Where you can seek help if you have been affected by the COVID-19 crisis

During this unprecedented health crisis, Americans are facing job loss and other painful hardships. In Massachusetts, many nonprofits are racing to help.

Below are some of the resources that are providing immediate support for Massachusetts residents who need help.

For Basic Necessities

211 Resource Hotline

• Resource hotline providingassistance finding food, paying housing bills, accessing free childcare, or other essential services. Visit the 211 COVID-19 Resource Page or dial 211 to speak to someone who can help.

Union Capital Boston

• Union Capital is providing one-time $150-$500 VISA gift cards for those seeking financial support living in Greater Boston. If you need support, please fill out this form. If you are able to support the fund, please donate here.

For Food Resources

List of Schools Offering Meal Pick-Ups

• Schools districts across the state have committed to continue providing breakfast and lunch for students in need. Click here for the most up-to-date list of schools and districts offering meal pick-ups. Please be aware this information is continuously changing, so keep checking back if you don't find any meals in your community.

Project Bread

• Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline provides assistances to all Massachusetts residents who need food assistance during this period of crisis. Call 1-800-645-8333 to learn about resources in your community and receive assistance with SNAP applications over the phone. To learn more, visit their website.

Greater Boston Food Bank

• GBFB’s Food Finder Resource Sheet provides information on statewide resources. Click here for more information.

Ethos Community Café “Grab and Go” meals

• Older adults can pick up a “Grab & Go” meal at many Ethos community café locations from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Click here to see a list of locations. Some older adults may qualify to receive home delivered meals. If you, or someone you know, is 60 or older, and is interested in receiving meals on wheels, please call 617-477-6606 or visit www.ethocare.org.

For Pets

MSPCA-Angell

• For animals in need of immediate surrender, or emergency temporary housing for pets whose owners are ill or hospitalized, you can call or make an appointment.

Read about nonprofits across Massachusetts that are mobilizing to help their communities -- and where you can donate -- in this Coverage article.

Since a state of emergency was declared in Massachusetts earlier in March, the not-for-profit health plan Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is one of the organizations that has sought to help.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and its Foundation have committed over $4.92 million in financial support to COVID-19 relief efforts, along with a pledge of pro bono and in-kind support surpassing $4.83 million in value for a total community investment of $9.75 million.

That includes donations to relief funds across the state and grants to organizations whose missions are critical during this time and which are sustaining operations without their regular level of volunteer support, including: The Greater Boston Food Bank, Cradles to Crayons, Weymouth Food Pantry, Father Bills, Interfaith Social Services, Pine Street Inn, St. Francis House, West End House, 2Life Communities, Magical Moon, Playworks, Daily Table and Message of Hope.

The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency has an interactive map with locations of resources available to the public, below. You can click the icons or search for food banks and other resources.

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