Massachusetts

The state's main emergency housing fund: up to $7,000 to pay back rent, moving costs, or utility arrears so you can avoid eviction or homelessness. Apply online through the state housing portal.

Regional agencies that walk you through RAFT applications, tenant rights, and finding affordable housing. Free help by phone or in person.

Emergency shelter for families with children and pregnant people who have nowhere safe to stay. Call (866) 584-0653.

Helps families in or eligible for shelter move into stable housing with money for first/last month's rent, security deposits, and ongoing rent support.

Monthly cash assistance for families with kids and pregnant people with little or no income. Apply online at DTA Connect or call (877) 382-2363.

Cash help for adults who are disabled, over 65, or caring for someone, and don't qualify for TAFDC. Apply through DTA, (877) 382-2363.

The statewide network of 23 community action agencies offering emergency funds, fuel assistance, food, and case management. Find your local agency on their site.

Local corps offices help with emergency food, utility bills, and other basic needs. Find the office nearest you.

Massachusetts law requires hospitals and community health centers to provide free or reduced-cost care to lower-income uninsured or underinsured residents — even if you don't qualify for MassHealth. Ask any hospital's financial counselor to screen you.

Free counselors who help you fight medical bills, apply for coverage, and appeal denials. Call (800) 272-4232.

Pays part of your winter heating bill whether you rent or own. Apply online or through your local agency; heating help line (800) 632-8175.

Salvation Army fund for households in a temporary crisis who don't qualify for fuel assistance. Call (800) 334-3047.

One-stop page to find your local fuel assistance agency, discount utility rates, and free weatherization and heating system repairs.

Massachusetts SNAP puts monthly grocery money on an EBT card. Apply online in about 20 minutes or call (877) 382-2363.

Call (800) 645-8333 for free, confidential help finding food today and applying for SNAP, in 180+ languages.

Largest of the state's four regional food banks; use its pantry locator to find free groceries near you (Western Mass: foodbankwma.org).

• foodbankwma.org

Free healthy food, formula, and nutrition support for pregnant people and kids under 5. Call (800) 942-1007.

Massachusetts Medicaid and CHIP: free or very low-cost health coverage for lower-income residents. Call (800) 841-2900.

The state's insurance marketplace, with ConnectorCare plans that have low or no premiums. One application checks you for MassHealth too. Call (877) 623-6765.

Find a community health center that treats you regardless of insurance, with sliding-scale fees.

Call or text (833) 773-2445, 24/7, for immediate mental health or substance use help, including mobile crisis teams that come to you. Free, no insurance needed.

Free, confidential help finding treatment and recovery services. Call (800) 327-5050.

Statewide 24/7 emotional support line if you're struggling or thinking about suicide. Call or text (877) 870-4673.

State subsidies that pay most of your child care costs while you work, train, or search for work. Apply through the Department of Early Education and Care.

Free early education, meals, and family support for lower-income families with kids under 5; find a program near you.

Free job search help, training programs, and career counseling at centers across the state.

Apply for weekly unemployment benefits online or call (877) 626-6800.

Donated, repaired cars for qualifying New England families who need a vehicle to get to work.

Plain-language legal information on evictions, benefits, debt, and family law, written for Massachusetts residents.

Answer a few questions and get matched to the free legal aid program that covers your area and problem.

Free civil legal help (evictions, benefits, debt) for central and western Massachusetts. Call (855) 252-5342. In Greater Boston, call Greater Boston Legal Services at (617) 371-1234.

Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition; connects immigrants to trustworthy legal help and know-your-rights information.