Community Resources

Massachusetts Financial Aid Programs

This resource hub brings together Massachusetts state financial aid programs that help students pay for college and career training, including grants, scholarships, tuition waivers, internships, loans, and loan repayment programs.

Discounted Electric and Gas rates

Families who participate in programs such as SNAP food assistance and MassHealth are entitled to discounted rates on their electric and gas bills. The discounts are now supposed to be automatic for SNAP and MassHealth participants, but if you don't see the discounted rates referenced on your gas and electric bills, click the link below, and then click on "Search By Utility" to find both your gas company's and your electric company's discount programs.

Sealing eviction records

For information about sealing court records of eviction cases, click the link below.

Free Charity Cars

Free Charity Cars is a nonprofit that provides free donated vehicles to low-income individuals and families in need across the U.S. Eligible applicants can apply online using the link below.

Attorney General Guidance: KNOW YOUR RIGHTS: ICE Enforcement

A Guide for Immigrants, Families, and Communities

Accessing legal help

Use the site below to seek legal help for issues related to domestic abuse, criminal records, debt, education, family issues, healthcare, insurance, housing, immigration, government benefits, wills, and more.

Protection Against Eviction

For information about free and reduced-cost legal assistance and other legal resources, click the link below.

Eviction defense self-help

The MADE (MAssachusetts Defense for Eviction) website is a free tool to help tenants defend against an eviction in court - for use after receiving a court "Summons and Complaint." After you fill in all your information, you can print out an "Answer" that is ready to be filed in court. MADE can also send you reminders of important dates/deadlines by text and email.

Free legal help for residents of Greater Boston

- The Volunteer Lawyers Project provides free representation to Greater Boston residents with low incomes. To find out if you qualify, call the phone number below. - Serves residents of the following cities and towns: Acton, Arlington, Ashland, Bedford, Bellingham, Belmont, Boston, Braintree, Brookline, Cambridge, Canton, Carlisle, Chelsea, Cohasset, Concord, Dedham. Dover, Everett, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Hingham, Holbrook, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Hull, Lexington, Lincoln, Malden, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medford, Medway, Melrose, Millis, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Norwell, Norwood, Plainville, Quincy, Randolph, Revere, Scituate, Sharon, Sherborn, Somerville, Stoneham, Stow, Sudbury, Wakefield, Walpole, Waltham, Watertown, Wayland, Wellesley, Weston, Westwood, Weymouth, Winchester, Winthrop, Woburn, Wollaston, Wrentham.

Reduced-rate legal representation

Massachusetts residents with low and moderate incomes can access reduced-rate legal representation via the Boston Bar Association's Lawyer Referral Service. Click the link below, then click "Select a lawyer now."

Harvard Legal Aid Bureau

Residents of Suffolk County (Boston, Chelsea, Revere & Winthrop) and part of Middlesex County can request legal representation by a student-attorney in the areas of Housing Law, Family Law, Government Benefits, and Wage & Employee Benefits Law.

Emergency Housing Payment Help

To apply for RAFT emergency assistance (for rent, utilities, or mortgage), please visit the website below. Note: Currently, if you are a tenant seeking RAFT rent or utility assistance, one of the following must apply: a) You have received a Notice to Quit from your landlord, or are otherwise aware that your landlord has initiated a court case to evict you; OR b) You have received a utility shutoff notice.