If you are struggling with housing, food, or other basic needs, you are not alone. There are many ways we can help.
guide
Low-income resources
Last updated:
FOOD
Contact: Food Justice
GET FINANCIAL help
These programs offer aid to help you buy food.
- Healthy Incentives Program (earn incentives when buying healthy food at farmers and mobile markets)
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance)
- WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
Free and low-cost food locations
Our map features places where you can find food, including:
- food pantries
- free meal sites
- farmers markets and mobile markets
- senior dining sites, and
- affordable fruits and vegetables.
HELPSTEPS
If you’re not sure where to start, search for all available resources.
Developed by the Online Advocate team at Boston Children’s Hospital, HelpSteps connects people to local resources through a personalized search.
HOUSING
Contact: Housing
FIND AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Learn more about the City’s affordable housing.
STAY IN YOUR HOME
Are you at risk of foreclosure, or getting evicted? These services can help.
FIND OVERNIGHT SHELTERS
If you need a place to stay overnight, these are a few local groups that can help.
UTILITIES
Contact: Environment
There are many resources to help you with the cost of fueling your home.
CONNECTIVITY
Contact: Innovation and Technology
GET COMPUTER ACCESS
- Boston Public Libraries and some BCYF Community Centers offer free wireless internet and computer use for the public, including the BPL's Chromebook Connectivity Kit and Wi-Fi Hotspot borrowing programs.
- The BPL’s Long Term Device Lending Program distributes Chromebooks and home router Wi-Fi access to Boston Housing Authority residents.
GET CONNECTED AT HOME
Learn if low-cost options such as Internet Essentials from Comcast, Fios Forward from Verizon, or PCs for People are right for you. The Lifeline Program has been expanded to offer discounts for home internet and eligible people can apply to save money on their internet bills through the FCC's Affordable Connectivity Program.
GET EDUCATED
Build digital skills through these resources:
GET ONLINE
Try Boston’s free public Wi-Fi, Wicked Free Wi-Fi. View our map for current locations. Check back frequently as new locations are often added.
TRANSPORTATION
Contact: Transportation
You may qualify for these discounted transportation programs.
EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCES
Contact: Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
EMPLOYMENT
Massachusetts One-Stop Career Centers offer job seekers help through career counselors, workshops, and more.
You can search for jobs at the City of Boston through our career center. We also have information on getting jobs in civil service.
TAXES
Boston Tax Help Coalition provides free tax preparation for low- to moderate-income residents, facilitating access to the Earned Income Tax Credit for those eligible.
children’s savings accounts
Boston Saves will provide children’s savings accounts to help families of Boston Public Schools kindergarteners save for their post-secondary education.
DID YOU KNOW?
You can receive free financial coaching through Mayor Walsh’s Office of Financial Empowerment at a financial opportunity center.
SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM
Boston youth 18 and under can receive free wholesome and nutritious breakfast and lunch through this program.
COMMUNITY CENTERS AND POOLS
Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) runs 36 facilities across Boston. Find a center near you.
RESOURCES FOR SENIORS
Contact: Age Strong Commission
There are a number of additional resources specific to older adults. Contact Age Strong Commission staff for help navigating resources for those over 60 living in Boston.
HOUSING
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Adults over 60 can receive help to replace aging heating systems.
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Adults over 62 who own a home may qualify for loans for home repairs.
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Adults over 65 may qualify to defer property taxes and stay in their home.
UTILITIES
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Boston Water and Sewer offers a discount for adults over 65, as well as residents with disabilities of all ages.
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Comcast and RCN offer a basic tier option for adults over 62 or 65, depending on the service.
FOOD
- Adults over 60 are eligible to eat at congregate nutrition lunch sites across Boston and receive home delivered meals.
HEALTHCARE
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Adults over 60 can receive free oral/dental screenings.
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For adults over 60 seeking help navigating Medicare, try the SHINE Program. For help with public and private benefits programs, try BenefitsCheckUp.
TRANSPORTATION
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Adults over 60 can receive free door-to-door transportation to non-emergency medical appointments.
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Adults over 65, as well as residents with disabilities of all ages, can buy coupon books for licensed taxis.
Resources for veterans
Contact: Veterans Services
The City is committed to helping veterans and their dependents find the best available services.
LEARN ABOUT AVAILABLE SERVICES
Any veteran, active duty, reserve, national guard or military family member may contact Veterans Services for help understanding federal, state, and City laws and benefits.
GET FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE
Massachusetts offers a financial assistance program for eligible veterans and their dependents for food, shelter, clothing, housing supplies, medical care, and burial assistance.
CONNECT WITH LOCAL RESOURCES
The Greater Boston Veterans Collaborative (GBVC) and Mass VetsAdvisor connects veterans and their families through a supportive network of organizations that advocate, serve and engage the veterans’ community.
GIVE BACK
Veterans’ Services sponsors several service projects throughout the year. Learn how you can engage with veterans that call Boston their home by sending an email to veterans@boston.gov with subject line “Volunteer”.
END VETERAN HOMELESSNESS
Boston Homes for the Brave brings together government and nonprofit agencies committed to ending veteran homelessness in Boston.
