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Food Pantry Resources:
https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/food-pantry-meal-program-schedule/
https://www.uwpv.org/food-security
Call: 413-737-2691 - Intake packet found under the Site information: United Way has locations in Springfield, Chicopee, and Holyoke
https://www.lorrainessoupkitchen.com/
Call: 413-592-9528 - Address: 170 Pendexter Ave, Chicopee
Mobile Pantry:
https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/mobile-food-bank/
Brown Bag Services For Elders:
https://www.foodbankwma.org/get-help/brown-bag-food-for-elders/
Summer Food Program for Youth:
https://www.projectbread.org/summer-eats-program
https://www.homegrownspringfield.org/programs/summer-eats
HOUSING AND RENTAL ASSISTANCE
Housing Assistance:
Apply for Rental Assistance:
Homeowners Assistance Fund
COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE
Mass 2-1-1 connects callers to information about the community's critical health and human services. It is a resource for finding government benefits and services, nonprofit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and is an easy way to find or give help in your community. Mass 2-1-1 responds immediately during crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis, and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs. If you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available:
1-877-211-MASS (6277)
TTY for Hearing Impaired: 1-508-370-4890
413Care.org
Search for food, health, housing, employment programs, and much more.
CLOTHING DONATION CENTERS
Open Pantry Community Services, Inc - People's Center
The clothing closet address is 287 State Street, Springfield, MA, 01105
The center is open for about 4 hours per day. The Hampden People's Center provides free, gently used clothing and other household goods to those in need of assistance. Items passed out can include winter coats, school backpacks for students, and professional work attire such as suits or dresses. Some basic furniture (kitchen utensils and simple furniture) may be offered too.
Providence Ministries for the Needy, Inc
The main address is 56 Cabot Street
Holyoke, Massachusetts, 01040
Call (413) 534-7610
This non-profit offers the St Jude's Clothing Center. It distributes affordable clothing and household items (furniture and appliances) to the needy for a small fee. There are some exceptions. For example, fire victims can receive items for free if they bring in a report.
Goodwill Thrift Stores
231 South Street, Holyoke, MA, dial 413-437-7947
971 Bridge Street, Northampton, Massachusetts, main phone 413-320-4911.
473 Sumner Avenue, Springfield, MA, 413-785-1579.
183 University Drive, Amherst, MA, main phone 413-835-0096
While this is a thrift store, the center may be able to provide some goods at an affordable price to the lowest income, seniors, and people who qualify in Hampden County. Others will need to purchase items at the thrift store. The non-profit provides low-cost clothing, winter coats, and some household goods. Donations are always welcomed as well, in particular around Christmas and the holidays when the need for help increases.
FREE FURNITURE BANK
A charity known as Fresh Start covers Hampden County. Dial (508) 485-2080. They give out free stuff ranging from bedroom sets to computers (for work-at-home jobs or students). There are also appliances such as dishwashers or washing machines as well as couches, lamps, tables, and other gently used furniture items. A major focus is on the working poor and families with kids in the Springfield area.
MENTAL HEALTH AGENCIES AND HOTLINES
Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line
Call or Text: 833-773-2445
Behavioral Health Network
Call intake: 413-301-9355
Gandara Mental Health
https://www.gandaracenter.org/behavioral-health
Behavioral Health Urgent Care Center
2155 Main St & 85 St George Rd, Springfield
Call: 413-736-0395