 – 8

Friday: 1 – 5

 

Social Media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bostonglass.jri

Twitter:@Boston_GLASS

Instagram: @Boston_GLASS

Mission: 

The mission of Boston GLASS is to improve the well-being of LGBTQQ youth of color and their allies by providing a continuum of services that addresses their immediate needs, equips them with tools to make healthy decisions and live fulfilling lives, and helps create communities in which they can thrive.

Location

Boston GLASS Community Center
75 Amory Street rear
Boston, MA
United States
See map: Google Maps
Created: 
09/11/2012

Charles Street Church Food Pantry

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Email: 

info@charlesstreetame.org

Website: 

http://charlesstreetame.org/index.php

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on the first and third Thursday of every month.

Mission: 

Location

Charles Street AME Church
551 Warren Street
Dorchester, MA 02121
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Partners: 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Bring a photo ID and something that shows your address when you arrive at the food pantry.

Key Programs Offered: 

St. Mary's Food Pantry

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Phone: 

617.282.3181

Email: 

pantry@stmarysdorchester.org

Website: 

www.stmarysdorchester.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Tuesday, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Mission: 

The Food Pantry is one of the most established ministries at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church. Concerned by issues of hunger and poverty in the Uphams Corner neighborhood of Dorchester, St. Mary’s Food Pantry was established in 1991 to help address the needs of those struggling to put food on their tables. Today the food pantry is staffed solely by volunteers and feeds approximately 300 low-income families (875 individuals) from Dorchester, Roxbury, and Jamaica Plain each month.

 

St. Mary’s food pantry is a member agency of the Greater Boston Food Bank and receives most of its food from this source. In addition, the pantry relies on Partner churches, community groups and individuals to help keep its shelves stocked.

Location

St. Mary's Church
14 Cushing Avenue
Dorchester, MA 02125
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Partners: 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

 

FOR CLIENTS

  1. BulletThe St. Mary’s food pantry located at 14 Cushing Ave. in Dorchester is open on Tuesdays from 9:30 -11:30 AM.

  2. BulletThose in need of assistance may come to the pantry once a month to receive a variety of dry, canned and perishable food.

  3. BulletID is required at each visit.

  4. BulletRecipients must be “income eligible” to receive food assistance. See guidelines at point of registration.

  5. BulletFor information about Food Stamps and other free and low-cost food resources, call Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline: 1-800-645-8333.

FOR VOLUNTEERS

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities at St. Mary’s food pantry:

  1. BulletHands-on assistance during pantry hours: Tuesdays 9:30-11:30 (Volunteers arrive at 8:30). Tasks include client sign-in and registration, translating for non-English speaking clients, food storage and pantry maintenance.

  2. BulletPlanning and implementing a food drive on behalf of the pantry

  3. BulletTranslation of written materials such as pantry policies and procedures, etc. – most notably Spanish, Creole and Portuguese

  4. BulletClerical assistance: telephone, written correspondence, etc.

To learn more about volunteer opportunities or to request a Volunteer Application, please contact our Food Pantry Coordinator.

FOR DONORS

Donations of non-perishable dry and canned foods (no glass containers, please) are always welcome. For a “wish list” of most needed foods, to plan a food drive or to arrange a food delivery, please contact our Food Pantry Coordinator.

Key Programs Offered: 

Codman Square Health Center Food Pantry

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

Phone: 

(617) 825-9660

Website: 

http://www.codman.org/

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Tuesdays

Mission: 

We do not want our neighbors to be hungry. Both Codman Square Health Center and Dorchester House Multi-Service Center have an on-site food pantry for members of the community. In addition to gathering food to take home, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about nutrition and other public health issues.

Location

Codman Square Health Center Food Pantry
637 Washington Street
Dorchester, MA 02124
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Partners: 

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Key Programs Offered: 

Community Meeting Space Available: 

no

Project Place

Phone: 

617.542.3740

Email: 

Project Place

Website: 

http://www.projectplace.org

Mission: 

Project Place is a supportive community that promotes hope and opportunity for homeless and low-income individuals by providing the skills, education and resources to obtain stable employment and housing.

Location

1145 Washington Street
Boston, MA 02118
United States
See map: Google Maps
How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Hire a Project Place graduate! Email hjassal@projectplace.org. 

Subscribe to the Project Place newsletter! Email newsletter@projectplace.org. 

Apply for employment or an internship: http://www.projectplace.org/jobs.html.

Volunteer: http://www.projectplace.org/volunteer.html.
 

Key Programs Offered: 

 

GateHouse

The top two floors of Project Place's six-story building are dedicated to GateHouse, 14 studio apartments for homeless individuals who are making transitions in their lives. Residences are permanent, affordable housing in a sober, supportive community. During their stay tenants have the option to utilize Project Place services and programs including our wraparound support services to address barriers in finding and obtaining employment and housing. Tenants have either graduated from a program or are currently enrolled in one, are committed to sobriety and pay one-third of their income for rent.

Betty's Place

Housed in the YWCA's Berkeley Street residence, Betty's Place is a transitional housing program that can accommodate up to 15 women at one time. Residents are provided with Project Place programming and supports while making the transition from the emergency shelter system to independent living. Betty's provides each resident with a room of her own in a safe, clean environment and two meals a day. Residents also receive our wraparound support services to address barriers in finding and obtaining employment and housing. The average length of stay is six months.

HomePlate

HomePlate is a food preparation and services training program. Participants in this program help to operate our pushcart in downtown Boston, fulfill catering requests for corporate and private clients and prepare breakfast and lunch for Project Place clients and staff daily. All food is prepared in our in-house commercial kitchen. Clients in this program are primed to transfer directly into the food service industry and also graduate with comprehensive customer service and money handling skills. They also receive our wraparound support services to address barriers in finding and obtaining employment and housing. 

Wraparound Support Services

All Project Place clients receive the wraparound support services to address the various barriers they may encounter in finding and obtaining employment and housing. A comprehensive, yet personalized approach is utilized with each client to ensure that services meet the individual's needs. These include: Case Management, Career Services, Computer Training, Educational Services, Alumni Services. Read more here. For more information, contact: Kim Nuttall at 617.542.3740 or knuttall@projectplace.org.

Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP)

This new employment, placement and training program provides tailored services specific to veterans. In addition to traditional case management and support services, clients are assessed for veteran’s benefit eligibility, provided referrals for specific needs and given assistance in obtaining discharge papers (DD214).

Client Assistance Programs

- Danielle Fund: Named to honor the life and memory of Danielle Ontra, this fund was created to support clients and alumni who are making strides to live independently and are committed to their recovery. Clients may apply for funds to alleviate financial burdens up to $500, paid directly to the source (landlord, school, etc.). Included in the application process is identification of the need, developing a budget to manage future expenses and explanation of how compliance of goals aligns with agency mission.

- MicroLoan Fund: A new program of Project Place, our MicroLoan Fund offers small financial loans to assist graduates in overcoming temporary obstacles to successful housing, education and/or employment. In addition, it helps them to develop a positive credit history. A committee comprised of graduates, staff, board and bank representatives, review applications and work with applicants to finalize their request and develop a repayment plan.

- Paul White Empowerment Fund: Established by his family in memory of Paul White, a long time friend and supporter of Project Place. The fund will assist persons served by Project Place to advance their education and/or employment goals. Grants will be given to clients for:

Tuition for GED, certificate or post secondary education
Books or supplies for educational purposes
Clothing for employment interviews
Other education or employment purposes which meet the goal of the fund 

 

Social Enterprises

Project Place prides itself on the entrepreneurial approach we take to solving social challenges. To help facilitate change in our clients' lives we run three businesses that provide paid employment to those overcoming homelessness. Our businesses also create a revenue stream for the agency that contributes to 20% of our operating budget while providing our clients with the skills and work experience needed to gain employment.

  • Project Pepsi: a vending machine service business.
  • Clean Corners... Bright Hopes: a facilities and outdoor maintenance service.
  • HomePlate: a food services program, operating a pushcart in downtown Boston and offering catering to corporate and private clients. 
Created: 
05/18/2011

 

Project Place
1145 Washington Street 
Boston, MA 02118
617.542.3740 (p) 
617.542.3860 (f) 
info@projectplace.org

Contact Betty's Place:

Betty's Place 
40 Berkeley Street 
Boston, MA 02116 (p)
617.482.1126 (p)
617.482.7524 (f) 
info@projectplace.org 

Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition

Phone: 

617-696-2900

Email: 

info@mattapanfoodandfitness.org

Website: 

http://mattapanfoodandfitness.org/

Mission: 

The Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition draws on the wonderful ethnic and cultural diversity of the Mattapan community to promote a healthy living environment, with a focus on access to healthy foods and the promotion of physical fitness for all ages.

Location

1613 Blue Hill Ave
Mattapan, MA 02126
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Partners: 

ABCD Head Start, B-3 Community Services Unit of the Boston Police Department, Boston Organization of Nutritionists and Dietitians of Color, the Boston Public Health Commission,  Brookwood Community Farm, Church of the Holy Spirit, Christine’s Fitness Vibe, Citizen Schools, Mildred Avenue Middle School, City Natives Nursery/Boston Natural Areas Network, Clark-Cooper Community Garden, Colorado Street Neighborhood Association, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation, The Food Project, Harvard Prevention Research Center, Jubilee Christian Church,  Mattapan Civic Association, Mattapan Community Development Corporation, Mattapan Cultural Arts Council, Mattapan Community Health Center, Mattapan Family Services Center, Morton Street Board of Commerce, Nutrition and Fitness for Life Program, Boston Medical Center, Youth and Family Enrichment Services.

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition Meetings are held on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 p.m. at the Mildred Avenue Community Center, 5 Mildred Ave. in Mattapan. All meetings are open to the public.

If you would like more information about the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition, or to find out how you can get involved, please contact MFFC at info@mattapanfoodandfitness.org.

Key Programs Offered: 

The Mattapan Farmers Market: The MFFC sponsors a weekly farmers market in Mattapan Square on Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July through October. This year, the market will be held in the parking lot of the Church of the Holy Spirit, 525 River St. form July 10th through October 2. At the market you can find a wide variety of fresh, affordable, organic fruits and vegetables from local farms. Farmers at the market accept EBT/SNAP (Food Stamps), WIC and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Coupons.

Mattapan Moving for Life: To promote the utilization of community resources for physical fitness, the Coalition is establishing an annual Mattapan Moving for Life fitness event.

Healthy on the Block: Join MFFC to help corner stores in Mattapan offer healthier options, including better quality fruits and vegetables at a reasonable price. The Strategic Alliance for Health Corner Store Initiative is working with community members and organizations to increase community access to healthy affordable food through community corner stores. Help MFFC to plan for this project and identify corner stores to participate in this community- supported effort. Contact the program coordinator, Cassandra Cato-Lois for more information about how to get involved.

Created: 
04/26/2011

Family Van, The

Mailing Address (if different than physical location): 

1542 Tremont St, Roxbury MA 02120

Phone: 

617-442-3200

Fax: 

617-442-3250

Email: 

familyvan@hms.harvard.edu

Website: 

www.familyvan.org

Hours of operation (or meeting times & dates): 

Thursday 9-12, Codman Square Friday 9-12, Uphams Corner Friday 1-4, Mattapan

Mission: 

The Family Van offers free confidential care such as blood sugar, glaucoma and cholesterol screenings, blood pressure checks, nutrition counseling, pregnancy tests and family planning, confidential HIV testing and counseling and referrals to other community resources. No appointment, medical insurance or identification is needed. For more information, call (617) 442-3200.

Location

Codman Square
Washington Street
02124
United States
See map: Google Maps
Key Partners: 

Harvard Medical School

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures: 

Drop-in

Boston Housing Authority

Phone: 

617.988.4000

Website: 

http://www.bostonhousing.org/

Mission: 

This is a public agency which provides affordable housing to low and moderate income indivduals and families. You have to be eligible to apply for this housing.

Created: 
01/24/2011
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