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Low-income resources

Last updated:

If you are struggling with housing, food, or other basic needs, you are not alone. There are many ways we can help.

FOOD

Contact: Food Justice
GET FINANCIAL help

These programs offer aid to help you buy food.

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.

Food Resources maps

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.

CONNECTIVITY

GET COMPUTER ACCESS
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.

Learn more

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EMPLOYMENT AND FINANCES

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.

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DID YOU KNOW?

You can receive free financial coaching through Mayor Walsh’s Office of Financial Empowerment at a financial opportunity center.

Learn more

RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES

FAMILIES
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SUMMER MEAL PROGRAM

Boston youth 18 and under can receive free wholesome and nutritious breakfast and lunch through this program.

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COMMUNITY CENTERS AND POOLS

Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) runs 36 facilities across Boston. Find a center near you.

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PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Learn about opportunities for children, teens, and families. 

RESOURCES FOR SENIORS

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
UTILITIES
  • Boston Water and Sewer offers a discount for adults over 65, as well as residents with disabilities of all ages.

  • Comcast and RCN offer a basic tier option for adults over 62 or 65, depending on the service.

FOOD
HEALTHCARE
TRANSPORTATION

  

Resources for veterans

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.

  

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