 |
Assistance Programs in Worcester County, Massachusetts.
Worcester County has a number of organizations that may help struggling people, with agencies and their programs listed below. Whether a charity or government safety net programs, options are available. The area is served by two federally designated community action agencies that together cover the entire county. The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), founded in 1965, handles the City of Worcester and surrounding central towns. Making Opportunity Count (MOC) — formerly Montachusett Opportunity Council, founded in 1966 — serves the northern and north-central communities including Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, and surrounding towns. Both agencies are two of the leading places that offer emergency or long term help.
Most assistance programs require income documentation, a photo ID, and proof of residency. For utility or heating emergencies, having your account number and a copy of the shutoff notice ready before you call will speed up the intake significantly. For homelessness prevention and housing stabilization, the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA) is the county's lead coordinating organization and administers the RAFT emergency rental and mortgage assistance program. For free civil legal help with evictions, foreclosures, or housing discrimination, Community Legal Aid is the county's primary free legal services provider.
Start Here To Find Help Fast
- Need heating or utility bill help (Worcester area)? → Worcester Community Action Council: (508) 754-1176
- Need heating or utility bill help (Fitchburg/Leominster/Gardner area)? → Making Opportunity Count: (978) 345-7040 | MOC Fuel Assistance: (978) 342-4520
- Facing eviction or need emergency rental/mortgage help? → CMHA RAFT program: (508) 752-5519 ext. 172. There are also several other agencies and non-profits that focus on offering housing assistance programs with more information on Worcester MA area rental assistance.
- Need emergency food, basic needs, or case management? → Catholic Charities Worcester: (508) 798-0191 | Salvation Army Worcester: (508) 756-7191. There is also a number of small, local food distribution centers listed on our page of free food pantries in Worcester.
- Need free legal help (eviction, foreclosure, benefits)? → Community Legal Aid: (855) 252-5342
- Need free or low-cost medical or dental care? → Family Health Center of Worcester: (508) 860-7700
- Need Referrals? → Don't know where to start? Try the Central MA United Way (website: https://www.unitedwaycm.org/ma-211) which is a key partners of the 211 service. Dial 2-1-1 (free, 24/7) and Massachusetts's statewide helpline matches you to local programs by zip code.
- Veteran needing assistance? → Contact WCAC or CMHA — both have veteran-specific referral pathways through the county CoC.
Multiple Types of Assistance — Rent, Utilities, Food & Referrals
These organizations provide the widest range of crisis help and are typically the best first call for households facing a financial emergency.
Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) - Worcester City & Surrounding Towns
Founded in 1965 under President Johnson's War on Poverty, WCAC is the federally designated community action agency for central Massachusetts and serves the City of Worcester and 45 surrounding towns. It is the primary point of access for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP/LIHEAP), which provides cash benefits toward heating and utility bills for qualifying low-income households. All heating types are covered — oil, gas, propane, electric, wood, and others.
- WCAC also runs the HEARTWAP heating repair and replacement program, which provides free heating system repairs and replacements for eligible homeowners. The Weatherization Assistance Program installs insulation, air sealing, and other energy-efficiency improvements at no cost to qualifying households. Free income tax preparation is available seasonally through VITA sites. Additional services include referrals to food assistance and SNAP enrollment, Head Start early education, employment and job training programs, and connections to other community resources through case management.
Heating emergencies are often prioritized. Walk-in appointments are available on weekdays, and phone intake is also offered. 18 Chestnut St, Suite 500, Worcester, MA 01608. (508) 754-1176. Website is https://wcac.net/.
Making Opportunity Count (MOC) - Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner & North-Central Towns (formerly Montachusett Opportunity Council)
Founded in 1966, MOC is the community action agency serving north-central Massachusetts — a service area of 30 cities and towns including Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Athol, Clinton, Winchendon, and surrounding communities. MOC administers HEAP/LIHEAP fuel assistance for its region through its Leominster fuel assistance office. Qualifying households can receive help with heating oil, gas, propane, electric heat, or other fuel types. Documentation of income, residency, and household members is required at application.
- MOC also provides weatherization services, food programs including Meals on Wheels and food pantry access, and WIC nutrition support. Other programs include Head Start and early childhood education, employment and financial coaching, housing services through the Journey Home program, and behavioral health outreach. For fuel assistance specifically, online applications are accepted and a drop box is available at the Leominster office for document submission. Main office: 601 River St, Fitchburg, MA 01420 | (978) 345-7040. There is also a Fuel Assistance office: 165B Mill St, Suite 1B, Leominster, MA 01453 | (978) 342-4520. Email (fuel assistance): [email protected]. Website is https://www.mocinc.org/.
Catholic Charities Worcester County
Catholic Charities Worcester County serves people of all faiths and backgrounds through four area offices covering the full county. Services include emergency financial assistance for rent, utility bills, and other urgent household expenses — subject to available funding — along with food pantries open to all individuals and families. There are also budgeting education and financial coaching, case management, and clothing boutiques offering new or gently used clothing. The organization also assists immigrants with SNAP enrollment and public benefits applications, provides English language programs, and runs supportive housing and family development programs. View https://www.ccworc.org/.
- Worcester: 10 Hammond St, Worcester, MA 01610 | (508) 798-0191
- Milford: 200 Main St, Milford, MA 01757 | (508) 234-3800
- Southbridge: 79 Elm St, Southbridge, MA 01550 | (508) 765-5936
Salvation Army — Worcester County
The Salvation Army operates three corps locations across Worcester County, each offering social services tailored to local needs. Help may include limited emergency assistance for rent, utility bills, food, clothing, and medications — subject to available funding and once-per-year limits per program. All three locations run food pantries. Seasonal programs include Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, holiday toy giveaways through the Angel Tree program, and back-to-school supplies for low-income families. The Fitchburg corps participates in disaster services and has a social services department that operates by appointment. Call the location closest to you to confirm current programs and intake requirements. View https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/massachusetts/worcester/.
- Worcester Citadel: 640 Main St, Worcester, MA 01608 | (508) 756-7191
- Fitchburg: 739 Water St, Fitchburg, MA 01420 | (978) 342-3300
- Athol: 107 Ridge Ave, Athol, MA 01331 | (978) 249-8111
Society of St. Vincent de Paul — Gardner / Winchendon Conferences
Two SVdP conferences operate in the northern Worcester County area and may provide emergency financial assistance to qualifying residents. The Gardner conference, based at Sacred Heart Parish, runs a food pantry stocking groceries and emergency food items and may also assist with rent, electric and heating bill payments, fuel, and medications. The Winchendon conference at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church similarly offers food vouchers and may assist with electric, heating, and gas bill payments. SVdP volunteers typically conduct home visits as part of their assistance model. Funding is limited and availability varies; call ahead to confirm what's currently available and whether a home visit will be arranged.
- Gardner (Sacred Heart): (978) 632-0405 or (978) 652-6408
- Winchendon (Immaculate Heart of Mary): 52 Spruce St, Winchendon, MA 01475 | (978) 297-1600
- Worcester SVdP: 507 Park Ave, Worcester, MA 01603 | (508) 752-4232
WHEAT Community Services - Clinton & Surrounding Towns
WHEAT Community Services in Clinton provides a broad range of programs for income-eligible residents in central Worcester County. Services include emergency utility assistance, food pantry access, free baby food and diapers, and referrals to local charities. Housing, mortgage, and rent counseling are available to help tenants and homeowners navigate financial difficulties. The agency also offers weatherization assistance and connects qualifying residents to employment and self-sufficiency resources. Call ahead to confirm current intake requirements and program availability. 272 High St, Clinton, MA 01510 | Call (978) 365-6349 or (508) 370-4943.
Auburn Community Assistance Fund - Auburn Residents Only
The Auburn Community Assistance Fund provides emergency financial help exclusively to Auburn residents who are referred through appropriate channels. Assistance may cover rent and mortgage arrears, utility bills including gas, heating, and water, and in some cases vehicle-related expenses needed for employment. During winter months, heating oil or propane may be available to qualifying vulnerable households. Call Family and Youth Services to learn about the referral process and current eligibility requirements. Contact: Family and Youth Services | (508) 832-7701.
Gardner Community Action Committee - Gardner Area
The Gardner Community Action Committee administers EFSP/FEMA emergency funds that may provide limited cash assistance for rent, mortgage, and utility bills. Employment services are also offered, including resume review assistance and debt relief workshops. Call to confirm current funding availability and intake procedures. 294 Pleasant St, Gardner, MA 01440 | (978) 632-8700.
Winchendon Community Action Committee - Winchendon Area
The Winchendon Community Action Committee provides EFSP/FEMA emergency funds for rent, mortgage, and utility bills in a crisis. The agency also connects qualifying residents with heating oil programs and fuel assistance resources. Call to confirm current funding and intake requirements. 5 Summer Dr, Winchendon, MA 01475 | (978) 297-1667
Housing Assistance, Homelessness Prevention & Shelter
CMHA is the county's lead organization for housing crisis coordination and administers the RAFT emergency rental and mortgage assistance program on behalf of the state.
Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA)
CMHA is the lead coordinating organization for homeless services across Worcester County. Its Housing Counseling program helps prevent homelessness through counseling on landlord-tenant rights and eviction prevention. Emergency payments for rent and utility arrears are available through the state RAFT program. Applications can be submitted online. Staff are available by phone and email on weekdays, and walk-in RAFT sessions are held a few days per week — call or check the website for the current schedule.
- The Massachusetts RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition) program is the state's primary emergency housing assistance program. It helps households facing eviction or homelessness with short-term financial help toward rent, security deposits, utility connection fees, or back payments
- CMHA also operates emergency family shelter in coordination with the state and supports families working toward housing and employment stability. The Donations Clearinghouse, founded in 1985, provides free donated furniture and household goods to people leaving shelter, fire survivors, domestic violence survivors, and elders. The Elder Home Repair and Maintenance program helps qualifying seniors stay safely in their homes through free minor repairs. Call the donations line to schedule a free pickup or delivery in the Worcester County area. 6 Institute Rd, Worcester, MA 01609 | (508) 752-5519. For Housing counseling / RAFT: ext. 172 | Email: [email protected]. There is also a Donations Clearinghouse at (774) 243-3821. View https://www.cmhaonline.org/.
Worcester Housing Authority
The Worcester Housing Authority administers public and subsidized housing for income-qualified residents. The Transitional Housing Program serves individuals who are enrolled in school, working, or have a source of income — case management and self-sufficiency support are provided alongside housing. Income-based Section 8 housing vouchers are also administered through the authority. Wait times for subsidized housing can be long; applying early and checking current waiting list status is recommended. 87 Tacoma St, Worcester, MA | (508) 635-3355.
Free Legal Assistance
Community Legal Aid (CLA)
Community Legal Aid is the free civil legal services provider for Worcester County and the four other counties of central and western Massachusetts. CLA handles evictions, foreclosure defense, and housing discrimination for low-income residents and seniors. Other practice areas include family law, domestic violence, consumer debt, public benefits, immigration, and elder law. All services are free to those who qualify by income. Seniors 60 and older may be served regardless of income level.
- New clients should apply by phone or online rather than walking in without an appointment. The CLA-LEGAL intake line handles applications from across the five-county region and connects callers to the appropriate staff. The Worcester office maintains regular staffing and accepts walk-in inquiries as well. Intake line: (855) 252-5342. See https://communitylegal.org/.
Food Assistance
Food Pantries — Soup Kitchens
Worcester County has an extensive network of food pantries, church-based food programs, and community distribution sites operating throughout the county. The fastest way to find pantries near your address is to try the Worcester County Feeding America Food Bank, which connects to a trained specialist who can identify open pantries and their current requirements. Many pantries — including those run by Catholic Charities Worcester, the Salvation Army corps in Worcester, Fitchburg, and Athol, Samaritan House, and WHEAT — are listed elsewhere in this directory under their primary organization. View https://foodbank.org/.
Government Benefits & Public Assistance
Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) — Fitchburg District Office
The DTA administers Massachusetts's core safety net programs for low-income individuals and families. Primary programs include SNAP food assistance (EBT Bridge Card), TAFDC cash assistance for families with children, and MassHealth enrollment referrals. The office can also connect residents to childcare subsidies, the Lifeline discounted phone program, and SSI disability guidance.
- For households facing homelessness, DTA can coordinate a referral to a DHCD Homeless Coordinator. A successful referral may open access to rental vouchers and assistance with finding permanent housing. Eligibility criteria apply. 473 Main St, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Call (508) 767-3100 or toll-free (877) 418-3308
Free & Low-Cost Health and Dental Care
Family Health Center of Worcester (FHCW)
Family Health Center of Worcester has served the city's diverse population for nearly 50 years as a federally qualified health center. No patient is denied care based on insurance status or inability to pay. FHCW provides primary care, dental care, behavioral health services, and pharmacy services all under one roof. Staff speak many languages and the center has extensive experience serving immigrant, refugee, and multicultural populations. 26 Queen St, Worcester, MA 01610 | (508) 860-7700. View https://fhcw.org/
- FHCW also runs a Health Care for the Homeless program, providing outreach and integrated primary and behavioral care to people living on the street, in shelters, or in unstable housing. School-based health centers in several Worcester public schools extend care to students during school hours. Health Benefits Advisors on staff can help uninsured patients enroll in MassHealth or other coverage programs at no charge. 26 Queen St, Worcester, MA 01610 | (508) 860-7700. View https://fhcw.org/.
Debt, Foreclosure & Credit Counseling
MMI / Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Southern New England
MMI is a HUD-approved nonprofit agency offering free credit counseling and foreclosure counseling to Worcester County residents. One-on-one counseling covers credit card debt, student loans, and mortgage delinquency. MMI can also provide information on federal and state mortgage relief programs and connects clients to additional resources when needed. Counseling is available by phone and does not require an in-person visit. Call 1-866-889-9347
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
Need help navigating programs?