Hampshire County Massachusetts assistance programs.
Massachusetts and federal government assistance programs
To learn about what programs and services may be available to you, contact Hilltown Community Development Corporation at 413-296-4536. This agency both administers and provides information on state and federal government funded assistance programs for low-moderate income residents. Some examples of the services available may include housing rehabilitation, affordable housing, rent assistance, social services, homeless prevention, and business programs and community planning.
Affordable health and medical care
Some people lack health insurance, and/or can’t afford to pay for proper medical care. The Hilltown Community Health Centers, Inc. may be able to provide these individuals with high quality medical, dental, and mental health services. In addition to offering the medical care, the clinic may be able to offer health education and outreach programs to children, senior citizens, adults and elders, regardless of one's ability to pay for their medical care.
Emergency assistance for paying bills
The Salvation Army of Hampshire County offers emergency aid and financial assistance to the people of Hampshire County. You may be able to apply for financial assistance with paying for your rent, utility and heating bills, or prescription medications. Other social services from the Northampton center include free clothing, get access to transportation assistance, referral to government programs and resource counseling. Seasonal support, such as school supplies and Christmas assistance programs, may also be organized. Call them at 413-586-5243, or continue with assistance from Hampshire Salvation Army.
Food and clothing
Northampton Survival Center (phone 413-586-6564) offer low income, the unemployed and working poor with free food, new or gently used clothing. They also offer counseling, referrals, and advice to low income residents of Hampshire County and Northampton. They also may be able to provide extra food for school age children during the summer vacation periods.
Hampshire County Community Action Agency
This non-profit agency offers dozens of assistance programs. You can call them at (413) 774-2318 to learn about the services and programs they offer, or to apply for help.
- Energy bill assistance programs - They offer several services and resources. In general, it is a group of assistance programs that help low to moderate people with cover the cost of their winter heating and utility bills. If you apply, and are found to be eligible, income-eligible people can receive Fuel Assistance, help for paying gas bills, and they may also be able to qualify for participation in our Electric Efficiency Program, Heating System repair and replacement program, and also the Weatherization Program.
- Information - The First Call for Help program will assist families and individuals in finding and accessing resources such as government programs, free food, public benefits, social services, counseling, rent assistance, transportation, emergency assistance, and housing aid.
Some of the other charity and non-profit organizations and agencies to call for help with bills, rent, mortgage, and medications include HAP, Inc. (413)233-1500, Catholic Charities of Northampton and Springfield (413) 452 - 0605, and the Salvation Army of Massachusetts (413)532-6312.(413) 233-1500.
Hampshire County churches contribute as part of the Council of Churches of Western Massachusetts. This organization tries to help the less fortunate, children, and elderly. Some short term, emergency help may be offered along with longer term self-sufficiency. Grants may be available for heating bills, rent, food, and more.
The council also focuses on self-sufficiency and advocating for the poor in Northampton and across the county. So locations may provide referrals on government programs, including health care or job training. Volunteers and staff are committed to helping those that are struggling. The charity also relies on donations, so contribute if you can. Click more information.
Legal assistance programs
Western Massachusetts Legal Services offers low income people with free legal advice, representation, consultations, and education to assist low-income people to meet their basic human needs and get fair access to justice. Call 413-584-4034.
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