Basic Needs: clothing, food, shelter, etc.

Charles Street Church Food Pantry

Location

551 Warren Street

Dorchester, MA, 02121

United States

42° 18' 46.2888" N, 71° 5' 1.032" W

See map: Google Maps

Mailing Address (if different than physical location):

Email:

info@charlesstreetame.org

Website:

http://charlesstreetame.org/communitylife.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:

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

Location

14 Cushing Avenue

Dorchester, MA, 02125

United States

42° 18' 57.9888" N, 71° 3' 51.8688" W

See map: Google Maps

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.

Key Partners:

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

FOR CLIENTS

The St. Mary’s food pantry located at 14 Cushing Ave. in Dorchester is open on Tuesdays from 9:30 -11:30 AM.
Those in need of assistance may come to the pantry once a month to receive a variety of dry, canned and perishable food.
ID is required at each visit.
Recipients must be “income eligible” to receive food assistance. See guidelines at point of registration.
For 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:

Hands-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.
Planning and implementing a food drive on behalf of the pantry
Translation of written materials such as pantry policies and procedures, etc. – most notably Spanish, Creole and Portuguese
Clerical 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

Location

378A Washington Street

Dorchester, MA, 02124

United States

42° 17' 53.5776" N, 71° 4' 21.8208" W

See map: Google Maps

Mailing Address (if different than physical location):

Phone:

617.822.8369

Website:

http://www.codman.org/2011/06/food-pantry-re-opens/

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.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Michelle Rue

Key Partners:

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Charge for services:

free

Key Programs Offered:

Transportation provided:

no

Community Meeting Space Available:

no

Type of facility in which this program/organization located:

Health Center

Project Place

Location

1145 Washington Street

Boston, MA, 02118

United States

42° 20' 37.5936" N, 71° 3' 58.0896" W

See map: Google Maps

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.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Suzanne Kenney, Executive Director

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.

Scholarships available:

Yes

Last Updated:

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

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.

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.

Last Updated:

04/26/2011

Family Van, The

Location

Washington Street

02124

United States

42° 17' 8.9196" N, 71° 4' 16.1832" W

See map: Google Maps

Mailing Address (if different than physical location):

1542 Tremont St, Roxbury MA 02120

Phone:

617-442-3200

Fax:

617-442-3250

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.

Key Partners:

Harvard Medical School

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Drop-in

Charge for services:

No

DotWell

Location

1452 Dorchester Avenue, 4th Floor

Dorchester, MA, 02122

United States

42° 18' 3.6576" N, 71° 3' 35.4564" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

(617) 474-1442

Fax:

(617) 474-0465

Email:

bethany.dionne@dotwell.org and info@mydorchester.org can direct interested parties to specific programs

Website:

http://www.dotwell.org

Mission:

DotWell is a community-based organization, specifically a formalized collaborative effort of its two founding organizations: the Codman Square Health Center (CSHC) and the Dorchester House Multi-Service Center (DHMSC). DotWell was previously known as the Health Services Partnership of Dorchester (HSP).

DotWell generates trust and respect by providing the highest quality comprehensive clinical and community-based services; a well-maintained physical plant that meets the needs of the community; a team of staff that are both entrepreneurial and practical; state-of-the-art technology available for use by the staff and the community; and unparalleled involvement by a diverse group of stakeholders including staff, clients, board members, elected and appointed officials, and collaborators.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Karen Van Unen, COO; Joel Abrams and Sandra Cotterell, Co-CEOs;

Key Partners:

Codman Square Health Center and Dorchester House Multi-Service Center; Boston Medical Center; Healthworks at Codman; many local services providers.

How to get involved/application guidelines and procedures:

Call Visit http://www.dotwell.org/?page_id=45 for specific departments' contact information.

Key Programs Offered:

Adult Education

Civic Health Institute

Financial Health
Free tax preparation
Financial Counseling
Financial Coaching

Recreation and Fitness
Dorchester House Pool: Asthma Swim, Swim Lessons, Lifeguard Training, more
Sports clinics: Basketball (Beantown Slam), Tennis,
FANtastic Kids: Weight management program for ages 8-12
Various recreational activities offered through Generation Next Academy/GNA Teen Center

Healthworks at Codman: Located at 450 Washington Street, this women and children's gym uses a variety of practices to ensure community health: sliding-scale memberships, 3-month "prescription" membership for overweight patients of Codman Square Health Center, personal training, nutritionist "interview" at intake, fun classes, special events and activities, friendly and informed staff

Youth Programs
Community Health Career Internships: Summer health internships for teens. Daily schedule includes one hour of workshop time focused on key life skills areas including civic engagement, job readiness, financial literacy and wellness. Internships can include administrative, clinical, youth programming and recreation placements.
Skills for Life: Highly interactive class for teens combining lessons in personal finance with career exploration by making field trips to Harvard Business School, the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and other organizations.

Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative: The Dorchester FAMILY School Initiative (DFSI) is a multi-organizational partnership that connects three public elementary schools in central Dorchester with health and social service organizations, colleges, other enrichment groups, and parents.
(You can find DFSI under "Youth and Family" on MyDorchester.)

Generation Next Academy/GNA Teen Center: formerly the DotWell Teen Center, GNA is a place where youth ages 13-18 can gain the necessary skills to prepare for the future.
(You can find GNA under "Youth and Family" on MyDorchester.)

Last Updated:

03/14/2011

Boston Housing Authority

Phone:

617.988.4000

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.

Last Updated:

01/24/2011

Rental Housing Resource Center

Phone:

617.635.4200

Mission:

If you rent an apartment,this center can help you:
- If you are having a problem with your land lord or a tenant.
- If you have any related qustions.

Last Updated:

01/24/2011

Dorchester Bay EDC

Location

594 Columbia Rd Ste 302

Dorchester, MA, 02125

United States

42° 19' 2.4132" N, 71° 3' 53.1216" W

See map: Google Maps

Phone:

617.825.4200

Fax:

617.825.3522

Website:

http://www.dbedc.org/index.html

Mission:

Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation acts to build a strong, thriving, and diverse community in Boston’s north Dorchester neighborhoods. Working closely with neighborhood residents and partners, we access resources to:
Develop and preserve affordable home ownership and rental housing,
Create and sustain commercial and economic development opportunities, and
Build community power through organizing and leadership development.

Executive Director/CEO/President/Coordinator/Other:

Maria Andrade; Homeowner Services Committee & Organizing Committee

Key Programs Offered:

Homeowner Services provides home improvement and deleading loans for unbankable homeowners. The focus is keeping low to moderate income homeowners in their home; by decreasing maintenance costs, avoiding foreclosure, rehabbing uninhabitable units, educating the homeowner in financial literacy and increasing energy conservation. In our eleven year program we have lent more than $1.5 million and rehabbed 239 units of housing.

Youth Force Program is a youth leadership initiative that trains local teens to be community leaders and community organizers, who in turn train other local teens to be leaders and organizers in their own neighborhoods. The program is designed in a community organizing framework, and it focuses on building youth leaders, building youth relationships and building youth power. Youth Force members learn leadership and community organizing skills such as meeting facilitation, engaging in campaign work, relational meetings, power analysis and research actions. The program goal is to build youth power in Dorchester and beyond and to strengthen the local community by tackling specific, winnable issues. We grow leaders through engaging them in the issues that affect them directly.

Learning Is a Fun Experience (L.I.F.E.) is a new drop-in after school program with homework help, Internet research, public speaking, visual arts, ceramics, digital arts production, literacy and math computer games, sports, fun and enrichment activities.

Seniors Program supports approximately 90 elders living in and nearby Dorchester Bay rental units. Meeting three times weekly, they enhance their quality of life by offering community-based case management services and enrichment, prevention, education, and intervention programming. Rock and Roll Seniors pays stipends to seniors to use their expertise and energy to design their own program. They remain safe, connected and active.

TechnoBay Computer Training is an inter-genrational computer training course geared for families. Both parent and chilld learn about computer hardware and software. All courses are free of charge. For more information about the course contact Karen Cookie Sheers at 617-825-4200 x225

Last Updated:

01/03/2011