Community Resources

Acton Emergency Assistance Program

This program provides Acton households with short-term financial assistance for emergency needs in the categories of rent, mortgage, utilities and childcare.

View the application

Please contact the Community Services Office at (978) 929-6651 or lducharme@actonma.gov with any questions or help with completing the application.

Services for Individuals and Families Under the Age of 60*

The Community Services Coordinator provides comprehensive professional social services to town residents under the age of 60. Information and referral resources are provided in conjunction with local, state and federal programs. Confidential assistance is provided in the following categories:

  • Connection to resources for basic needs (fuel, food assistance, emergency funds)
  • Food Pantry and Food Resource Information
  • Assistance with MassHealth, Fuel Assistance and SNAP applications
  • Substance Abuse Resource Information for youth/adults
  • Crisis intervention, support services
  • Assistance with referrals for mental health services
  • Assistance with applications for subsidized & affordable housing programs
  • Career and legal services resources
  • Domestic Violence Resources

Rental Assistance Programs

Rental Assistance is available for those impacted directly or indirectly from COVID-19. This could include losing a job, having hours reduced, losing access to childcare or dependent care, seeing increased expenses, or something else. 

The Housing Consumer and Education Center (HCEC) through South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) in Framingham is the agency that administers state and federally funded homelessness prevention grants including:

  • Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
  • Federal Emergency Management Agency grant (FEMA)
  • Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP)

Eligibility Requirements

  • Households of any size or composition at risk of being displaced or forced to leave their home due to an unforeseen housing emergency or a COVID-19 related employment loss.
  • The household income must be below 80% of the area median income (AMI)
  • Restrictions apply on rental assistance for families residing in subsidized housing or who have a rental voucher
  • For most of this funding, citizenship or immigration status is not an issue.

Financial assistance is limited based on funding, eligibility, and service area. To apply for any of the above programs please click here https://www.smoc.org/housing-consumer-education-center.php

For assistance with the application or for additional information please contact the Community Services Office @ 978-929-6651 or lducharme@actonma.gov

Fuel Assistance Programs
Low Income Heat Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a government sponsored program that administered by SMOC in Framingham. Residents must have income below 60% of the state median income level.  

Good Neighbor Energy Fund-The Good Neighbor Energy Fund is sponsored through the Salvation Army. This program assists households with incomes within 60-80% of the state median income and not otherwise eligible for other  fuel assistance programs. 

To inquire about eligibility for either of these programs or to schedule an appointment please contact  the Community Services office at (978) 929-6651 or email lducharme@actonma.gov. 

Additional Resources

Mass211.org - Non-emergency resource and referral on a variety of topics
mentalhealthscreening.org

 

- online screening tools



South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC) administers many housing and homelessness programs through their Housing and Consumer Education Center. Walk-ins welcome or call 508-872-4853 to schedule an appointment. 
Mobile Emergency Psychiatric Services Programs 
Advocates Emergency Service:  800-640-5432

National Hotlines - Talk with someone anonymously 
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800-273-8255   
(Online chat available at: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org)
Crisis Text Line Text the word “HOME” to 741741   

Local Helplines - Talk with someone anonymously
Samaritans Boston: 617-247-0220; 877-870-4673
Samaritans of Merrimack Valley: 866-912-4673
Samariteen (Teen line): 800-252-8336 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekends

GLBTQ youth support: 
Fenway Community Health Center 800-399-7337; 
The Trevor Project Helpline: 866-488-7386
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 800-841-8371


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