Massachusetts Employment
Massachusetts Affordable Rentals
Massachusetts Homeless Shelters, Food Pantries and More
MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE

Massachusetts Happenings

DISCLAIMER

JUST A SHORT NOTE TO STATE THAT THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION IS TO PASS PRECIOUS INFORMATION ON TO THOSE OF NEED. OCCASIONALLY, THERE WILL BE ARTICLES BY OTHER WRITERS. I MAY NOT NECESSARILY AGREE WITH THEIR VIEWPOINTS, HOWEVER, I DO RESPECT THEM. THANK YOU

ALSO:

If you would like to add information to this page please feel free to contact me at:

NEW HOURS AND CONTACT INFORMATION:

1-732-264-7500 MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY 7:30AM EST TO 5PM EST
1-609-577-3555 24/7/365 FOR EMERGENCIES
OR ANN@HOMELESSTOINDEPENDENCE.ORG

Thank you!

PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL DISASTER RESPONSE MATERIALS HAVE BEEN MOVED TO OUR NEW “MASSACHUSETTS EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS AND DISASTER RESPONSE” PAGE!

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Massachusetts Head Start
Managing Agency Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov
Program Description
The Head Start program (for children ages 3-5) and Early Head Start program (for pregnant women, infants, and toddlers) promote school readiness for children in low-income families by providing comprehensive educational, health, nutritional, and social services. Parents play a large role in the programs, both as primary educators of their children and as participants in administering the programs locally. Both programs provide pre-literacy and literacy experiences in a multi-cultural environment. Parents are also provided social services, including assistance with childcare. Services are also available to migrant and seasonal farm worker families.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Massachusetts, you must be a parent or primary caregiver responsible for a child who is too young for public school.

In order to qualify, you must also have an annual household income (before taxes) that is below the following amounts:
Household Size* Maximum Income Level (Per Year)
1 $14,521
2 $19,669
3 $24,817
4 $29,965
5 $35,113
6 $40,261
7 $45,409
8 $50,557
*For households with more than eight people, add $5,148 per additional person.

If you do not meet these criteria, you may still qualify if you are a U.S. national, citizen or permanent resident whose financial status is low income or very low income, who is under-employed, unemployed or about to become unemployed, facing pregnancy, less than 19 years of age yourself, or the parent or primary caregiver for children under the age of 19 years. Other qualifications may apply.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
For enrollment information, contact the program nearest you:

http://eclkc.ohs.acf.hhs.gov/hslc/HeadStartOffices

Program Contact Information
For more information on this program, send an email to:
info@massheadstart.org
You may also contact the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care by calling at: 617-988-6600

Posted 04-09-12

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FESTIVALS AND FUN TIMES:

Massachusetts, Dunstable
Goss Farm Spring Fling
Theme this Year: Spring Fling
Dates: April 30, 2012 – April 30, 2012
Location: Goss Farm
466 Pleasant Street
Dunstable, MA
Middlesex
Promoter: Janice Portlock
Phone Number: 978-502-2472
Second Phone Number: 978-433-7942
Description: Spring Fling is a day where vendors may set up a table for $20 and display their products and/or business. Takes place on Goss Farm in beautiful Dunstable, Ma.
Event Hours: 10am to 5pm
Admission: Free for the public. $20 for vendors to set up a table
Parking: Free
Ticket Info: free for public
Directions: Rt. 113 off of both Rt 3 north or south. Goss Farm is located on the left

Massachusetts, Lowell
Billy Currington
Billy Currington Dates: May 3, 2012 – May 3, 2012
Location: Tsongas Arena
Lowell, MA
Middlesex County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Massachusetts, Worcester
Lady Antebellum:
Lady Antebellum Dates: May 5, 2012 – May 5, 2012
Location: DCU Center
Worcester, MA
Worcester County
Event Hours: 7pm

Massachusetts, Boston
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Red Hot Chili Peppers Dates: May 7, 2012 – May 7, 2012
Location: TD Garden
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Massachusetts, West Springfield
Vermont Spring Classic Horse Show
Dates: May 16, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location:
West Springfield, MA
Hampden County
Promoter: Vermont Morgan Horse Association
Phone Number: 507-739-3341
Description: All Morgan Horse Show – Driving, Dressage and Carriage classes outdoors; English, Western, Hunter, Equitation classes indoors.
Admission: Free

Massachusetts, Marshfield
Kiss 108 Concert w/ Adam Lambert
Adam Lambert Dates: May 19, 2012 – May 19, 2012
Location: Comcast Center
Marshfield, MA
Plymouth County
Event Hours: 2pm

Massachusetts, Cummington
Massachusetts Sheep & Woolcraft Fair
Dates: May 26, 2012 – May 27, 2012
Location: Cummington Fairgrounds
Cummington, MA
Hampshire County
Phone Number: 413-625-2424
Description: Sheep show, dog trial, fiber workshops, fleece sale, woolcraft exhibits, leadline pageant, fleece to shawl demo, sale & display booths, spinning workshop. Drop in spinning. Potluck supper 5:30
Parking: $10 per car, $15 for a two day pass

Massachusetts, Marshfield
Native American Awareness Spring Planting Moon Pow-Wow and E
Dates: May 26, 2012 – May 27, 2012
Location: Marshfield Fairgrounds
Marshfield, MA
Plymouth County

Massachusetts, Mansfield
Brad Paisley
Brad Paisley Dates: June 3, 2012 – June 3, 2012
Location: Comcast Center
Mansfield, MA
Bristol County
Event Hours: 7:30pm

Massachusetts, Marshfield
South Shore Pet Expo
Southshore Pet Expo Dates: June 3, 2012 – June 3, 2012
Location: Marshfield Fairgrounds
Marshfield, MA
Plymouth County
Event Hours: 11am to 4pm

Massachusetts, Boston
Antique Roadshow
Dates: June 9, 2012 – June 9, 2012
Location: Boston Convention & Exhibition Center
Boston, MA
Suffolk County
Directions: park in the South Parking lot and please enter the building at the Southeast Level 0 lobby (outside Exhibit Hall C).

Massachusetts, Mansfield
Rascal Flatts with Little Big Town
Rascal Flatts Dates: June 16, 2012 – June 16, 2012
Location: Comcast Center
Mansfield, MA
Bristol County
Event Hours: 8pm

Massachusetts, Mansfield
Jimmy Buffet
Jimmy Buffet Dates: June 23, 2012 – June 23, 2012
Location: Comcast Center
Mansfield, MA
Bristol County
Event Hours: 8pm

Massachusetts, Marshfield
Wild West Fest
Dates: June 23, 2012 – June 24, 2012
Location: Marshfield Fairgrounds
Marshfield, MA
Plymouth County
Phone Number: 508-944-3530

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Massachusetts Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Managing Agency Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov

Program Description
The WIC Program provides supplemental foods, nutrition education and referrals to health care, at no cost, to low-income pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum women, infants, and children up to age 5 who are determined to be at nutritional risk. To be fully eligible for the WIC Program, applicants must be determined by a health professional, at no cost, to be at nutritional risk (i.e., have certain medical-based or diet-based risk conditions).

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Massachusetts, pregnant, breastfeeding and postpartum woman, infant or child up to 5 years of age and: (1) are individually determined by a health professional to be at nutrition risk; and, (2) meet an income standard, or are determined automatically income eligible. A person who participates or has family members who participate in certain other benefit programs, such as the Food Stamp Program, Medicaid or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, automatically meets the income eligibility requirement.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
To apply for WIC, call 1-800-WIC-1007 (1-800-942-1007).

Program Contact Information
Please see the following website for the income standard or maximum income limit for WIC eligibility:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/wic/howtoapply/incomeguidelines.htm

For more information on Massachusetts WIC or to locate your local WIC provider, please visit the Massachusetts Center for Community Health (CCH) at: http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/basic-needs/food/wic/

Updated 12-21-11

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Massachusetts MassHealth (SCHIP)
Managing Agency Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov

Program Description
There are some basic rules for getting MassHealth. Even if you or your family already have health insurance, you may be eligible if your family’s income is low or medium; and you are a parent living with your children under age 19; or you are an adult caretaker relative living with children under age 19 to whom you are related by blood, adoption, or marriage, or are a spouse or former spouse of one of those relatives, and you are the primary caretaker of these children when neither parent is living in the home; or you are under age 19, whether or not you live with your family; or you are pregnant, with or without children; or you have been out of work for a long time; or you are disabled; or you are HIV positive.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Massachusetts, under 19 years of age, not covered by health insurance (including Medicaid), a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, and you must have an annual household income before taxes of less than $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; $74,020 if eight people live in the household; and $81,500 if more than eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home. Depending on your income level, you may have to pay a premium for coverage. Please see this state’s program information for details.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
For application information and instructions, visit:

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/insurance/masshealth-apply/overview…

Program Contact Information
For more information, visit: http://www.massresources.org/masshealth.html
Or call: 888-665-9993
TTY available toll-free at: 888-665-9997

Updated 12-21-11

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Massachusetts Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
Managing Agency Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov

Program Description
The Massachusetts Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children Program provides temporary cash assistance and supportive services to children, individuals, and their families. Every person has the right, and is afforded the opportunity, to apply for any category of assistance administered by the Department of Transitional Assistance.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of Massachusetts, either pregnant or responsible for a child under 19 years of age, a US national, citizen, legal alien, or permanent resident, have low or very low income, and be either under-employed (working for very low wages), unemployed or about to become unemployed.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process

http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/consumer/basic-needs/financial/apply…

Program Contact Information
For more information, please visit: http://www.mass.gov/dta/assistance
For more help applying for public assistance, call the Application Information Unit at: 1-800-249-2007

Updated 12-21-11

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Massachusetts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Managing Agency Massachusetts http://www.mass.gov

Program Description
Food stamps, now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), began in the United States in the late 1930′s to help people buy and eat nutritious food, be stronger, and make up a more productive society. In 1971, the Food Stamp Program became a nationwide entitlement program. That means that as long as you meet the rules for SNAP, you have a legal right to get them. Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on the number of people in your household and how much income you have. To get SNAP benefits, households must meet certain tests, including resource (assets) and income tests.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Massachusetts and fall into one of two groups: (1) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $2,001, or (2) those with a current bank balance (savings and checking combined) under $3,001 who share their household with a person or persons age 60 and over, or with a person with a disability (a child, your spouse, a parent, or yourself). For either group, you must also have an annual household income of less than $21,660 if one person lives in the household; $29,140 if two people live in the household; $36,620 if three people live in the household; $44,100 if four people live in the household; $51,580 if five people live in the household; $59,060 if six people live in the household; $66,540 if seven people live in the household; or $74,020 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $7,480 for each additional person in the home.
Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for this program, you may apply online at:

https://service.hhs.state.ma.us/ierhome/LandingPage.do?method=displayConsumerHomePage&pageSwitch=HOME

Or, you may apply by mail or fax; visit http://www.massresources.org/snap-apply.html and scroll to the heading that says “Apply by Mail or Fax” for the application and detailed instructions.

You may also request an application be mailed to you by calling 1-800-249-2007.
Program Contact Information
For more information, visit: http://www.massresources.org/snap.html
If a member of your household is an elderly (age 60 or over) and/or disabled person, special rules apply in order to receive Food Stamps in Massachusetts. For more information, please contact the Department of Transitional Assistance at: 1-800-249-2007

Updated 12-21-11

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NERRC is one of six Regional Resource Centers funded by the U.S. Department of Education. The Center provides special education technical assistance to help state education agencies improve their systems of early intervention, special education and transition services for children with disabilities. Find more resources for parents and educators in your state.

For more information visit this link: http://www.disability.gov/state/massachusetts/education

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Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Managing Agency Massachusetts

http://www.mass.gov

Program Description
The Massachusetts Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) (Fuel Assistance) provides eligible households with
help in paying winter heating bills. The program pays benefits of fixed amounts based on household income. An additional benefit is
available to eligible households having a high-energy burden. Local administering agencies determine household eligibility based on
several factors including annualized income and the number of members in the household. The agency then will make payments
towards the heating bills to the primary heat source vendor (oil, propane, wood or coal dealer, or gas or electric utility). Special
provisions are made for those households whose heat is included in their rent and those living in subsidized housing.

General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the state of Massachusetts, you must need financial
assistance for home energy costs and your household’s annual income before taxes for program year 2011 must not exceed
$30,751 if one person lives in the household; $40,213 if two people live in the household; $49,675 if three people live in the
household; $59,137 if four people live in the household; $68,598 if five people live in the household; $78,060 if six people live in the
household; $79,835 if seven people live in the household; $81,609 if eight people live in the household; and $83,383 if nine people live
in the household. For larger households, please see the “Fiscal Year 2011 LIHEAP Income Eligibility and Benefit Level Chart”: http:
//www.mass.gov/Ehed/docs/dhcd/cd/liheap/fy11incomeeligibility.pdf.

Your Next Steps
The following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.

Application Process
If you are a first-time applicant, you’ll need to apply in person at the fuel assistance agency in your area. Click here to locate your
fuel assistance agency:

http://app1.ocd.state.ma.us/fuel/

Program Contact Information
For more information on Massachusetts LIHEAP, please visit:

http://www.mass.gov/?

pageID=ehedterminal&L=3&L0=Home&L1=Community+Development&L2=Housing+Energy+Programs&sid=Ehed&b=terminalconte
nt&f=dhcd_cd_liheap_liheap&csid=Ehed
To speak with a representative regarding LIHEAP, please call:
Massachusetts Heat Line:
1-800-632-8175

Or:
DHCD Community Services Unit:
617-573-1400

To write it to the Massachusetts LIHEAP, please contact:
Massachusetts Department of Housing & Community Development
Community Services Unit
100 Cambridge Street, Suite 300
Boston, MA 02114

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Program Description
The School Breakfast Program provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious breakfast to students each
day. Schools receive Federal funds for each breakfast served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The
State of Massachusetts provides additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify for free or reduced-price
meals.

The goal of the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) is to protect the health and well-being of the nation’s children by providing
nutritious school meals every day. NSLP provides funding that makes it possible for schools to offer a nutritious school lunch.

Schools receive Federal funds for each lunch served, provided that the meal meets established nutrition standards. The Federal
government and the State of Massachusetts provide additional funds to schools for each meal served to children who qualify,
because of family income, for free or reduced-price meals.
General Program Requirements
In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Massachusetts and a parent or primary caregiver
responsible for a child(ren) who attends school (high school or under). Those who qualify must also have an annual household
income before taxes that must not exceed $26,955 if two people live in the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household;
$40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household;
$61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for
each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for free or reduced price meals, contact your child’s school. A listing of your state’s schools can be found here:

http://profiles.doe.mass.edu/search/search.aspx

Program Contact Information
For additional information about the programs, please visit the Massachusetts Child Nutrition office at:

http://www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/nprograms/

If you have further questions on this initiative, please contact the Massachusetts Child Nutrition Programs office regarding the
programs.
781-338-6479

Managing Agency
Massachusetts

http://www.mass.gov

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Program Description
The Special Milk Program (SMP) provides milk to children in schools and childcare institutions that do not participate in other
Federal child nutrition meal service programs. The program reimburses schools for the milk they serve.

Schools in the National School Lunch or School Breakfast Programs may also participate in the SMP to provide milk to children in
half-day pre-kindergarten and kindergarten programs where children do not have access to the school meal programs.

The Special Milk Program began in 1955 and is administered at the Federal level by the U.S. Department of Agriculture through its
Food and Nutrition Service, formerly the Food and Consumer Service.

General Program Requirements
Any child in a school or institution that participates in the Special Milk Program can get milk. Schools may elect to offer free milk to
low-income children. In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Massachusetts, your
household’s annual income before taxes must not exceed $20,036 if one person lives in the household; $26,955 if two people live in
the household; $33,874 if three people live in the household; $40,793 if four people live in the household; $47,712 if five people live in
the household; $54,631 if six people live in the household; $61,550 if seven people live in the household; and $68,469 if eight people
live in the household. For larger households, add $6,919 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
To apply for the Special Milk program, directly contact your child’s school, camp, or child care institution to find out if it participates
in the Special Milk Program.

The Federal agency Child Nutrition Programs manages this program and provides state contact information here:

http://www.fns.usda.gov/cnd/Contacts/StateDirectory.htm

Additionally, your state education agency can also provide you with more information about the program:

http://www.doe.mass.edu/cnp/nprograms/milk.html

Program Contact Information
For more information visit:

http://www.doe.mass.edu/

Or you may call 781-338-6479.

Managing Agency
Massachusetts

http://www.mass.gov

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The Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) for low-income households includes the installation of weather stripping, caulking,
storm windows, insulation, and other materials as well as burner testing, tune-up, and minor repairs. Funds are provided by the U.S.
Department of Energy and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

General Program Requirements

In order to qualify for this benefit program, you must be a resident of the State of Massachusetts, your household’s annual income
before taxes must not exceed $27,876 if one person lives in the household; $36,454 if two people live in the household; $45,031 if
three people live in the household; $53,608 if four people live in the household; $62,186 if five people live in the household; $70,763 if
six people live in the household; $72,371 if seven people live in the household; and $73,979 if eight people live in the household. For
larger households, add $1,608 for each additional person in the home.

Your Next StepsThe following information will lead you to the next steps to apply for this benefit.
Application Process
The application for the Fuel Assistance Program (LIHEAP) also serves as the application for the Weatherization Assistance
Program; it must be completed at the Fuel Assistance Agency Service Locator, found here:

http://app1.ocd.state.ma.us/fuel/

You may contact the HEATLINE at 1-800-632-8175 to learn where to apply. Please call ahead for an appointment to fill out the
application with an intake worker. Households will be required to verify their income, household characteristics, and address.

Program Contact Information
For more information on the program please visit:

http://www.mass.gov/?pageID=ehedterminal%26L=3%26L0=Home%26L1=Community+Dev…

For additional information about Weatherization please call the Massachusetts HEATLINE toll-free at:
800-632-8175

Managing Agency
Massachusetts

http://www.mass.gov

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WE LEAVE NO STONE UNTURNED WHEN IT COMES TO HELPING OTHERS!!