Help in Massachusetts
For people starting over after prison, foster care, treatment, homelessness, abuse, or trafficking
We've verified 21 places in Massachusetts, most of them in Worcester, Boston and Springfield, plus 11 that serve the whole state. The most help we've found here is for people after prison or jail (14) and leaving homelessness (11).
Mass 211
Massachusetts' information and referral line for housing and shelter, food, utility help, domestic violence, behavioral health, transportation, and youth homelessness. Dial 2-1-1 any time to be connected to local programs.
Everyday Miracles Peer Recovery Center
Free, peer-run recovery community center in downtown Worcester with support groups across multiple recovery pathways, computers, social events, and volunteer roles for adults in recovery from substance use. Open weekdays with extended evening and weekend hours.
Reentry Planning
Each state prison has Reentry Specialists who work with people in DOC custody on housing, MassHealth enrollment, identity documents, medical and substance use care, employment, and benefits before release; planning intensifies in the six months before a release date. Ask your unit team or caseworker to connect you with the Institutional Reentry Committee.
Pine Street Inn Emergency Shelter
Boston's largest adult shelter system assigns beds daily through its Triage team at the Men's Inn and Yawkey House. Beds go to adults 18 and over who can manage basic self-care; there is no sobriety requirement at most sites.
St. Francis House Day Shelter
Downtown Boston day shelter serving breakfast and lunch, with showers, clothing, mail service, an in-house ID card, a medical clinic, a Recovery Support Center, and case management. First-time guests check in at the Hospitality Desk in the lobby for an orientation.
Greater Worcester Housing Connection
Worcester's triage and overnight shelter hub for single adults over 18, with meals, showers, case management, a women's low-barrier shelter, street outreach, and medical respite. Walk in or call the Queen Street center to begin intake.
Springfield Rescue Mission
Free food, shelter, clothing, medical attention, counseling, and literacy help for people in Springfield who are homeless, hungry, or struggling with addiction. Faith-based program; referrals and visits go through the Mill Street campus.
Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline
Free, confidential statewide line for locating detox, treatment, medication for opioid use disorder, harm reduction, and recovery supports. Open every day of the year, with a text option.
Greater Boston Legal Services
Free civil legal aid for low-income people in Boston and 31 surrounding cities and towns, covering housing and eviction, public benefits, immigration, employment, and domestic violence protection. Telephone intake runs weekday mornings, with walk-in hours twice a week at the Friend Street office.
Community Legal Aid
Free civil legal help for residents of Worcester, Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties with income generally under 200% of the federal poverty level; seniors 60+ and crime victims qualify regardless of income. Offices in Worcester and Springfield; apply by phone during set intake hours.
Registry of Vital Records and Statistics
Order a certified Massachusetts birth certificate in person for $20 at the Dorchester counter, by mail for $32, or online or by phone through VitalChek for $54. Bring a driver's license (even expired) or other government photo ID.
Massachusetts ID Card (Mass ID)
State photo ID for Massachusetts residents 14 and older who do not hold a driver's license. Start the application online, then book an RMV Service Center appointment and bring identity documents; the fee is $25, prorated for shorter-term cards.
SNAP Benefits (Food Stamps)
Monthly food benefits for low-income Massachusetts households. Apply through DTAConnect online or the mobile app, or call the DTA Assistance Line; the site has a 10-second eligibility screener.
Office of Returning Citizens
City office in Roxbury that helps people returning from incarceration with birth certificates, jobs, health care, legal services, recovery referrals, transportation, voter registration, and case management. Register online, then visit during walk-in hours or by appointment.
National lines that work in Massachusetts
SAMHSA National Helpline
Free, confidential treatment referral for substance use and mental health. Finds local programs that take your insurance or none.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 for any mental health or substance use crisis. Available to anyone in any program.
Lifeline free phone program
Free or discounted phone and service for people on Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or low income. Apply online or through a carrier.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
24/7 confidential hotline for survivors of trafficking and people who suspect it. Connects to vetted local services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24/7 confidential help for anyone affected by domestic violence. Advocates connect you to local shelters and legal help.
Start right where you are
Each program has a step-by-step checklist for the first 72 hours, 30 days, and 90 days, so you always know your next step.