Weymouth Social Services Guide Here to Help!
Transcription
Weymouth Social Services Guide Here to Help!
Weymouth Social Services Guide Susan M. Kay Mayor Published February 2014 75 Middle Street Weymouth, MA 02189 Here to Help! www.weymouth.ma.us The Town of Weymouth is dedicated to assisting individuals and families build their lives with access to the services and security they need to be successful. Alongside both the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and local community organizations, Weymouth offers a variety of social services that reduce costs and provide aid for many residents, especially income-qualified families, persons with disabilities, senior citizens, and veterans. We encourage residents to utilize these services and to refer any family members, friends, or neighbors who may be eligible to make use of them. This publication summarizes many services that are available to qualifying individuals and families in Weymouth. For assistance in making informed decisions, residents are invited to call Weymouth Youth & Family Services at (781) 331-1719 if under age 60 or Weymouth Elder Services at (781) 682-6140 if age 60+ to ask questions. Calls are confidential. Additional copies of this publication may be found online at the Town’s home webpage: www.weymouth.ma.us. If you would like a printed copy, please contact Constituent Services at (781) 340-5012 or email [email protected]. Please include your name, address, and phone number in any correspondence. Service Areas Child Care & Early Education 2 Disability 2 Employment 3 Energy 3 Food & Nutrition 4 Emergency & Supplemental Food, Home Meals & Nutrition, Student Meals, SNAP/Food Stamps Health 6 Benefits Enrollment & Counseling, Community Programs, Medical Services & Equipment, Medication Disposal, Mental Health, Oral Health, Physical Education & Exercise, Substance Abuse Housing 10 Emergency Shelter, First-Time Home Purchases, Mortgage Assistance, Permanent Housing Safety 13 Anti-Discrimination, Domestic Violence, Home Living Taxes & Finances 14 Billing Discounts & Tax Exemptions, Estate & Financial Planning, Tax Preparation Transportation 15 Veterans 16 Youths 16 Symbol indicates that the service provider is located within 0.25 miles of a MBTA stop. Child Care & Early Education Quincy Community Action Programs: Community Care for Kids 1509 Hancock Street 3rd Floor, Quincy (617) 657-5305 / (800) 637-2011 / www.communitycareforkids.net Community Care for Kids provides subsidies to help income-eligible families pay for the cost of child care. It also provides families of all income levels with customized lists of child care and early education providers based on their needs. Community Care for Kids is Weymouth’s designated Child Care Resource and Referral agency under the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care. Quincy Community Action Programs: Head Start Early Learning Center 22 Pray Street, Quincy (617) 249-2000 / www.qcap.org Head Start provides comprehensive early education and family services that promote school readiness in pre-school age children. This federally-funded program is open to children age birth to five (0-5) from income-qualified households. Learning centers are operated in Quincy and South Weymouth. Weymouth Public Schools: Child Family Community Center Johnson Early Childhood Center, 70 Pearl Street, North Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s CFCE Coordinator. (781) 340-6098 / www.weymouthschools.org/johnson_sub.aspx?id=1473 The Child Family Community Center provides education, play, and referral resources to Weymouth families with children age birth to eight (0-8). No-cost services include child development screenings and provider referrals to assist families with making informed decisions about their children’s care and early education. Play groups are offered Monday through Friday year round for a $50 annual registration fee. Other services available to registered families include parent workshops, story times, and special play activities at community locations (e.g., libraries and parks). The Center is funded by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care under the Commonwealth’s Coordinated Family and Community Engagement (CFCE) Program. Disability ARC of the South Shore 371 River Street, North Weymouth (781) 335-3023 / www.arcsouthshore.org The ARC of the South Shore provides a continuum of services to children and adults with cognitive, physical, and other developmental and intellectual disabilities. Services are designed to fully integrate individuals into the life of the community, be responsive to personal and family needs, and incorporate effective systems of family support. Boston Center for Independent Living 60 Temple Place, Boston (617) 338-6665 / www.bostoncil.org The Boston Center for Independent Living provides peer mentoring, skills training, and comprehensive information and referrals services to persons with disabilities. It is Weymouth’s designated service provider under the Commonwealth’s network of Independent Living Centers. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 2 | P a g e Weymouth Commission on Disabilities Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle Street, East Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s ADA Coordinator. (781) 682-3595 / [email protected] / www.weymouth.ma.us The Weymouth Commission on Disabilities provides assistance and referral services to persons with disabilities in order to facilitate their full participation in all municipal activities, programs, and services. It is the policy of the Town of Weymouth to make reasonable modifications to its procedures and programs as necessary to accommodate the needs of an otherwise qualified person with a disability. Residents are invited to contact Weymouth’s ADA Coordinator to request any reasonable modifications or auxiliary aids and services that are required to accommodate participation (e.g., sign language interpreters and assistive listening devices). Surcharges will not be assessed for any costs related to the participation of persons with disabilities. Employment Interfaith Social Services: Career Closet 105 Adams Street, Quincy (617) 773-6203 / [email protected] / www.interfaithsocialservices.org The Career Closet provides free professional attire to income-qualified job seekers. Volunteers assist clients in choosing outfits that are suitable for either interviews or employment from a large selection of gently worn clothing. Quincy Career Center 152 Parkingway, Quincy (617) 745-4000 / www.quincycareercenter.org The Quincy Career Center is Weymouth’s local provider under the Commonwealth's network of One-Stop Career Centers for all employment and training services. It provides no-cost access to career counseling, job listings, needs assessments, and skills workshops to match any job seeker with the work he or she desires. A priority of service is given to veterans and eligible spouses under the Jobs for Veterans Act. For persons claiming unemployment insurance, the Quincy Career Center provides access to self-service computers for the online application and management of benefits through the Commonwealth’s web-based claim system: www.mass.gov/lwd/unemployment-insur/claimants/. Energy Quincy Community Action Programs: Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) 1509 Hancock Street 4th Floor, Quincy (617) 479-8181 / www.qcap.org Quincy Community Action is Weymouth’s local provider of Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) through the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. This program helps income-qualified households cover heating expenses from November to April. Households that qualify for Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) may also receive energy service discounts up to 30% from National Grid or NSTAR. Quincy Community Action can assist with notifying these providers. Salvation Army: Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund 25 Shawmut Road, Canton (800) 334-3047 / Canton Service Center: (339) 502-5900 / www.magoodneighbor.org The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund offers energy-cost aid to income-eligible families who do not qualify for Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) from the Commonwealth but still 02/2014 Social Services Guide 3 | P a g e cannot meet a month’s energy expenses due to temporary financial difficulties. Requests for aid are processed through designated Salvation Army Service Centers across the state. Private donations and a variety of giving programs sponsored by Massachusetts energy companies are used to sustain the Fund. Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services provides help to seniors age 60+ with enrollment in Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) under the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. This program helps income-qualified households cover heating expenses from November to April and is administered locally by the Quincy Community Action Programs. Outreach Workers at the Whipple Senior Center are available at no cost to guide seniors through the application process. Weymouth Youth & Family Services Teen Center, 1393 Pleasant Street, East Weymouth (781) 331-1719 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Youth & Family Services offers emergency energy-cost assistance to residents and families in need. Financial help is capped at $100 per year for electricity and $200 per year for oil, propane, and natural gas. Food & Nutrition Emergency & Supplemental Food Quincy Community Action Programs: Emergency Food Center Southwest Community Center, 1 Copeland Street, Quincy (617) 471-0796 / www.qcap.org The Emergency Food Center provides fresh and non-perishable foods once a month to Weymouth households in need. It has a large walk-in refrigerator and freezer on site and stocks many food products that people require for good nutrition. Weymouth Food Pantry Former Immaculate Conception School, 1189 Commercial Street, East Weymouth (781) 331-7682 / [email protected] / www.weymouthfoodpantry.org The Weymouth Food Pantry offers emergency and supplemental food supplies to residents in need. Residents typically receive a 3-4 day food supply per month and are invited to select groceries from a standard list that best fit their household needs. Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services offers emergency food boxes to seniors age 60+ when their primary food pantry is not available. Outreach Workers are also on staff to assist seniors with finding additional resources for food and nutrition. Weymouth Youth & Family Services Teen Center, 1393 Pleasant Street, East Weymouth (781) 331-1719 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Youth & Family Services offers emergency non-perishable foods to residents and families who cannot access their primary food pantry. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 4 | P a g e Home Meals & Nutrition Quincy WIC Nutrition Program Pilgrim Congregational Church, 24 Athens Street, North Weymouth (617) 337-5920 / www.quincywic.org WIC provides nutrition education and food-costs assistance to income-eligible families with a child under age five (5), including mothers, fathers, foster parents, grandparents, and legal guardians. Services include but are not limited to breastfeeding support, nutrition consultations, and redeemable checks to purchase healthy food at your local grocery store or the Weymouth Farmer’s Market. Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services provides help to seniors age 60+ with enrollment in the Meals on Wheels Program administered through South Shore Elder Services. This program delivers nutritious meals to qualifying seniors based on their needs, both short and long term. Program participants may also choose to have their meals prepared and served three (3) days a week (with one week advance notice) at the Cozy Corner Café located inside the Whipple Senior Center. Student Meals Project Bread: Summer Food Service Program Lakeview Manor Community Center, 77 Memorial Drive, East Weymouth Pleasantville Community Center, Garafalo Road – Off Pleasant Street, East Weymouth (800) 645-8333 / www.meals4kids.org/sfsp The Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) provides free nutritious meals to children ages 18 and under when school is not in session. Weymouth hosts two SFSP meal sites available Monday through Friday 12:00 pm – 12:30 pm throughout the summer. No registration is required for Weymouth children to participate. SFSP is federally funded and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education in cooperation with Project Bread. Weymouth Public Schools: National School Lunch Program 111 Middle Street, East Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s Food Service Director. (781) 337-8430 / www.weymouthschools.org/foodservice.aspx Weymouth Public Schools provide nutritionally balanced, free or reduced-price meals to students from income-eligible families, including those who are homeless or caring for foster children. The National School Lunch Program is federally funded and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. Parents and legal guardians should complete only one application for all school-age children in their household. Applications are available online (see link above). Take-home copies are also provided to students at the beginning of each school year. Completed applications should be returned to the school which your youngest child attends. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 5 | P a g e SNAP/Food Stamps Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistant (DTA) (866) 950-3663 / www.mass.gov/snap DTA offers a Virtual Gateway to help Massachusetts residents enroll in SNAP (formerly the Food Stamps Program). This online site is entirely self-service with an anonymous screening tool and a “My Accounts” page for managing your SNAP benefits. Quincy Community Action Programs: DTA Outpost & Emergency Food Center Appointment Services: Southwest Community Center, 1 Copeland Street, Quincy Walk-In (WI) Services: 1509 Hancock Street 4th Floor, Quincy WI Services available Mondays & Thursdays 8:30 am – 4:30 pm; days & times are subject to change. (617) 471-0796 / www.qcap.org Quincy Community Action provides both appointment and walk-in services to assist residents with enrollment in SNAP (formerly the Food Stamps Program). Staff members use the Commonwealth’s online Virtual Gateway to prepare and submit your application. SNAP benefits are federally funded and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance. Health Benefits Enrollment & Counseling Manet Community Health Center 110 West Squantum Street, North Quincy Additional offices located in Hough’s Neck, Hull, Quincy Medical Center, and Snug Harbor. (617) 376-3000 / www.manetchc.org Manet Community Health Center (MCHC) offers assistance to individuals and families with both enrollment in health insurance and the navigation of benefits. Services are available for a variety of qualified health plans, including but not limited to ConnectorCare, MassHealth, Medicare, and any plan offered through the Massachusetts Health Connector. Residents are encouraged to contact MCHC to schedule an appointment with an Outreach & Enrollment Specialist at a convenient community location (e.g., the Weymouth Food Pantry in East Weymouth or Quincy WIC in North Weymouth). Interpreter services are available in several languages. Quincy Community Action Programs Southwest Community Center, 1 Copeland Street, Quincy (617) 471-0796 / www.qcap.org Quincy Community Action provides help to residents with the preparation and submission of applications for ConnectorCare and MassHealth, the Commonwealth’s publically-subsidized health insurance plans. Residents must contact Quincy Community Action at the Southwest Community Center to schedule an appointment. Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services provides help to seniors age 60+ with enrollment in health insurance and the navigation of benefits. Services are available for all qualified health plans, including but not limited to Medicare and MassHealth. A certified SHINE Counselor (Serving Health Information Needs of Elders) is available by appointment to provide accurate and unbiased information about seniors’ benefits and care options. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 6 | P a g e Community Programs South Shore Hospital: Community Benefits Programs 55 Fogg Road, South Weymouth (781) 624-8000 / Physician Referrals: (781) 624-6673 / www.southshorehospital.org For Complete Telephone Directory Information: www.southshorehospital.org/contact-us For Directions & Parking Information: www.southshorehospital.org/directions-and-parking Community Benefits Programs are designed to serve the health and wellness needs of Weymouth’s most vulnerable populations, including seniors, youths, low-income households, and persons with disabilities or chronic and terminal illnesses. These programs are generously provided by South Shore Hospital and incorporate a wide variety of services. Among these are chronic disease self-management programs; community exercise classes; flu vaccines and prevention resources; an online health information library; women and family educational classes; a smoking cessation program; and numerous support groups for persons coping with bereavement, cancer care, or other health-related concerns. While many Community Benefits Programs are free of charge, registration is often required to assure space, and residents are encouraged to contact South Shore Hospital or visit its webpage of classes and events for more information: www.southshorehospital.org/classesand-events. Medical Services & Equipment Manet Community Health Center 110 West Squantum Street, North Quincy Additional offices are located in Hough’s Neck, Hull, Quincy Medical Center, and Snug Harbor. (617) 376-3000 / www.manetchc.org Manet Community Health Center is Weymouth’s dominate federally qualified health center, offering comprehensive, affordable medical services with fees based on a sliding income scale. Medical practices include but are not limited to family medicine, chronic disease management, internal medicine, and prenatal care. Health Benefits Counselors provide expert help to patients with navigating their insurance plans so as to best cover their test and treatment costs. Free testing for Hepatitis C, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections is also available. Interpreter services are available in several languages. South Shore Hospital 55 Fogg Road, South Weymouth (781) 624-8000 / Physician Referrals: (781) 624-6673 / www.southshorehospital.org For Complete Telephone Directory Information: www.southshorehospital.org/contact-us For Directions & Parking Information: www.southshorehospital.org/directions-and-parking South Shore Hospital (SSH) is Weymouth’s largest, not-for-profit medical care facility and the region’s leading provider of care in the following areas: cardiac, emergency, home health, hospice, maternity, oncology, outpatient, pediatric, and surgical. Over the years, SSH has partnered with a number of premier medical centers within the Greater Boston Metropolitan Area to share the services and expertise of their physicians. Among these are Boston Children’s Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Dana-Farber/Brigham and Women’s Cancer Center. For referrals to physicians and community health services, residents are invited to contact SSH’s 24-hour information line at (781) 624-MORE/6673. Weymouth Elder Services: Medical Equipment Loan Closet Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services lends free medical equipment (shower chairs, walkers, wheel chairs, etc.) to seniors age 60+. It also hosts regular blood pressure clinics on the first and 02/2014 Social Services Guide 7 | P a g e third Wednesday of every month, and additional clinics and/or screenings are offered throughout the year for foot care, hearing, nutrition, and vision. Seniors are invited to contact Weymouth Elder Services for information about upcoming clinics as well as health education lectures and wellness programs. Weymouth Health Department Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle Street, East Weymouth (781) 340-5008 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Weymouth Health Department offers an assortment of community clinics throughout the year, providing residents with access to immunizations, vitamin injections, screenings, and tests. Residents are invited to contact the Weymouth Health Department for information about upcoming clinics as well as current health and wellness programs. For residents who are homebound or cannot travel without substantial difficulty, services may be delivered to homes based on individual needs. Medication Disposal Weymouth Department of Public Works: Needle Disposal Kiosk 120 Winter Street 2nd Floor, East Weymouth (781) 337-5100 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Weymouth Department of Public Works (DPW) provides a self-service Needle Disposal Kiosk for residents to safely dispose of hypodermic needles. Residents may access the Kiosk Monday through Friday 9:00 am – 4:00 pm. All needles must be deposited using a rigid, puncture-resistant plastic container (13” x 8” max. size) with a secure cap. After visiting the Kiosk, residents are encouraged to ask a DPW employee for a free disposal container to be used in the future. The needle collection unit was donated by Manet Community Health Center with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Weymouth Police Department: MedReturn Drug Collection Kiosk 140 Winter Street, East Weymouth (781) 335-1212 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Weymouth Police Department provides a self-service MedReturn Drug Collection Kiosk for residents to safely dispose of unwanted prescription and non-prescription medications. Residents may access the Kiosk 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Medications must be deposited using a clear, re-sealable plastic bag or the medication’s original container with the person’s name and prescription number masked. The Kiosk cannot be used to dispose of aerosols, needles, thermometers, or bloody/infectious waste. The medication collection unit was donated by Impact Quincy, a program of Bay State Community Services, with funding from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Abuse Services. Mental Health South Bay Mental Health: Weymouth Clinic Stetson Medical Center, 541 Main Street Suite 303, South Weymouth (781) 331-7866 / www.southbaymentalhealth.com South Bay Mental Health offers comprehensive behavioral health services for children, adults and families. Its certified clinicians take a community-based approach to satisfying treatment needs by delivering services “at our place or yours” and by assisting clients with navigating their health insurance plans to best cover treatment costs. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 8 | P a g e Oral Health Polished Teeth & Quincy WIC Nutrition Program Pilgrim Congregational Church, 24 Athens Street, North Weymouth (617) 337-5920 / www.quincywic.org Polished Teeth is a portable oral health program open to all children, adults and families. It provides preventive dental care, including professional cleanings and fluoride varnish applications at no cost to participants. Services are provided by appointment, typically on the third Thursday of every month 9:30 am – 2:30 pm at Quincy WIC in North Weymouth. Physical Education & Exercise Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services offers both wellness education workshops and low-cost weekly fitness classes to seniors age 60+. A current schedule of classes can be found in the Division’s monthly newsletter, “Weymouth Elder Horizons.” This newsletter is available for viewing online: www.weymouth.ma.us/index.php/departments/elder-services-division. Printed copies are also available at Weymouth Town Hall, the Whipple Senior Center, and various community locations around Weymouth, including banks, churches, grocery stores, housing complexes, libraries, pharmacies, and post offices. Weymouth Health Department: Healthy Wey Mass-In-Motion Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle Street, East Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s Wellness Coordinator. (781) 340-5008 / www.weymouth.ma.us/index.php/healthy-wey Healthy Wey is the Town’s Mass-In-Motion Program, creating opportunities for all residents to eat healthy and move more. The program offers community fitness classes every Monday and Wednesday afternoon 4:45 pm – 5:30 pm for a nominal drop-in fee at the Whipple Senior Center in North Weymouth (182 Green Street). Classes are designed for adults ages 13 and older, incorporating low-impact workouts to support weight loss and overall strength conditioning. Substance Abuse Alcoholics Anonymous (617) 426-9444 / www.aaboston.org Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers a worldwide network of peer-lead support groups to help any person who suffers from alcoholism to stay sober. Members are encouraged to stay away from alcohol one day at a time and are guided through the process of building their lives by the examples and friendships of recovered alcoholics, as well as AA’s “Twelve Steps” to recovery. There are no dues or fees associated with AA membership, and groups are available at numerous locations and times throughout Weymouth. Persons who wish to achieve sobriety and find a local support group are encouraged to call (617) 426-9444 or search the online locator provided by the AA Central Service Committee of Eastern Massachusetts: www.aabosmeetings.org/search.aspx. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 9 | P a g e Learn to Cope Quincy Chapter: Eastern Nazarene College, 180 Old Colony Avenue, Quincy Meeting Days & Times: Tuesdays 7:00 pm Locations & times are subject to change. (508) 738-5148 / www.learn2cope.org Learn to Cope (LTC) offers a peer-lead support network to help the families and friends of any person suffering from an opioid addiction (e.g., heroin or oxycodone). LTC Chapters hold weekly group meetings during which participants are encouraged to share experiences, resources, and strategies on motivating loved ones to seek treatment. A private, confidential forum is also available online. All LTC services are provided at no cost by peer facilitators who have real world experience in coping with addiction in their own families. Manet Community Health Center: Overdose Education & Narcan® Distribution Warren Nicoli, Prevention Specialist 180 George Washington Boulevard, Hull Additional offices are located in Hough’s Neck, North Quincy, Quincy Medical Center, and Snug Harbor. (781) 925-4550 / Mobile: (857) 939-4108 / [email protected] / www.manetchc.org Manet Community Health Center (MCHC) provides overdose education and Narcan® distribution to any resident who knows or cares for someone with an opioid addiction (e.g., heroin or oxycodone). Narcan® is a safe and effective antidote that reverses the lifethreatening effects of an opioid overdose. Families and friends of opioid users are strongly encouraged to contact MCHC’s Prevention Specialist to receive a free overdose prevention kit containing Narcan® and learn how to prevent, recognize and respond to an overdose. Persons suffering from an opioid addiction, or any other substance abuse disorder, are also strongly encouraged to contact MCHC’s Prevention Specialist at the phone number above to arrange no-cost testing for Hepatitis C, HIV, and sexually transmitted infections. Calls are confidential. Weymouth Health Department: Substance Abuse Prevention Team Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle Street, East Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s Drug-Free Community Coordinator. (781) 340-5008 / www.weymouth.ma.us/index.php/did-you-know The Substance Abuse Prevention Team (SAPT) offers information and referral services to individuals and families touched by addiction. Residents are invited to contact Weymouth’s Drug-Free Community Coordinator to determine what local prevention and/or treatment programs might fit your needs or the needs of a loved one. Residents are also encouraged to participate in SAPT’s monthly meetings to learn about current substance abuse prevention programs within the community and share ideas for improving access to addiction education, prevention, and treatment. SAPT meets the first Monday of every month 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at the Teen Center in East Weymouth (1393 Pleasant Street). Housing Emergency Shelter Father Bill’s & MainSpring *Individual Shelter* Father Bill’s House (FB), 38 Broad Street, Quincy MainSpring House (MS), 54 North Main Street, Brockton FB: (617) 770-3314 / MS: (508) 587-5441 / www.helpfbms.org Father Bill’s & MainSpring provide emergency shelter in Quincy and Brockton for individuals ages 18 and older experiencing homelessness. Stays may be limited to three (3) consecutive nights. However, individuals who can verify employment, family presence, 02/2014 Social Services Guide 10 | P a g e former residence, or school attendance in a South Shore community may be permitted to stay longer and receive case management services. Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) *Family Shelter* 75 Commercial Street, Brockton (508) 895-7000 The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) provides emergency help to income-eligible families with children, as well as pregnant women, who have no safe place to live or sleep. Qualified families are typically referred by a DTA Homeless Coordinator to a family shelter or a motel for temporary housing. Most family shelters require a referral from DTA before they will accept guests. If your family has no safe place to live or sleep and you are unable to access DTA due to hours or transportation restrictions, please visit Weymouth Youth & Family Services at 1393 Pleasant Street during weekdays or the Weymouth Police Department at 140 Winter Street during nights and weekends for emergency help. First-Time Home Purchases NeighborWorks Southern Mass: Home Ownership Center Formerly known as Neighborhood Housing Services 422 Washington Street, Quincy (617) 770-2227 / www.neighborhoodhousing.org NeighborWorks Southern Mass offers low-cost education workshops for first-time home buyers across the South Shore. Workshop participants receive coaching and information from a variety of housing professionals. They are also given the opportunity to be prequalified by at least one lender. After completing a workshop, eligible participants may apply to receive need-based financial aid for down payments and closing costs. They may also qualify for one or more affordable home loans through either MassHousing or the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP). NeighborWorks Southern Mass is an approved Housing Counseling Agency by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development, and funding for financial aid is provided by the Commonwealth’s Department of Housing and Community Development. South Shore HOME Consortium: First-Time Home Buyers Program Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle Street, East Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s Housing Coordinator. (781) 340-5015 / www.weymouth.ma.us/index.php/departments/department-of-planningand-community-development/ The South Shore HOME Consortium provides help to income-eligible persons and families who intend to purchase a first home in Weymouth. The program has two separate components: (1) financial aid for down payments and closing costs and (2) access to a SoftSecond Mortgage with interest-only payments for 10 years. Interested first-time home buyers are encouraged to contact Weymouth’s Housing Coordinator for an initial consultation. Additional information, including the program’s application, is available online: www.quincyma.gov/CityOfQuincy_Content/documents/FTHB%20Program%20Application%2 0updated%20%203-15-2013-Q.pdf. The South Shore HOME Consortium represents a partnership between five continuous south shore communities and is supported by the federal HOME Program under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 11 | P a g e Mortgage Assistance NeighborWorks Southern Mass: Foreclosure Counseling Center Formerly known as Neighborhood Housing Services 68 Legion Parkway, Brockton (508) 587-0950 / www.neighborhoodhousing.org NeighborWorks Southern Mass provides free one-on-one counseling to homeowners currently facing, or at risk of facing, a home foreclosure. Professional housing counselors not only mediate with lenders and loan servicers but also guide their clients through the mortgage modification process to best resolve foreclosure issues. Residents who are experiencing difficulties in satisfying their mortgage payments are encouraged to contact NeighborWorks Southern Mass to schedule an intake appointment. A list of documents required for intake can be found online: www.neighborhoodhousing.org/ProgramsForeclosure-Assistance.asp. NeighborWorks Southern Mass is an approved Housing Counseling Agency by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development. Permanent Housing NeighborWorks Southern Mass: Home Rehabilitation & Improvement Program Formerly known as Neighborhood Housing Services 422 Washington Street, Quincy (617) 770-2227 / www.neighborhoodhousing.org NeighborWorks Southern Mass offers financial aid for housing rehabilitation and improvements to income-eligible homeowners in Weymouth. Emergency grants up to $3,000 are available for small repairs (e.g., furnaces, hot water heaters, and insulated windows) while larger rehabilitation or improvement projects are funded through loans with varying rates and terms to meet specific homeowner needs. Most projects are required to resolve incipient code violations and/or advance energy conservation. Funding is provided in part by the Town of Weymouth through the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. South Shore Housing 169 Summer Street, Kingston (781) 422-4200 / www.southshorehousing.org South Shore Housing (SSH) provides counseling, education, and financial aid to help income-eligible families secure or retain permanent housing. Families who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, are encouraged to contact SSH for assistance. SSH Staff will develop best responses to meet your family’s needs. Such responses may include multipurpose, short-term financial aid through the Commonwealth’s homeless prevention program known as RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition). SSH is Weymouth’s regional administrator of the RAFT program under the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development. It also serves as Weymouth’s local service provider under the Commonwealth’s network of Housing Consumer Education Centers. Weymouth Housing Authority 402 Essex Street, East Weymouth (781) 331-2323 / www.weymouthha.com The Weymouth Housing Authority provides subsidized state and federal housing to incomeeligible families and seniors, as well as persons with disabilities. Units are located within five (5) housing complexes throughout the Town. The Weymouth Housing Authority also administers the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program; the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program; and the Massachusetts Alternative Housing Voucher Program. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 12 | P a g e Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services provides help to seniors age 60+ with information and referrals for determining the best use of resources to satisfy their needs in any living situation. This may include but is not limited to assisted living facilities, publically-subsidized housing, skilled nursing facilities, and independent living at home. Safety Anti-Discrimination Gay & Lesbian Advocates & Defenders (GLAD): GLAD Answers (800) 455-4523 / www.gladanswers.org GLAD Answers is a free legal rights information portal for any New England person who is impacted by LGBTQ and HIV laws or discrimination. Trained volunteers provide one-on-one, confidential help by phone, email, and online chat. Information resources include educational publications on LGBTQ-HIV topics, as well as referrals to experienced attorneys and organizations for legal or other services. Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination One Ashburton Place 6th Floor Room 601, Boston (617) 994-6000 / www.mass.gov/mcad The Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) investigates public complaints of unlawful discrimination in the Commonwealth. Any person who experiences discrimination may file a complaint with MCAD, either in person or in writing, within 300 days of the unlawful act. Although the complaint process is designed to allow individuals to represent themselves without an attorney, state residents are encouraged to call MCAD in advance to schedule an appointment and determine what information will be needed to pursue their complaints. Domestic Violence Weymouth Police Department 140 Winter Street, East Weymouth Ask to speak with Gwen DeVasto, Weymouth’s Domestic Violence Advocate. (781) 335-1212 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Weymouth Police Department provides immediate assistance to any resident experiencing domestic violence. If you find yourself in a domestic violence situation, you have the right to request that a Weymouth Police Officer remain at your home until you can safely exit with your children and that he or she assists you in locating and arriving at a place of safety. If medical treatment is required, you may request that the officer drive you to the nearest hospital or otherwise assist you in obtaining treatment. Residents in need should not hesitate to contact Weymouth’s Domestic Violence Advocate for information on your rights and local resources, as well as referrals to a justice of the Superior Court, District Court, or Probate & Family Court. Calls are confidential. A list of additional resources for any person experiencing domestic violence is available on the Department’s website: www.weymouth.ma.us/index.php/departments/police-department/domestic-violence-info/. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 13 | P a g e Home Living Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services offers home visits and needs assessments for seniors age 60+. Home visits are conducted by Outreach Workers who connect seniors with the care and resources they require to live safely and independently in their own homes. Weymouth Elder Services also provides referrals for handyman repairs (at nominal costs) to help seniors maintain the physical safety of their homes, as well as referrals for the installation and/or replacement of smoke detectors with the assistance of Local Firefighter Union 1616. Weymouth Health Department Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle Street, East Weymouth (781) 340-5008 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Weymouth Health Department provides housing inspections upon request from residents and other municipal departments to assess the safety and sanitation of livings spaces. Under certain conditions, Public Health Nurses may be asked to accompany the inspectors in order to conduct medical checks, as well as administer immunizations or vitamin injections, especially when there is a suspicion that an underlying medical condition is contributing to a housing issue. Persons concerned with the health and/or home safety of a family member, friend, or neighbor in the Town are invited to contact the Weymouth Health Department for consideration of a housing inspection. Taxes & Finances Billing Discounts & Tax Exemptions Weymouth Department of Public Works (DPW): Senior Citizen Discount Program 120 Winter Street, East Weymouth (781) 337-5100 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Weymouth Department of Public Works provides discounts on water bills to seniors ages 65 and older who are residential owner occupants. The program deducts $15 per bill up to a $60 cap per year. To maintain enrollment in the program, seniors must submit a completed Application for Senior Citizen Discount every year. Weymouth Municipal Finance Department Weymouth Town Hall (Tax Office), 75 Middle Street, East Weymouth (781) 682-3830 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Town of Weymouth offers exemptions in real estate taxes to assist the following homeowners: persons who are blind; veterans with service-related disabilities; surviving spouses of any age; and seniors over age 70 who meet certain asset and income requirements. An exemption from the Community Preservation Act surcharge is also available to homeowners based on income qualifications. Additionally, homeowners over age 65 who satisfy certain income requirements may choose to defer their real estate taxes and thus postpone payment until home ownership is transferred. Residents who may be eligible to make use of these exemptions are invited to contact the Weymouth Municipal Finance Department for additional information and application instructions. Qualifying real estate owners must apply for their exemptions every year. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 14 | P a g e Estate & Financial Planning Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services offers help to seniors age 60+ with estate and financial planning through access to free half-hour consultations with either a licensed attorney or financial advisor. Each type of consultation is provided once or twice a month by appointment only. Lectures are also offered throughout the year. Tax Preparation AARP Foundation: Tax-Aid Program (888) 227-7669 / [email protected] / www.aarp.org The AARP Foundation Tax-Aid Program provides help to income-qualified persons across the Commonwealth with the preparation of their federal and state tax returns. The program is offered in cooperation with the IRS and runs each year from February 1st to the tax filing deadline. Trained volunteers prepare participant’s returns in one hour sessions by appointment only. To locate a program site in or around Weymouth, residents are encouraged to call (888) 227-7669 or visit the online AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Locator: www.aarp.org/applications/VMISLocator/searchTaxAideLocations.action. Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth (781) 682-6140 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services offers free on-site assistance with tax preparation to seniors age 60+ through the AARP Foundation Tax-Aid Program. Trained volunteers prepare seniors’ federal and state tax returns in one hour sessions by appointment only. The program is offered in cooperation with the IRS and runs reach year from February 1st to April 15th. Seniors are invited to contact Weymouth Elder Services for scheduling information and appointment times. Transportation Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA): THE RIDE Eligibility Center, 500 Rutherford Avenue 3rd Floor, Boston (Charlestown) (617) 337-2727 / Manage Trips: (888) 920-7433 / www.mbta.com/fares_and_passes/ride THE RIDE is operated by the MBTA in 60 Massachusetts cities and towns. It provides doorto-door paratransit (i.e., flexible rides) to eligible persons who cannot use other modes of public transportation due to a cognitive, mental, or physical disability. Individuals must interview with a Mobility Coordinator in person before they can become registered passengers. Residents who may be eligible for THE RIDE should contact the Eligibility Center at (617) 337-2727 to schedule an appointment. Registered passengers may call (888) 920-7433 to schedule trips. Weymouth Elder Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s Transportation Coordinator. (781) 331-3921 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Elder Services provides scheduled transportation for seniors age 60+. Priority is given to trips for medical purposes, but seniors may also request rides to grocery stores, shopping centers, and some senior center events. Trips to medical facilities in or around Boston are also available. Donations are appreciated, and a list of suggested amounts is 02/2014 Social Services Guide 15 | P a g e available. Rides may be scheduled Monday through Friday 8:30 am – 2:00 pm. Seniors should contact Weymouth’s Transportation Coordinator to schedule trips. Veterans Weymouth Veterans Services Whipple Senior Center, 182 Green Street, North Weymouth Ask to speak with Weymouth’s Veterans Services Officer. (781) 340-2405 / www.weymouth.ma.us Weymouth Veterans Services provides comprehensive support to veterans, their spouses, and their dependents. It serves as a one-stop resource for information and help relating to all military service benefits, including career training, job placement, and enrollment in public assistance programs. Veterans of any age, as well as their families, are encouraged to contact Weymouth Veterans Services and ask how the Division can best serve your needs. Youths Weymouth Youth & Family Services: Teen Center Teen Center, 1393 Pleasant Street, East Weymouth (781) 331-1719 / www.weymouth.ma.us The Teen Center offers a safe, professionally supervised environment for Weymouth students (grades six through 12) to gather with their peers and spend their leisure time during non-school hours. The Center is open year round, five days a week, Monday through Thursday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm and Friday 2:00 pm – 9:00 pm. Students have free access to computers, fitness equipment, game tables, homework help, video consoles, and other youth related resources. Special events and group trips are also scheduled throughout the year at little or no cost to participants. The Weymouth Social Services Guide was assembled using a variety of public information sources as well as input from multiple municipal departments. It is not meant to be an exhaustive directory of social service providers. Nor does the mention of any non-municipal facility, organization, program, or service provider constitute an endorsement by the Town of Weymouth. All information was determined to be accurate at the time of publication and will be periodically updated. To report any errors in information or to request the inclusion of a new reference, please contact Constituent Services at (781) 340-5012 or email [email protected]. Please include your name, address, and phone number in any correspondence. 02/2014 Social Services Guide 16 | P a g e