Resources for Somerville Families

The Somerville Resident Resource Guide can help you find support in the City of Somerville.

Instructions to translate into your language: Click on the word “Translate” at the top. Click “Select Language.” You will be able to see the list of all available languages. Search for the language of your preference and select it.

Instrucciones para traducir al español: Haga clic en la palabra “Translate” (Traducir) que aparece en la parte superior. Haga clic en “Select Language” (Seleccionar idioma). Usted podrá ver la lista de todos los idiomas disponibles. Busque el idioma de su preferencia y selecciónelo.

Instruções para traduzir para português: Clique na palavra “Translate” (Traduzir) que aparece na parte superior. Clique em “Select Language” (Selecione o idioma). Você verá uma lista de idiomas. Desça até o final para encontrar o seu idioma e clique nele.

Instructions for translating into Haitian Creole: Klike sou tèks ki anwo la ki ekri “Translate” (Tradwi). Klike sou tèks ki ekri “Select Language” (chwazi lang). Ou pral wè yon lis lang. Fè li glise desann pou w jwenn lang ou a, epi klike sou li.

Call 911 if you need immediate help.

Open 24 hours.

If you are experiencing anger, depression, suicidal thoughts, emotional outbursts, or a substance use crisis, call the Mental Health Access line at anytime during the day or night.

Open 24 hours.

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call, text, or chat this number to find support in your community. Services offered in over 200 languages. www.masshelpline.com

If you have having a domestic violence crisis, call the hotline.

During regular office hours, Mondays - Fridays, 9a.m. - 5p.m. call 617-623-5900 to speak with someone at respondinc.org.

If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Open 24 Hours.

The Suicide Helpline has volunteers who will listen to you and support you in whatever feelings you want to share. Volunteers may ask your name, but you do not need to disclose your name if you don't feel comfortable.

For TTY Users: Use your preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.

Veterans: call 988 or text 838255.

samaritanshope.org

www.thetrevorproject.org

The Trevor Project is a non-profit suicide prevention organization that provides 24/7 crisis support services, research, and advocacy for LGBTQ+ young people. Connect to a crisis counselor 24/7, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the U.S. via text, chat, or phone. The Trevor Project is 100% confidential and 100% free.

Email CHW@somervillema.gov or call to make an appointment:

• Han Hogan-Rigg: 857-270-8274
• Cynthia Bonilla (hablo español): 857-270-4643
• Emmanuel Charles (mwen pale kreyòlayisyen): 781-808-6516

Community Health Workers can help you with

• SNAP applications
• MassHealth applications
• Food pantry list
• Shelter list
• Narcan training
• Referrals to other city programs

The Health and Human Services can help you with the following topics:

• Counseling and referral to mental health services
• Utility and benefit assistance (SNAP, reduced utility rates, RAFT, etc.)
• Teen employment & career readiness workshops
• Referrals to housing, employment, financial literacy, legal assistance, and other resources, and more.

Request services from Somerville's HHS Department here.

617-625-6600 x 2404

lgbtqservices@somervillema.gov

LGBTQ+ Services Coordinator Izzy Starr will be hosting office hours every Friday from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at 50 Evergreen Ave., Somerville, MA 02143.

The City of Somerville's LGBTQ+ Services Coordinator connects, supports, and advocates for Somerville’s community of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer residents. The LGBTQ+ Services Coordinator provides information, referral services, guidance, coordination, and technical assistance to the City and its residents on initiatives intended to serve the LGBTQ community. For more resources, click here.

The Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs can connect immigrant and multilingual residents to City services, food and rental assistance, small business support, legal assistance, and more.

Call 617-625-6600, followed by extension numbers below:

• ext. 2122 or 2624 for Spanish
• ext. 2123 or 2627 for Portuguese
• ext. 2622 or 2625 for Haitian Creole
• ext. 2610 for Nepali
• ext. 2626 for Mandarin and Cantonese
• ext. 2623 for support in other languages

Or visit: www.somervillema.gov/ContactSOIA

The Somerville Public Library Social Workers offer free & confidential support. Free interpretation is available upon request. You can visit one of the Somerville Libraries during the following times and locations. No appointments are necessary:

• Mondays at West Branch Library (40 College Ave): 2-5 pm
• Tuesdays at Central Library (79 Highland Ave): 9:30 am - 12 pm
• Wednesdays at East Branch Library (115 Broadway): 9 - 11am

To schedule one-on-one appointment:

• Sign up here: cal.com/splsocialworker or
• Email splsocialworker@somervillema.gov.

The Somerville Public Library Social Worker can help:

• Answer questions about your eligibility for benefits, such as SNAP, cash assistance, SSI/SSDI;

• Support you with completing health insurance forms such as MassHealth/Medicaid or Health Connector;

• Connect you with food, housing, or employment resources;

• Recommend LGBTQ+ resources, and more.

Families in Somerville Public Schools who need support with housing and/or basic needs should contact

• Regina Bertholdo, 617-625-6600 ext. 6994 or 781-468-6422 or email rbertholdo@k12.somerville.ma.us

• Jennifer Ochoa, 617-625-6600 ext. 6996 or 617-839-5298 or email jochoa@k12.somerville.ma.us

Bullying is when a student or school staff member (like a teacher, nurse, coach, or bus driver) repeatedly uses words, actions, or technology to hurt or threaten someone. Learn more about Somerville Public Schools' Bullying Prevention Policies and Resources. You may also leave a voicemail at the SPS bullying hotline 617-629-5222, or email bullying@k12.somerville.ma.us.

617-629-5670

• Call the SPS Enrollment Office with questions about school enrollment and intra-district transfers.
• Make an appointment to work with an enrollment specialist between 8:00 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. by emailing enrollment@k12.somerville.ma.us.
• To withdraw a student, please contact your school's main office.

Find your family liaison's contact information here: somerville.k12.ma.us/liaisons.

Family and Community Liaisons can:

• Help families feel welcomed at school;

• Arrange interpretation for school meetings;

• Connect families to services and resources, and more.

Somerville Public Schools can offer free notary services for families who have children registered in our schools. Contact your family liaison, who can make arrangements on your behalf. This service is for families in the Somerville Public Schools only. This service is not available for the general public.

Call 617-625-6600 ext. 6990 or email sfn@k12.somerville.ma.us to learn more.

If you have a child who is a newborn to 5 years-old, the Somerville Family Learning Collaborative (SFLC) offers multilingual playgroups and parent support groups.

Call 617-542-5437 (KIDS)

Visit the Child Care Choice of Boston to learn more: https://cccboston.org/parents/#parentforms

Call 211 ext. 23

The Department of Early Education & Care can help pay for a part of a family’s childcare expense based off of their household size and income. Due to limited funding, there is a waitlist at this time. However, you can call 211 ext. 23 to get onto the waitlist. For more information: Mass 211 Child Care Services and Financial Assistance

• For a list of center-based child care options, click here.
• For a list of family child care options, click here.

Call 781-296-2278 for the Youth and Family Resource Navigator.

You may also send a referral here.

Language Capacity: English, Spanish, Portuguese

The Youth and Family Resource Navigator can connect families with childcare programs and resources in the area.

If you lost your job and have a social security number and work authorization permit, you can apply for unemployment insurance. For more information visit mass.gov/orgs/department-of-unemployment-assistance

www.mass.gov/economic-assistance-cash-benefits

Low-income families with children (including pregnant/expecting parents), as well as elderly and disabled individuals, may be eligible for cash assistance if they meet eligibility criteria. For assistance determining eligibility and applying, contact the Somerville Public Library Social Worker: splsocialworker@somervillema.gov or make an appointment here: cal.com/splsocialworker.

www.caasomerville.org/free-tax-preparation

Call 617-399-3131

Located in Boston, MA. JVS offers people support when looking for work through free training, career coaching, and support services. They also offer ESOL programs designed for refugees and immigrants to prepare for the workplace. www.jvs-boston.org.

Call 617-410-9917

SCC offers multilingual support when applying for unemployment insurance or looking for work. They offer career services, including resume development, job search assistance, application assistance, and career coaching. somervillecdc.org

somervillepubliclibrary.org/ell-citizenship/ell-classes/

Free virtual and in-person English classes are available at the Somerville Public Library for beginner to intermediate learners.

Brigid Pigott: bpigott@somervillema.gov

(617) 623-5000 ext. 2935

WhatsApp: +1 617-366-7684

(617) 623-6633

www.welcomeproject.org

The Welcome Project empowers immigrants through various programs, including English language learning courses (ESOL) and for parents of Somerville Public Schools (EFP), ranging from beginner to intermediate levels. There is also an interpretation training program for bilingual youth. For questions and more information, contact: welcome@welcomeproject.org.

Contact Community Health Workers for assistance on applications for benefits. Email CHW@somervillema.gov or call to make an appointment. Or call

• Han Hogan-Rigg: 857-270-8274
• Cynthia Bonilla (hablo español): 857-270-4643
• Emmanuel Charles (mwen pale kreyòlayisyen): 781-808-6516

Or call Community Action Agency of Somerville: 617-623-7370
If you are 60+, contact: Somerville Cambridge Elder Services, 617-628-2601 or Council on Aging, 617-625-6600 x 2300.

Contact your family liaison, who will have information about how to support Somerville Public Schools families with food: somerville.k12.ma.us/liaisons

The City of Somerville's Health and Human Services can support with food, basic needs and legal advocacy services. Submit an online referral form here.

For a list of food pantries, community meals, and community fridges, click on the button below.

Every person living in Massachusetts is eligible for insurance coverage, regardless of immigration status. (Even if you are unhoused, in a shelter or living with friends, there are ways to apply).

Call 617-665-1100 to get help with applying for health insurance. You will be able to talk with a member of the Cambridge Health Alliance Financial Assistance team.

Monday - Friday, 8:30a.m. to 5p.m. They speak many languages.

What do you need to get health insurance in Massachusetts?

• Proof that you live in Massachusetts full time.
• Documents that show how much money you make (household income).
• A picture ID, if you have one.

How can having health insurance help you? Insurance can help pay for all or some of these costs:

• doctor visits
• emergency room visits
• prescription drugs
• hospital services
• mental health care
• alcohol and drug treatment

Health Care For All is a statewide multilingual phone service that can help you answer questions about healthcare coverage and help you sign up for health insurance. This is a free service.

Call the HelpLine: 1-800-272-4232

• Press 1 for English
• Press 2 for Spanish
• Press 3 for Portuguese
• Press 4 for Haitian Creole

If you would like in-person support, schedule a meeting with a Somerville Community Health Worker:

• Han Hogan-Rigg: 857-270-8274

• Cynthia Bonilla (hablo español): 857-270-4643

• Emmanuel Charles (mwen pale kreyòlayisyen): 781-808-6516

• Atrius Health: Somerville, 40 Holland Street, Somerville. 617-629-6300
• Atrius Health: Cambridge, 1611 Cambridge Street, Cambridge. 617-661-5575
• Cambridge Health Alliance: Somerville Pediatrics, 236 Highland Avenue, Somerville. 617-591-4440
• Cambridge Health Alliance: Assembly Square Center, 5 Middlesex Avenue, Somerville. 617-591-6840
• Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit Street, Boston. 617-726-2000
• Massachusetts General Hospital Healthcare Center, 73 High Street, Charlestown. 617-724-8135

Primary Care: Become a New Patient at the Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA)

Call 617-665-1305 between 8:30AM-5PM or call one of the primary care centers directly using the numbers listed below. If you haven't had a Primary Care visit at the Cambridge Health Alliance in three years or more, you will need to make a new patient visit.

**Care Center hours may vary based on location. Please click on links below to see hours of operation.

• CHA Broadway Care Center: 300 Broadway, Somerville, MA 02145. 617-284-7500
• CHA Somerville Pediatrics: 236 Highland Avenue, Somerville, MA 02143. 617-591-4440
• CHA Urgent Care Center: 33 Tower Street, Somerville, MA 02143. 617-591-4700

Call 617-575-5690 to make an appointment.

The Teen Health Center is located inside Somerville High School, 81 Highland Avenue.

Teens in Somerville can get physicals, immunizations, mental health evaluations, and much more at the health center. Visit website to learn more: challiance.org/locations/somerville/somerville-teen-connection

**If students need health insurance, please call the Cambridge Health Alliance Financial Assistance team at 617-665-1100.

Families in Somerville Public Schools who need support with housing and/or basic needs should contact

• Regina Bertholdo, 617-625-6600 ext. 6994 or 781-468-6422 or email rbertholdo@k12.somerville.ma.us

• Jennifer Ochoa, 617-625-6600 ext. 6996 or 617-839-5298 or email jochoa@k12.somerville.ma.us

Call 617-623-7370.

66-70 Union Square, Suite 104. Somerville, MA 02143

caasomerville.org

CAAS Can help with eviction prevention, housing search, case management, community organizing, tenant rights.

Call 617-665-6234

51 Inman St., Basement Level, Cambridge, MA 02139

** Renters & Homeowners in Somerville and Cambridge are eligible to apply.

The Fuel Assistance Program, also known as the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), helps income-eligible households pay their winter heating bills between November 1 and April 30.

Apply here: www.toapply.org/CCDHS

To make a referral, call 617-625-6600 ext. 2581 or complete this form: form.jotform.com/230557180496057

50 Evergreen Ave. Somerville, MA 02145

The Office of Housing Stability can help you:

• Get financial assistance for rent, mortgage arrears, and start-up rental costs;
• Apply for affordable housing and Section 8 vouchers;
• Access an emergency shelter;
• Learn about legal services and tenant rights, and more.

Call 617-623-6111.

1 Davis Square. Somerville, MA 02144

somervillehomelesscoalition.org/rapid-response

SHC can help residents with

• Eviction Prevention

• Rental Start Up Costs

• Short-term Rental Subsidy

• Section 8 Voucher Assistance

• Other Financial Assistance

The Winter Warming Center is a temporary night center for those experiencing homelessness.

The Cummings School: 42 Prescott Street, Somerville, MA 02143.

Open daily: 5:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m.

December 8th through April 12th.

The Winter Warming Center is an adults-only shelter. Families or individuals with children seeking shelter should contact the Somerville Office of Housing Stability.

The Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs (SOIA) can connect immigrant and multilingual residents to legal resources. Call 617-625-6600, followed by extension numbers below:

• ext. 2122 or 2624 for Spanish
• ext. 2123 or 2627 for Portuguese
• ext. 2622 or 2625 for Haitian Creole
• ext. 2610 for Nepali
• ext. 2626 for Mandarin and Cantonese
• ext. 2623 for support in other languages

Or contact the Somerville Office of Immigrant Affairs by clicking the button below. Then click on “Apply” at the top right corner to submit a request.

• English
• Spanish
• Portuguese
• Haitian Creole
• Nepali
• Chinese (Traditional) / Chinese (Simplified)

Call 833-222-2030 for Crisis services and new patient appointments.

Call 617-665-3458 for patients already in treatment.

There is a walk-in service for people of all ages. When you visit, you will get an assessment to identify what kind of support and treatment you will need. Walk-in locations:

• 1493 Cambridge Street, Cambridge. First Floor, Cahill Building or

• 195 Canal Street, Malden, MA 02148

Hours: Monday-Friday: 8:00am to 8:00pm and Saturday-Sunday: 9:00am to 5:00pm. Closed major holidays.

Open 24 hours. Call / text the Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL): 833-773-2445

To chat online: masshelpline.com

The Behavioral Health HelpLine (BHHL) connects individuals and families to the full range of treatment services for mental health and substance use. The phone line is available 24/7, 365 days per year, is free and available for all residents of Massachusetts, even if you do not have insurance.

www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Find mental health professionals. You can filter by location, insurance, type of therapy, age, faith, ethnicity, language, sexuality, and specialty.

CHWs have expertise in supporting people with addiction and substance misuse to access services and treatment. Email CHW@somervillema.gov or call to make an appointment. Or call

• Han Hogan-Rigg: 857-270-8274
• Cynthia Bonilla (hablo español): 857-270-4643
• Emmanuel Charles (mwen pale kreyòlayisyen): 781-808-6516

www.thetrevorproject.org/get-help

Crisis counselors are trained to answer calls, chats, or texts from LGBTQ+ young people who reach out for free, confidential and secure 24/7 service.

asianwomenforhealth.org

Asian Women for Health offers workshops on health topics for the Asian community and also trains Community Health Workers from diverse backgrounds to support immigrant communities.

braziliancenter.org/health-and-wellness-initiatives

Brazilian Worker Center offers support with MassHealth Applications, and offers a mental health and wellness programs to immigrant workers. The best way to contact is via email: info@braziliancenter.org.

Casa Esperanza, Inc. is a bilingual and bicultural behavioral health center that provides care and services in Spanish and English for the Latine community in Massachusetts. They offer clinical treatment and support groups for mental health, substance use disorders, trauma and other behavioral health conditions.

www.casaesperanza.org

www.hwmigrants.org

Healing & Wellness provide mental health services for migrant populations, and is a part of the Haitian Mental Health Network.

Email: Service@hwmigrants.org

maps-inc.org

MAPS serves the Brazilian, Cabo Verdean, Portuguese and other Portuguese-speaking communities. They provide direct social and health services, and much more.

362 Somerville Avenue, Somerville. Click here for directions.

617-764-2091

Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English

www.verdeamarelo.org/bwg

(617) 202-5775

Ask to speak with Pietra Adami: pietra@verdeamaelo.org

697 Cambridge St Brighton, MA 02135

Languages: Portuguese, Spanish, English, Haitian Creole

braziliancenter.org

The best way to contact is via email: info@braziliancenter.org

617-783-8001

14 Harvard Ave Fl 2 Allston, MA 02134

The Brazilian Worker Center can help families to find temporary and stable housing, offer information on rights and immigration processes, distribute food and essential items, and connect families with programs and partner organizations.

Languages: Cantonese, Mandarin, Taisan, English

(617) 357-4499

justice@cpaboston.org

cpaboston.org/en/programs/workers-center

28 Ash St. Boston, MA 02111

The Workers Center promotes awareness of workers’ rights, provides support for collective action, organizes the unemployed and the unorganized, and much more.

Languages: Spanish and English (Dial 2 for Spanish)

Call Hotline (617) 505-8940 on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 10AM-6PM. Text Message at all other times. 24-48 HOURS Response.

Email: francisca@masscoch.org or info@masscosh.org.

1532B Dorchester Ave, Dorchester MA 02122

The Immigrant Worker Center is a safe place for immigrants to speak up about workplace abuse. masscosh.org/programs/immigrant-worker-center

Languages: English, Dial 8 for Spanish, Dial 9 for Portuguese

Call 617-565-6924

Direct line for Spanish & Portuguese: 781-664-2915.

You may submit anonymous reports.

Contact OSHA for

• Unsafe working conditions

• Safety and health violations

• Employer retaliation for reporting unsafe or unhealthy conditions

• Emergencies

• Catastrophes

• Severe injuries

Call 311 from within Somerville

Call 617-666-3311 from outside of Somerville

Language interpretation is available at no cost to you.

For TTY callers, call 866-808-4851.

Haitian Creole, Portuguese, and Spanish-speaking operators are available during regular business hours.