COVID-19 resource guide for Boston's immigrants
We have information about services for Boston residents affected by COVID-19, regardless of immigration status.
For updates about the Coronavirus (COVID-19), you can:
- Visit the City of Boston's Coronavirus (COVID-19) website
- Call the Mayor’s Health Line at 617-534-5050 (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
- Text BOSCOVID to 888-777
- Call Boston 3-1-1 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
- Calls can be taken in multiple languages.
If you need food…
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF FOOD ACCESS / 617-635-3717Free breakfast and lunch meals are available to all Boston children and youth while Boston Public Schools are closed. For locations and hours, visit the meal sites website.
MASS 211 / 211Statewide information about food pantries, meal sites, senior dining sites, and more.
PROJECT BREAD FOOD SOURCE HOTLINE / 800-645-8333Information on food pantries and community meal programs.
If you need medical care...
MAYOR’S HEALTH LINE / 617-534-5050Multilingual assistance from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the number listed above to enroll in health insurance, locate health centers, and find information about childcare, food assistance, elderly services, and legal help.
IMPORTANT: Health care options are available for everyone in Massachusetts, regardless of immigration status. Screening, testing, and treatment related to Coronavirus (COVID-19) do not affect “public charge” rule determinations.
If you need childcare...
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF WOMEN’S ADVANCEMENT / 617-635-3138The office has information about emergency childcare programs.
If you don’t have a place to stay tonight and for affordable housing options...
MASS. DEPT. OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, EMERGENCY HOUSING ASSISTANCE / 866-584-0653Shelter services for families.
OFFICE OF HOUSING STABILITY / 617-635-4200 / HousingStability@boston.govAssistance finding and maintaining stable, safe, and affordable housing options, informing tenants of their rights and responsibilities, and helping navigate the individual and family shelter systems.
IMPORTANT: Starting Saturday, March 14, a moratorium on Boston Housing Authority (BHA) evictions went into effect. This will last while Massachusetts is under a state of emergency. If you receive a notice of eviction contact the Office of Housing Stability (contact information listed above).
If you experience discrimination or mistreatment by your landlord or employer...
OFFICE OF FAIR HOUSING AND EQUITY / 617-635-2500Contact if you have been discriminated against in receiving housing, public services, accommodations or employment.
CITY LIFE/VIDA URBANA / 617-934-5006 (English) / 617-397-3737 (Espanol)Call for questions about housing issues.
If you are looking for legal help...
MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR IMMIGRANT ADVANCEMENT / 617-635-2980Immigration Consultation Clinics at Boston City Hall are by telephone until further notice. Call or email ImmigrantAdvancement@boston.gov for instructions.
LAWYERS FOR CIVIL RIGHTS / 617-981-4308Free legal support to individuals, families, community groups, and small businesses in response to COVID-19.
If you are 55+...
AGE STRONG COMMISSION / 617-635-4366Assistance with housing, transportation, health care, employment, and volunteer opportunities for senior residents (age of 55+).
If you are a survivor of domestic violence...
SAFELINK / 877-785-2020Confidential support, assistance with safety planning, direct connections to shelters and referrals to community services 24/7.
If you need internet connection...
DEPARTMENT OF INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY / 617-635-4783Resources to support Internet connectivity needs. For more information, email digital.equity@boston.gov.
If you own a small business...
MAYOR’S OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / 311 or 617-635-0355Support for business owners.
IMPORTANT: The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation (MGCC) will process all applications for a loan fund of $10 million to provide financial relief to Massachusetts businesses that have been affected by COVID-19.
If you are a worker...
MASSACHUSETTS ATTORNEY GENERAL / 617-727-3465Accepts online complaints related to minimum wage, overtime payment, sick time, meal breaks, and worker protections.
MASSCOSH / 617-505-8940Call for questions about workers' rights.
GREATER BOSTON LEGAL SERVICES / 617-603-1530Call for questions about unemployment benefits.
If you are a student or teacher...
BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS / 617-635-4783Information about free breakfast and lunch locations for all BPS students, Chromebooks for online learning for students, and tips and resources for educators.
Other Guides
- Last updated:
- Published by: Immigrant Advancement
