We’re providing resources, tips, and other information in Massachusetts related to the current crisis, categorized by the five pillars of our Bridge to Self-Sufficiency®.

First up: Family Stability, which is divided into two sub-pillars, Housing and Family. This post covers Family. Click here for Housing resources.

Click here to see all resource categories.

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Domestic Violence

• Call 911 if you are in danger right now.
• If you are not in immediate danger, but still need assistance or services, you can call SafeLink at (877) 785-2020, Casa Myrna Vasquez at (800) 992-2600, or see Jane Doe’s list of Massachusetts domestic violence programs here.
• Although courts are closed to non-emergency cases, Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault request are emergencies, if you need a restraining order betwen Mon-Fri, 8:30am-4:30pm call the clerk at the District Court, Boston Municipal Court, or Probate or Family court where you need to file. Click here for a list of courts serving your city or town.
• If you cannot reach someone for any reason, call your local police station and ask if they have specific instructions from the court on how to get an order, or call SafeLink at (877) 785-2020.
• Click here for additional information and legal resources for survivors.

Child care

• As 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, March 22, all non-emergency child care programs in MA must be closed.
• This will remain in effect until May 4, 2020 and may be extended as needed.
• This applies to all group child care settings, both center- and family-based. The order does not apply to residential schools, community group homes, temporary shelters, transition-to-independent living facilities, teen parent programs, and DYS secure facilities.
• Emergency childcare programs are still open, FREE of charge. Click here to search for an emergency program and click here for an interactive map.
• Priority access to emergency child care is being given to vulnerable children, and the children of families designated as “COVID-19 Essential Workforce,” with emphasis on those in the health care, public health, and human services and law enforcement, public safety, and first responder fields.
• Parents who receive child care subsidies will not lose their vouchers. The state will continue paying subsidies and parent fees for subsidized cases for the duration of the closure.
• The temporary closure of all child care programs will not impact any parent’s eligibility for care.
• Click here for more information.

Stay tuned for the Education pillar for at-home learning resources.

Immigration

• Getting tested or treated for the COVID-19 will NOT count as a public charge for immigrants.
• Emergency funds for undocumented folks: Click here.
• U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) offices are currently closed to the public. Click here for information on their COVID-19 response and for resources if you have a pending case.
• For women seeking immigration advice, contact the Rosie’s Place Legal Program at (617) 318-0280.
• Click here for resources from MIRA Coalition in multiple languages.
• For immigrants without access to benefits (undocumented, TPS, DACA, etc.) such as SNAP, unemployment, disability, and cash assistance, click here for assistance in your neighborhood and call 211 to ask for information on the United Way’s COVID-19 Family Support Fund.

Internet and Phone Services

Free and low-cost internet offers

• Comcast is offering 60 days of free service to new Internet Essentials customers who apply by April 30, and free remote installation. It’s also increasing service speeds for new and existing customers and has made Xfinity WiFi hotspots free for all to use.
• Starry is offering free service until the end of May to all current Starry Connect subscribers and anyone who signs up for Starry Connect before the end of May. You must live in a building that is currently served by the Starry Connect program.
• Verizon announced two months of waived Internet and voice service charges for current Lifeline customers. The company also has new, affordable Internet options for low-income households.
• PCs for People offers low-cost WiFi hotspots and computers to qualifying households. They now accept Pell Grant documentation for eligibility for higher education students impacted by COVID-19-related school closures.
• Click here for more free and low-cost internet programs.

Other internet resources

• Many Internet Service Providers have signed onto the Keep Americans Connected Pledge. See if your ISP has signed on to this pledge.
• Information from Boston Public Schools on laptops and the internet.
• More from the City of Boston.
• See the “At-home learning” section below for more about online learning.

Low-cost phone

• Certain low-income or specific program recipients in Massachusetts are eligible for a low-cost phone through the Lifeline Program.

  • Click here for eligibility criteria.
  • Click here to apply for the program.

Transportation

• The MBTA is reducing service on some lines, with some high-demand lines retaining normal service. Click here for updates.
• The MA Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV) has switched to an appointment-only reservation system for necessary and required in-person transactions, including certain CDL license transactions and some new registrations. Click here to make an appointment.
• The RMV is now conducting suspension hearings over the phone. You will still need to visit the RMV to apply for and initiate a suspension hearing.
• The RMV is suspending the issuance of new REAL IDs and non-commercial learner’s permit exams until April 7.
• Click here for more RMV information.