Below are resources on hotline numbers, domestic violence, healthcare, sexual violence, mental health/counseling, LGBTQ+, shelters, food, drug & alcohol support, and job support. Some resources are national but most are based in the Boston area. Some resources overlap in categories meaning there might be some resources under one category or several do to one's unique circumstances.
There are non-categorized resources at the bottom of the page, which includes emotional safety and self-defense. Some resources contain a trigger warning as they might contain information, examples, or scenarios that can re-harm survivors of violence.
HOTLINES
Suicide Hotline
1-800-273-8255
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States. The Lifeline is available for everyone, is free, and confidential.
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Samaritans Suicide Hotline
1-877-870-4673
This helpline remains open 24/7 for calls and texts for those experiencing sadness, loneliness, hopeless, suicidal, or those hoping to help someone undergoing crisis.
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Massachusetts Substance Abuse Hotline
1-800-327-5050
The Helpline is the only statewide, public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Helpline services are free and confidential. Our caring, trained Specialists will help you understand the treatment system and your options.
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BARCC
1-800-841-8371
barcc.org
Our mission is to end sexual violence. We empower survivors of sexual violence to heal and provide education and legal and medical advocacy for social change to prevent sexual violence. Reach our hotline by phone 24-7 or web chat 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
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The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386
thetrevorproject.org
Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person (under 25 years old) in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now.
SafeLink (Casa Myrna)
877-785-2020
casamyrna.org
SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Are you worried about someone or do you have questions about abuse? Do you recognize warning signs of an unhealthy relationship? Do you need help or support? Call us. Each call is answered by a trained advocate who provides non-judgmental support, assistance with safety planning, and information on appropriate resources.
24/7 National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline
1-800-656-4673
https://www.rainn.org/about-national-sexual-assault-telephone-hotline
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National Domestic Violence Hotline Number
1-800-799-7233 (support in English and Spanish)
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DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Rosie’s Place
889 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
617-442-9322
rosiesplace.org
Our mission is to provide a safe and nurturing environment that helps poor and homeless women maintain their dignity, seek opportunity, and find security in their lives.
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SafeLink (Casa Myrna)
451 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02121
877-785-2020 (hotline numnber)
(617) 521-0100 (office number)
casamyrna.org
SafeLink is Massachusetts’ statewide 24/7 toll-free domestic violence hotline and a resource for anyone affected by domestic or dating violence. Are you worried about someone or do you have questions about abuse? Do you recognize warning signs of an unhealthy relationship? Do you need help or support? Call us. Each call is answered by a trained advocate who provides non-judgmental support, assistance with safety planning, and information on appropriate resources.
Cambridge Health Alliance Victims of Violence Program
26 Central Street, Somerville, MA 02143
617-591-6360
challiance.org
Experiencing violence whether personally or in your community is often traumatizing. The Victims of Violence Program (VOV) recognizes the value of community-based social action to prevent violence and the importance of empowering care. Our group treatment program can help you mobilize resiliency, promote renewed hope and restore your self-esteem by reducing your isolation and strengthening your connections to your community. VOV focuses first on personal safety, then on dealing with the effects of violence which often leads to empowered relationships with others.
RAINN
RAINN is the nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization. This webpage contains resources on consent, traveling, social media, dating, alcohol, pressure, and safety planning.
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*Trigger Warning* Identifying Domestic Abuse
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Creating a Domestic Abuse Safety Plan (online format)
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SEXUAL VIOLENCE
BARCC
Cambridge Office: 99 Bishop Richard Allen Dr, Cambridge, MA 02139
Boston Office: 989 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, MA 02215
Waltham: 24 Crescent Street, Suite 202, Waltham, MA 02453
1-800-841-8371 (hotline number)
barcc.org
Our mission is to end sexual violence. We empower survivors of sexual violence to heal and provide education and legal and medical advocacy for social change to prevent sexual violence. Reach our hotline by phone 24-7 or web chat 9:00 a.m.–11:00 p.m.
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Casa Myrna
451 Blue Hill Avenue, Boston, MA 02121
877-785-2020
casamyrna.org
Casa Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, providing safety, resources, advocacy and information since 1977. We operate SafeLink, the statewide domestic violence hotline, and promote domestic and dating violence prevention through awareness and education. All of our supports are provided to survivors free of charge.
Beth Israel Hospital
330 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA 02215
617-667-7000
bidmc.org
BIDMC’s Rape Crisis Intervention Program offers: Emergency room services 24hrs/day offering medical care, forensic evidence collection, and follow-up medical care- Trauma-focused therapy for survivors and their families and friends- Support groups- Medical accompaniment for HIV-post exposure prophylaxis- Assistance navigating medical, criminal justice, and other institutions and systems- Assistance accessing community resources and services. You may receive free care and do not have to use your insurance.
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*Trigger Warning* Intimate Partner Sexual Violence
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How to Help Someone You Care About
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MENTAL HEALTH/COUNSELING
NAMI
529 Main Street, Suite 1M17, Boston, MA 02129
617-580-8541
https://namimass.org/
NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness, is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.
Samaritans
41 West St., 4th Floor, Boston, MA 02111
1-877-870-4673
samaritanshope.org
Samaritans provide 24/7 hotline services for those considering suicide, grieving the loss of a loved one, or to help others in crisis.
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LGBTQ+ RESOURCES
Fenway Community Health Center
1340 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
617-267-0900
fenwayhealth.org
The mission of Fenway Health is to enhance the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond through access to the highest quality health care, education, research and advocacy.
BAGLY
28 Court Square, Boston, MA 02108
617-227-4313
bagly.org
The Boston Alliance of LGBTQ+ Youth (BAGLY) was formed in 1980 and is a youth-led, adult-supported organization committed to social justice, and creating, sustaining and advocating for programs, policies and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community.
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The Trevor Project
1-866-488-7386 (hotline number)
thetrevorproject.org
The Trevor Project has trained professionals who support youth via the hotline support services. They also have several resources available online for youth.
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SHELTERS
Bridge Over Troubled Waters
47 West St, Boston, MA 02111
617-423-9575
bridgeotw.org
Bridge is Boston’s foremost agency providing life-changing services for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth.
Y2Y- Youth Homeless Shelter
1 Church St, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-864-0795
y2ynetwork.org
The nation’s first student-run overnight program providing a safe and affirming environment for young adults experiencing homelessness.
Pine Street Inn
444 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02118
617-892-9100
pinestreetinn.org
Pine Street Inn provides a comprehensive range of services to nearly 2,000 homeless men and women each day. We have been providing a comprehensive range of programs and services, including housing, emergency services, and workforce development. Our ultimate goal is to end homelessness by making permanent housing a reality for all.
Boston Rescue Mission
39 Kingston St, Boston, MA 02111
617-338-9000
brm.org
The Boston Rescue Mission transforms lives by empowering people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to become more self-sufficient. We provide emergency overnight shelter with hot meals, toiletries, and bathroom and shower facilities to those in need. We also provide residential recovery programs for women and men transitioning from homelessness to independent living; for adult men who have been sober for at least 0 days; and veterans who have been continuously homeless for more than a year.
Renewal House (through the Unitarian Universalist Urban Ministry)
10 Putnam Street, Roxbury MA 02119
617-566-6881 (confidential hotline number)
uuum.org
Renewal House is a domestic violence shelter for individuals and families who are fleeing violence or abuse. Renewal House works closely with other programs that serve the LGBTQ communities, as well as those that serve elders and individuals with disabilities to provide the best support we can to these under-served populations.
MBTA accessible.
Father Bill’s
Shelter #1: 38 Broad St, Quincy, MA 02169
617-770-3314
Shelter #2: 54 North Main Street, Brockton, MA 02301
508-587-5441
helpfbms.org
If you are an individual in need of emergency shelter for the night, we operate two shelters for adults (no children or minors).
St. Francis House
39 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02116
617-542-4211
stfrancishouse.org
People experiencing homelessness often feel ashamed and embarrassed about their circumstances, and they may not know where to turn. At St. Francis House, we understand those feelings, and we provide all of the information and services people need to rebuild their lives.
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FOOD
Youth on Fire
1555 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-661-2508
https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/youth-on-fire/
The Youth On Fire drop-in center was established in the fall of 2000 to provide a welcoming and non-judgmental environment for homeless and street-involved youth. YOF is open five days a week and serves young people between the ages of 14 and 24. YOF has onsite hot meals, clothing, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as weekly medical care, mental health counseling, and referrals to community resources.
Greater Boston Food Bank
70 S Bay Ave, Boston, MA 02118
617-427-5200
gbfb.org
The Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) partners with 520+ hunger-relief agencies, including food pantries, community meal programs and other food assistance providers throughout the nine counties and 190 towns and cities across Eastern Massachusetts. We also offer help applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Haley House
South End: 23 Dartmouth St, Boston, MA 02116
617-236-8132
Dudley Square/Roxbury: 12 Dade Street, Roxbury, MA 02119
(617) 445-0900
Local in focus and based in personal relationship, Haley House has grown organically in response to the harsh realities of social inequality and injustice since 1966. We remain committed to the important work of nurturing community which inspires and supports lasting personal and societal transformation. Never abandoning our deep roots as a house of hospitality, Haley House today addresses basic human needs through five interconnected branches: direct services, housing, urban farming, education & training, and social enterprise.
Department of Transitional Assistance- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps
SNAP APPLICATION ASSISTANCE
617-348-6000
https://bostonabcd.org/service/food-stampssnap/
**Go to boston.gov/food for access to food resource maps by neighborhood**
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HEALTHCARE
Fenway Community Health Center
1340 Boylston St, Boston, MA 02215
617-267-0900
fenwayhealth.org
The mission of Fenway Health is to enhance the well-being of the LGBTQIA+ community and all people in our neighborhoods and beyond through access to the highest quality health care, education, research and advocacy.
Health Care for the Homeless Barbara McInnis House
780 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118
857-654-1000
https://www.bhchp.org/about/locations/barbara-mcinnis-house
We are committed to ensuring that every one of these individuals has access to comprehensive health care, from preventative dental care to cancer treatment. BHCHP provides care without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, military service, national origin, immigration status, genetic information or marital status.
Tufts Emergency Clinic
617-627-3752
care.tufts.edu/sti-testing
If you are worried about a symptom or have been exposed to someone diagnosed with a sexually transmitted infection (STI) you can make an appointment or utilize our walk-in hours any time. A Health Service clinician will discuss your sexual history with you as well as symptoms of various STIs. We can test for almost any STI. Some are blood tests, some are urine tests, and some are done through swabbing.
Youth on Fire
1555 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02138
617-661-2508
https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/youth-on-fire/
The center offers basic necessities, as well as prevention information on HIV, STDs, Hepatitis C and other diseases associated with high-risk behavior. YOF has onsite hot meals, clothing, showers, and laundry facilities, as well as weekly medical care, mental health counseling, and referrals to community resources. The ultimate goal of YOF is to help as many youth as possible to have a healthy lifestyle, remain HIV-negative, and seek greater stability through permanent housing, employment, or school.
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DRUG & ALCOHOL SUPPORT
AHOPE
774 Albany Street, Boston, MA 02118
617-534-3976
bphc.org
AHOPE is a harm reduction and needle exchange site providing a range of service to active injection drug users, including: Integrated HIV/ Hepatitis/ and STI testing- free, legal, and anonymous needle exchange- supported referrals to HIV- Hepatitis, STI treatment, and medical, overdose prevention education and training- risk reduction supplies to reduce the spread of HIV and Hepatitis C infection- risk reduction counseling-supported referrals to all modalities of substance abuse treatment.
PAATHS
774 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118
617-635-4500
bphc.org
PAATHS (Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support) is a one-stop shop for anyone looking for information about, or access to, substance use treatment services. We are able to provide phone support, community support and walk-in services to individuals who are seeking immediate placement in a range of substance use treatment programs.
Dimock Detox Program
55 Dimock St, Roxbury, MA 02119
617-442-8800, ext. 1320
dimock.org
Currently our Acute Treatment Services (ATS) is a 40 bed medically monitored detox unit for alcohol and opioid use disorders located right on campus. Our detox services have served the community for more than 40 years.
Al-Anon
al-anon.org
Al‑Anon is a mutual support program for people whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking. By sharing common experiences and applying the Al-Anon principles, families and friends of alcoholics can bring positive changes to their individual situations, whether or not the alcoholic admits the existence of a drinking problem or seeks help.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
aaboston.org/meetings
Alcoholics Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no dues or fees for A.A. membership.
SmartRecovery
smartrecovery.org/teens
SMART Recovery is a self-help program that offers a place where teens can get together to try to look into and change behaviors that hurts themselves and others like smoking, drinking, fighting and using drugs, to name a few.
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JOB SUPPORT
Boston Uncornered/ College Bound
275 E Cottage Street, Dorchester MA 02125
617-944-1083
uncornered.org
College Bound Dorchester is a Boston nonprofit poised to be a national model for using education to end systemic generational urban poverty and violence through its Uncornered solution. Boston Uncornered redirects the entrepreneurial, networking and leadership skills of gang involved youth (we call Core Influencers) from violence and incarceration to obtain a college credential and family-sustaining wage—driving positive change in our neighborhoods.
MassHire Career Center
1010 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02119
617-541-1400
masshirebostoncareerctr.org
MassHire Boston Career Center can connect you to employers looking to hire.
Boston Public Library- HiSET/resume help
bpl.org/blogs/post/career-resources-at-the-bpl
The BPL has a growing collection of books for resume and cover letter writing, job discovery and prep books for career related exams. We also offer resume & cover letter review drop-ins.
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OTHER RESOURCES
*Trigger Warning* Power and Control Wheel
*Trigger Warning* Setting Boundaries with People You Know (and some language you can use)
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*Trigger Warning* Tactics Used by Other to Lower Boundaries
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(Video) Five Self-Defense Moves (geared for women but anyone can find these helpful​
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9 Tips for College Campus Safety (but can be applicable to those not in college, too)
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One of the tips given states that students should be in contact with the college’s campus safety office. Some students (particularly students of color) will not feel comfortable with this resource due to the history of police brutality with Black and Brown folks.
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