Resources

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Last updated: April, 2025

GENERAL

If you need help with accessing support and resources:

If you are an Arlington resident who is under the age of 60 and need additional support accessing local or statewide resources, contact the town Community Resource Specialist, Libby Lazar: 781-316-3255 ext.13271, LLazar@town.arlington.ma.us. Contact in any language, translation services available.

If you are an Arlington resident who is 60 or older and need additional support accessing local or statewide resources, contact the Council on Aging Social Worker, Marci Shapiro-Ide : 781-316-3419.
Salvation Army’s Emergency Assistance Program: A wide variety of assistance is offered to individuals and families in need and is available on an as-needed basis. Assistance can be for utilities, clothing, food, rent/mortgage, counseling and more. Visit or call 617.547.3400 to schedule an appointment.

If you want to connect people with resources for food, education employment, housing, health, etc. in Arlington:

Safety Net provides services through the Town of Arlington: resource guides are in multiple languages
The Arlington town website has a complete list of resources to help: https://www.arlingtonma.gov/departments/health-human-services/assistance-programs

LEGAL

If you need assistance regarding potential criminal cases:

Contact the District Attorney's office https://www.middlesexda.com and ask to speak to a Victim Witness Advocate so they can take a statement from you and give you information about the criminal case as they proceed with it.

If you need to refer someone for any kind of legal aid:

If you need help with resources to help find a lawyer:

IMMIGRATION

If you need to know your rights:

MENTAL HEALTH

If you need referrals:

Mass Behavioral Help Line is for any person that needs to be connected to care for mental health or substance use. Call or Text 833-773-2445
Arlington Youth Counseling Center serves Arlington youth ages 3-21 and their families
Cristina Valeri, Mental Health Clinician Arlington Police Department, cvaleri@town.arlington.ma.us
Cartwheel Care is available to all Arlington Public Schools students & families. Services are virtual & include short-term individual & group therapy, parent/caregiver consultation. After an initial session, additional services may include medication evaluation & prescription, & longer-term support. Referrals to Cartwheel Care go through school based support staff.
Free Outpatient Therapist Referral Service for Arlington residents 18+: William James Interface Referral Network: is a free outpatient therapist referral service for Arlington residents 18+; 888-244-6843 (toll free) Monday - Friday, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
MA Behavioral Health Helpline provides clinical help 24 hours/day in English, Spanish, and American Sign Language

FOOD INSECURITY

If you want to provide information about supplemental food assistance:

Arlington Eats provides food to all Arlington residents. To make a shopping appointment, go online or call the hotline and someone will call you back: 339-707-6761
- Fresh Bucks SNAP match at the Farmer’s Market: Each week, SNAP card holders can come to the Arlington EATS booth at the farmers’ market and receive a match up to $15 in Fresh Bucks for any SNAP purchase made at the farmers’ market. Fresh Bucks may be used with most vendors. (June - October; Wednesdays from 2:00-6:30 pm)
Neighbors Eating All Together (NEAT) - Free monthly community meals
SNAP Application assistance; call Council on Aging (all ages); 781-316-3400

HOUSING

If you need help with rent assistance, moving expenses, or security deposit for eligible households:

Housing Corporation of Arlington
- Renea Duran, Social Services Coordinator, rduran@housingcorparlington.org
- Homelessness Prevention Grant Program – HCA

If you need general information:

Arlington Housing Authority
- Marjorie Chérubin,, Family Self Sufficiency Program Coordinator, MCherubin@arlingtonhousing.org; 781-646-3400 x300
- Arlington Resource Coordinator at Arlington Youth Counseling Center, serves all of Arlington & all ages
- Somerville Homeless Coalition - contact Hannah O’Halloran, Director of Homeless Services, hohalloran@shcinc.org

If you need eviction information:

Eviction Legal Help - assists low-income tenants and owner-occupants

If you need help with mediation, financial support:

Just a Start - Elizabeth Winston, Housing and Mediation Services Director, at ElizabethWinston@justastart.org or 617-918-7518 for more information.

FUEL ASSISTANCE

If you want to provide information about how to obtain fuel assistance:

LIHEAP Fuel Assistance for eligible Arlington households can be applied for by contacting the Arlington Council on Aging regardless of age. Application opens October 1.
Town of Arlington Heating Assistance Fund also offers help with heating costs after LIHEAP grant is spent. Contact Council on Aging 781-316-3400.

SCHOOLS

Margaret Credle Thomas, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Belonging and Justice, mthomas@arlington.k12.ma.us
Arlington Public Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention web page includes Bullying Report Form
Arlington Public Schools Family Welcoming and Resource Center - caregivers can receive support and information for in- and out-of-school resources and help
Reporting a Microaggression at Arlington High School

LITERACY

If you need to connect people for English language learning:

Lamplight Women's Literacy: Free English Classes for students with low income. Day & evening class times. All levels. September through June. Classes are fun & teach English speaking, listening, reading, & writing skills. Register online. Questions: call 781-859-7922 or email lisa@lamplightliteracy.org
Arlington Community Education provides beginner and post-beginner classes and conversational groups

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