City of Boston website - regularly updated with state and local information

• • 1. English: https://www.boston.gov/covid-19

    2. Spanish: https://www.boston.gov/covid-19-es

    3. Haitian Creole: https://www.boston.gov/covid-19-hc

    4. Cabo Verdean Creole: https://www.boston.gov/covid-19-cv

• 
  

Sign up for regular SMS updates, including on available free testing, through the city’s text alert system.

• • 1. English: text “BOSCOVID” to 888-777

    2. Spanish: text “BOSEspanol” to 888-777

    3. Haitian Creole: text “BOSKreyol”to 888-777

    4. Cabo Verdean Creole: text “BOSKriolu” to 888-777

• Julie's Family Learning Program is accepting new students. Learning can be done remotely with or without a computer. Click here for a list of programs and services available. Text Anna at 617-297-7828 for more information.

• Notre Dame Education Center is offering free HiSET courses online amidst the COVID outbreak. Click here to see the program flyer and reach out to Leslie Feeney at lfeeney@ndecboston.org to sign up.

Don't have Internet access?

The Boston Public Library is offering assistance for people without Internet access. Call a number below to speak with BPL staff, or leave a voicemail and get a return call.

• 1. 1. General Reference 617-536-5400

     2. Technical Assistance 617-859-2323

     3. ESL Support 617-859-2446

     4. Resume Help 339-215-3866

     5. SCORE Small Business Mentoring 617-565-5591

Contacting a program directly is the fastest way to get help! If you cannot contact a program yourself, email or text your name, address, telephone number and diaper size to sbneighborhoodaid@gmail.com or 617-221-7594. We will forward your information to a program that can help.

SOUTH BOSTON NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE, 136 H Street

• Providing: Diapers, wipes

• Email your name, telephone number, address and the diaper size you need to klafferty@sbnh.org.

SOUTH BOSTON ACTION CENTER, 424 West Broadway

• Providing: Diapers, wipes

• Email your name, telephone number, address, and the diaper size you need to sbneighborhoodaid@gmail.com

BABY BASICS

• Providing: Diapers for children under age 3

• Eligibility: At least one parent or guardian must be working, family cannot be receiving federal or state cash assistance, must meet financial guidelines for WIC

• Apply online babybasicsinc.org/get-help

or

• Call the South Boston Community Health Center at (617) 269-7500, from 9am-5pm Monday-Friday or 9am-1pm on Saturdays

Boston City Council

These Boston City Council members are particularly responsive to South Boston residents. For a full list of City Councilors, visit www.boston.gov/departments/city-council. City Councilors are a good place to start if you are not sure who can help you with a problem.

Ed Flynn - District 2 (South Boston)

• • 617-635-3203

  • ed.flynn@boston.gov

Annisa Essaibi George - At-Large

• • 617-635-4376

  • a.e.george@boston.gov

Michael Flaherty - At-Large

• • 617-635-4205

  • michael.f.flaherty@boston.gov

Julia Mejia - At-Large

• • 617-635-4217

  • julia.mejia@boston.gov

  • Contact in English and Spanish: https://www.boston.gov/departments/city-council/julia-mejia

State Representatives

South Boston’s legislators have been very responsive and present during the pandemic, and meet frequently with nonprofit organization staff and residents. Their offices can be especially helpful with state-level issues like unemployment issues and benefits programs.

Rep. David Biele

• 617-722-2080

• David.Biele@mahouse.gov

Sen. Nick Collins

• (617) 722-1150

• Nick.Collins@masenate.gov

If You Have Lost Your Job Due to COVID-19

What to do if you become unemployed in Massachusetts

• Boston-based startup Syrg has launched a free website to help you:

  • file for unemployment benefits

  • keep up with compliance rules so you don't lose your benefits

  • find new employment opportunities

To apply for unemployment benefits:

• Watch a video on how to apply with step-by-step instructions

• The fastest way to file a claim is to apply for unemployment benefits online.

• You can also apply over the phone, call 1-617-626-6800 or 1-877-626-6800

• If you need help filing your unemployment claim, please use this form to contact DUA.

• DUA will be hosting daily town hall meetings online and over the phone to take constituents through a step by step process of achieving a successful unemployment claim and taking questions from claimants across the Commonwealth.

  • Sign up for a town hall meeting here

  • Download the step by step presentation here

Which Unemployment Program Should You Should Apply For?

Assistance is available to more people than ever before due to the coronavirus public health emergency. You may qualify for help even if you traditionally would not be eligible. IMPORTANT: You may only receive Unemployment Insurance Benefits OR Pandemic Unemployment Assistance.

...IF YOU:

• Earned at least $5,100 during the last 4 completed calendar quarters,
  and

• Are legally authorized to work in the U.S., and

• Are unemployed, or working significantly reduced hours, through no fault of your own

...You may qualify for traditional Unemployment Insurance Benefits.

• Apply during your first week of partial or total unemployment

• The fastest way to apply for traditional unemployment benefits is online. Apply here: www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits

…IF YOU:

• Are self-employed, a 1099 contractor, a gig worker, freelancer, or a farmer, or

• Are primary caregiver of a child unable to attend school due to closures, or

• Yourself or a household member were diagnosed with COVID-19, are seeking a diagnosis, or were advised to self-quarantine, or

• Are unable to reach your workplace due to COVID-19, or

• Your hours or income have been reduced and you do not otherwise do not qualify for Unemployment Insurance Benefits

...You may qualify for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA).

PUA provides payment to workers who are not traditionally eligible for unemployment benefits and are unable to work as a direct result of the coronavirus public health emergency.

• Review the PUA eligibility checklist: www.mass.gov/doc/pandemic-unemployment-assistance-eligibility-checklist/download

• Apply here: https://ui-cares-act.mass.gov/PUA/

Sick Time

• Most Massachusetts workers can earn up to 40 hours of paid sick time each year.

• Workers with questions about sick time should call the Fair Labor Hotline, (617) 727-3465, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. or visit the website.

• If a person contracts the virus for any work-related reason, that person could be eligible for workers’ compensation. If you qualify, you can receive payments to partially replace your paycheck and for medical care related to your injury. Learn more about workers' compensation.

If Your Hours Have Been Cut

If your hours have been cut due to COVID-19, you qualify for Unemployment Insurance. Governor Baker announced emergency regulations that will allow those impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment insurance. Emergency legislation is being filed that will waive the one-week waiting period for unemployment benefits. Learn more and apply here.

If Your Workplace has Shut Down Temporarily

Emergency regulations allow people impacted by COVID-19 to collect unemployment benefits if their workplace is shut down and expects to reopen. This applies to all employees (full and part time) who are impacted by such shutdowns. Claimants are urged to file unemployment claims online.

Workplace Complaints

• Workers who believe an employer has not followed a labor law can file a workplace complaint online or call the Fair Labor Hotline, (617) 727-3465, Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Gig Economy Jobs (Uber, Lyft, Postmates, etc.)

• Uber’s Financial Assistance policy for drivers (currently that they will provide financial assistance for up to 14 days if you are diagnosed with COVID-19 or are placed in quarantine

• Lyft will be partnering with EO products to distribute 200,000+ bottles of hand sanitizer; additionally, they have committed to providing funds for drivers diagnosed with COVID-19 or quarantined

• Postmates will be offering up to two weeks off paid sick leave for those who test positive, and have set up a fund to shoulder medical expenses for impacted delivery people

• Doordash (and Caviar) will also be providing paid sick leave for those diagnosed with COVID-19

EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Call 2-1-1 from any phone or visit www.mass.gov/Covid-19-getting-help-with-housing-costs.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED AN EVICTION NOTICE (“NOTICE TO QUIT”)

• The Massachusetts moratorium on evictions ended In October. A national eviction moratorium still protects some eligible tenants if they are being evicted for nonpayment of rent.

  • To check if you qualify for the national eviction protection, visit www.masslegalhelp.org/covid-19/housing#check

  • If you qualify, you must apply for RAFT and sign a declaration form, www.masslegalhelp.org/covid-19/housing#send.

• To access FREE legal services and eviction guidance, visit www.masslegalservices.org/FindLegalAid

IF YOU NEED EMERGENCY SHELTER

• Families: Families may be eligible for emergency housing if they are Massachusetts residents facing homelessness due to:

  • No-fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation, or foreclosure

  • Fleeing domestic violence (current or within past 12 months)

  • No-fault eviction

  • Child(ren) are exposed to a substantial health and safety risk

  • Call (866) 584-0653 for assistance

• Individuals: The City of Boston maintains a list of shelters, day programs, meal programs, street outreach and more resources relevant to people experiencing homelessness. View the list at bit.ly/boston-homeless-resources-eng.

If you are 65+ and have trouble finding food resources, contact Age Strong at 617-635-4366 agestrong@boston.gov.

If you or someone you know has tested positive for COVID-19 and is food insecure, contact food@boston.gov or 617-635-3717.

Meal Sites in South Boston

MEAL PACKS FOR REMOTE LEARNERS

Available Mondays and Thursdays from 2:30 PM - 6 PM at Condon Elementary, 200 D St.

MEALS SERVED DAILY

Fourth Presbyterian Church, 340 Dorchester St., South Boston. Hours: 11 AM - 1 PM

Mary Ellen McCormack, Sterling Square, South Boston. Hours: 10 AM - 2 PM

DAILY MEALS FOR SENIORS

Meals on Wheels delivered by Ethos Meals on Wheels. Call intake at 617-292-6211 for details.

Food Pantries and Groceries

TUESDAYS

Fourth Presbyterian Church Food Pantry, 340 Dorchester St., by appointment every other Tuesday. 857-496-5870 or www.fourthboston.org/ministries/foodpantry.

South Boston Community Health Center Food Pantry, 409 W. Broadway, for current patients only, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM - 2 PM. 617-464-7504 or email sulapagl@sbchc.org.

WEDNESDAYS

Fresh Truck Mobile Market, 7 Joyce Haynes Way, West Broadway Development, from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. Accepts SNAP/EBT and HIP.

South Boston Community Health Center Food Pantry, 409 W. Broadway, for current patients only, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 10 AM - 2 PM. Call 617-464-7504 or email sulapagl@sbchc.org for info.

THURSDAYS

Free Groceries, 10AM - 6PM, Condon School, 200 D Street.

Fresh Truck Mobile Market, Sterling Square, Mary Ellen McCormack Development, from 10 AM - 1 PM. Accepts SNAP/EBT and HIP.

St. Monica’s Food Pantry, 331 Old Colony Ave. is operating by appointment on Thursday and Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Visit as often as needed. Call 617-268-8100 to make an appointment.

South Boston Action Center Food Pantry, 424 W. Broadway, operates by appointment on Thursdays. Call 617-334-5050 to make an appointment.

FRIDAYS

St. Monica’s Food Pantry, 331 Old Colony Ave. is operating by appointment on Thursday and Friday, 10 AM - 4 PM. Visit as often as needed. Call 617-268-8100 to make an appointment.

Resources Outside of South Boston

• • Catholic Charities Food Pantry, 185 Columbia Road, Dorchester. Call 617-506-6600 for information.

  • Neponset Health Center Food Pantry, 10 Minot Street, Dorchester, is open every Tuesday from 8:30am-5pm at. Anyone needing food is welcome to come pick up or have someone else pick up for them. More details here or call 617-533-2228.

General Food Resources

• For Mass. residents who need access to food: Call the toll-free hunger helpline at 1-800-645-8333.

• Greater Boston Food Bank Agency locator can help you find food pantries and community meals near your location

• SNAP is for everyone — families, seniors, disabled, homeless, unemployed, employed, veterans, and active military. If you are within the income limits, you may be eligible.

  • Call: 617-598-5022

  • Email: SNAP@gbfb.org

  • Online: GBFB.org/SNAP

WIC (Women, Infants & Children Nutrition Program)

• Some offices are open and all offices are providing services by phone. Click here to find your local office or call (800) 942-1007.

• Apply for WIC online

See also:

• COVID-19 Information

• Mental Health Resources

South Boston Community Health Center

SB Community Health Center and Lab are open Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5 PM and Saturday, 9 AM - 1 PM. Located at 409 West Broadway; 617-269-7500.

• • Staff are providing mental health services by phone and video calls. You do not need to be a current patient.

  • In-house pharmacy is open 9 AM - 5 PM and Saturdays 9 AM -1 PM.

  • If you are concerned that you have been exposed to the Coronavirus, call 617-269-7500 before visiting the South Boston Community Health Center.

EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE

Call 2-1-1 from any phone or visit www.mass.gov/Covid-19-getting-help-with-housing-costs.

BOSTON RENTAL RELIEF FUND

• Helps eligible tenants in Boston who:

  • do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or

  • because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income.

• To apply: www.boston.gov/departments/neighborhood-development/office-housing-stability/rental-relief-fund

RESIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES IN TRANSITION (RAFT)

• RAFT may provide up to $10,000 for families facing eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income, increase in expenses, or both.

• To apply for RAFT visit www.metrohousingboston.org/what-we-do/rental-relief-and-eviction-prevention-2/

EMERGENCY RENTAL AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE (ERMA)

• ERMA may provide up to $4,000 for households to pay overdue or future rent or mortgage costs.

• To apply for ERMA visit www.metrohousingboston.org/what-we-do/rental-relief-and-eviction-prevention-2/

UTILITY DISCOUNTS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

• Eversource Low-income residential customers may be eligible for a 36% discount. Follow instructions on the application to determine if you are eligible. Complete the form online at www.eversource.com/content/ema-c/residential/my-account/billing-payments/help-pay-my-bill/discount-rate and submit by mail or fax.

• National Grid offers a discount program for income-eligible customers. Apply online at www.nationalgridus.com/Discount-Rate-App-MA

• Comcast Internet Essentials is available to new, income-eligible Comcast Internet customers for $9.95/month plus taxes. No contract, credit check or installation fee. Apply online at www.apply.internetessentials.com. You can apply from a mobile phone.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a fuel assistance program available to eligible homeowners and renters. Visit www.bostonabcd.org/service/fuel-assistance/ or call 617-348-6599.

• Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps income-eligible households who are not eligible for other energy assistance programs. Call 1-800-334-3047 or visit www.magoodneighbor.org.

• On Track Program Income-eligible customers in the former Boston Gas service area can access this financial assistance program to get “back on track” with their energy bills. Call 1-800-503-5172 for more information.

• Protection for Eligible Customers Utility services will NOT be shut off for nonpayment if:

  • You are 65 years or older,

  • You have an infant under 1 year old, or

  • You have a serious medical emergency

  • Do not assume your utility provider knows that you are eligible for this protection. If you are not able to pay your utility bill and you qualify for this protection, call the phone number listed on your bill.

SOUTHIE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND

• South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Aid Network are making small grants to help neighborhood residents with rent, mortgage, utilities and other essential expenses.Visit www.sbneighborhoodaid.org/get-help to apply or find more information.

South Boston Resources

These resources are available for anyone including those experiencing anxiety, stress, trouble coping, or in need of parenting support during this time. You do not need to be a current patient or a diagnosis to access these services.

• South Boston Community Health Center is providing mental health services by phone and video calls. You do not need to be a current patient. Call 617-269-7500.

• South Boston Collaborative Center is currently accepting intakes and offering telehealth services via phone and video chat for people seeking substance use, recovery services, and/or mental health services. Contact the office at 617-534-9500. Click here to visit the website and connect via email.

Managing Anxiety and Stress

• How to support yourself and loved ones

If you need to talk to someone, these resources are available for free 24/7:

• Crisis Text Line: Text Home to 741-741

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Call 1-800-273-8255

• Disaster Distress Hotline: Call 1-800-985-5990 for text TalkWithUs to 66-746

• The Trevor Project for LGBTQ Youth: Call 1-866-488-7386, text START to 678-6789, or visit the website

• The National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22-522

See also:

• Food Resources

• Technology Resources

• Utility/Internet Resources

Educational Activities/Resources

• WGBH Distance Learning Center has gathered free, trusted digital resources for students, families and educators

• Visit the New England Aquarium virtually!

• Boston Children's Museum offers many online learning resources and a daily activities email.

• Free Educational Resources for Students and Families compiled by topic and designed for remote learning

• List of free online resources and educational activities for children. All ages.

• Discover The Universe to offer free 30-minute online astronomy classes! Ages 8-12.

• Giant List of Ideas for Being Home with Kids

South Boston Branch Library

Though library buildings are closed at this time, the services and resources remain fully accessible to the public. From the main website at www.bpl.org you can:

• • get an e-card (if you don't already have a physical library card)

  • access free e-books, e-audiobooks, television programs, music, movies for people of all ages

  • find support on everything from Literacy and ESL, Family History Research, and how to stay safe during this time, and much more.

  • follow the South Boston Branch Library on Facebook and Twitter for updates

Senior Shopping Times

• Grocery stores and pharmacies must provide at least one hour per day of shopping for adults over 60-years-old, per an order from Gov. Charlie Baker.

• Senior shopping times are listed below. Call your grocery store or pharmacy for more information.

  • Bell's Market: Unknown, call (617) 269-8273

  • Foodies: Daily from 8 - 9 AM, shoppers 60+

  • Roche Bros. (Downtown Crossing): Daily from 7-8 AM, shoppers 60+ or with disabilities

  • Stop & Shop: Daily from 6-7:30 AM, shoppers 60+

  • Trader Joe's Fort Point Seaport: Daily from 9-10 AM, shoppers 60+ or with disabilities

  • Whole Foods (South End): Daily from 7-8 AM, shoppers 60+

  • CVS: Daily from 9-10 AM, shoppers 60+

  • Walgreens: Tuesdays, 8-9 AM, shoppers 60+

  • Target: First hour of shopping each Wednesday is reserved for vulnerable guests – including elderly and those with underlying health concerns. Click here for South Bay store hours.

Free/Discounted Services

• Care.com: 1 month free access to senior care, including groceries, errands, messaging, etc.

South Boston Resources

• Gavin Foundation is providing outpatient care by phone (telehealth) and video services (virtual meetings). Call 617-268-5000 or send a Facebook message to m.me/DevineRecoveryCenter. All Facebook messages are replied to by Devine Center staff.

• Laboure Center can provide a list of resources for meetings, email carol_delehanty@ccab.org for information.

• South Boston Collaborative Center is currently accepting intakes and offering telehealth services via phone and video chat for people seeking substance use, recovery services, and/or mental health services. Contact the office at 617-534-9500. Click here to visit the website and connect via email.

Other Meeting Resources

• Pause a While will host a free conference call for AA meetings, 2pm EST everyday. Dial-in number: (425)-436-6360 with access code 422932#

• AA has online and tele-meetings and support groups available

• In the Room is an online recovery space resource

• The Massachusetts Substance use helpline remains open to all calls

• Northstar offering virtual meetings

• Recovery Audio provides speakers and tapes that you can download and listen to

• WeConnect and Unity Recovery are partnering together to provide 4x daily recovery meetings to anyone in the world

• Chromebooks for Boston Public Schools students: Follow the link to fill out out a request form. Chromebook laptops are available for students without access to a computer at home.

• PCs for People: Eligible customers can purchase discounted computers and Internet access online. Individuals and families below the 200% poverty level OR enrolled in an income-based government assistance program are eligible. Click here for more information about eligibility. They now accept Pell Grant documentation for eligibility for higher education students impacted by COVID related school closures.

Don't have Internet access?

The Boston Public Library is offering assistance for people without Internet access. Call a number below to speak with BPL staff, or leave a voicemail and get a return call.

• 1. 1. General Reference 617-536-5400

     2. Technical Assistance 617-859-2323

     3. ESL Support 617-859-2446

     4. Resume Help 339-215-3866

     5. SCORE Small Business Mentoring 617-565-5591

Register to Vote

• Check your voter registration status: www.sec.state.ma.us/VoterRegistrationSearch/MyVoterRegStatus.aspx

• Register online: www.sec.state.ma.us/ovr/

• Register in person: Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Room 241

  • Call 617-635-8683 for hours and to make an appointment (required)

• To register in Massachusetts you must:

  • be a citizen of the United States

  • be a resident of Massachusetts

  • be at least 16 years old (must be 18 years old to vote on Election Day)

  • not have been convicted of corrupt practices in respect to elections

  • not be under guardianship with respect to voting

  • not be currently incarcerated for a felony conviction

Important Dates

• Oct. 17 - 30: Early voting period

• Oct. 24, 8pm: Voter registration deadline

• Oct. 28: Deadline for requesting vote-by-mail ballot

• Nov. 2, 12pm: Deadline for in-person absentee voting

• Nov. 3: Election Day

Dropbox Locations

• There is one ballot dropbox location in South Boston:

  • South Boston Branch Library, 646 East Broadway. Available 24 hours a day until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

• Mail-in ballots can be returned by mail or at a dropbox location. See the full list of dropbox locations at www.boston.gov/news/
  mail-voting-information-city-boston. Mail-in ballots cannot be dropped off at a polling location.

Early Voting Locations

Registered voters can vote early at any available location. You are not restricted to early voting at your designated polling place. These are the South Boston and City Hall early voting locations and hours. Visit www.boston.gov/news/early-voting-locations-boston-2020-state-election for a complete list of locations.

• James F. Condon School Cafeteria

200 D Street

Saturday & Sunday, Oct. 24 & 25

11AM – 7PM

• Boston City Hall

One City Hall Square

Oct. 19-23 & Oct. 26-30

Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9AM – 5PM

Tuesday, Thursday: 9AM - 8PM

If you are unable to pay utility bills:

• RAFT and ERMA benefits have been expanded to cover more households

  • These programs provide cash assistance to make rent or mortgage payments or pay past-due utility expenses.

RESIDENTIAL ASSISTANCE FOR FAMILIES IN TRANSITION (RAFT)

• RAFT may provide up to $10,000 for families facing eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income, increase in expenses, or both.

• To apply for RAFT visit www.metrohousingboston.org/what-we-do/rental-relief-and-eviction-prevention-2/

EMERGENCY RENTAL AND MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE (ERMA)

• ERMA may provide up to $4,000 for households.

• To apply for ERMA visit www.metrohousingboston.org/what-we-do/rental-relief-and-eviction-prevention-2/

UTILITY DISCOUNTS AND ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

• Eversource Low-income residential customers may be eligible for a 36% discount. Follow instructions on the application to determine if you are eligible. Complete the form online at www.eversource.com/content/ema-c/residential/my-account/billing-payments/help-pay-my-bill/discount-rate and submit by mail or fax.

• National Grid offers a discount program for income-eligible customers. Apply online at www.nationalgridus.com/Discount-Rate-App-MA

• Comcast Internet Essentials is available to new, income-eligible Comcast Internet customers for $9.95/month plus taxes. No contract, credit check or installation fee. Apply online at www.apply.internetessentials.com. You can apply from a mobile phone.

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a fuel assistance program available to eligible homeowners and renters. Visit www.bostonabcd.org/service/fuel-assistance/ or call 617-348-6599.

• Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund helps income-eligible households who are not eligible for other energy assistance programs. Call 1-800-334-3047 or visit www.magoodneighbor.org.

• On Track Program Income-eligible customers in the former Boston Gas service area can access this financial assistance program to get “back on track” with their energy bills. Call 1-800-503-5172 for more information.

• Protection for Eligible Customers Utility services will NOT be shut off for nonpayment if:

  • You are 65 years or older,

  • You have an infant under 1 year old, or

  • You have a serious medical emergency

  • Do not assume your utility provider knows that you are eligible for this protection. If you are not able to pay your utility bill and you qualify for this protection, call the phone number listed on your bill.

SOUTHIE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND

• South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation and the Aid Network are making small grants to help neighborhood residents with rent, mortgage, utilities and other essential expenses.Visit www.sbneighborhoodaid.org/get-help to apply or find more information.

Check with your provider

They may require you to take steps to maintain service and avoid late fees if you can't pay your bill:

• AT&T

• Comcast

• NetBlazr

• Metro by T-Mobile

• RCN

• Sprint

• Starry

• T-Mobile

• Verizon

Internet Access

• Don't have Internet access? The Boston Public Library is offering assistance for people without Internet access. Call a number below to speak with BPL staff, or leave a voicemail and get a return call.

  • • General Reference 617-536-5400

    • Technical Assistance 617-859-2323

    • ESL Support 617-859-2446

    • Resume Help 339-215-3866

    • SCORE Small Business Mentoring 617-565-5591

Higher Education Students

If you are a higher education student living in Boston and do not have Internet access, you may qualify for one of the special offers listed on this page. For help, contact digital.equity@boston.gov.