COVID-19 Social Service Information
During the COVID-19 public health crisis, social service agencies are doing their best to continue to provide critical services to those who need them. Many of these organizations are offering online and phone support as many of their in-person services have been suspended. For a downloadable PDF of services, click here.
- COVID 19 Public Resource Map: MEMA, together with MA VOAD and other partners, has developed a COVID-19 Public Resources Map showing the location of resources available to the public, such as food banks, houses of worship, and Project Bread site locations. Please note that this map is not inclusive of all resources, and is only as accurate as the information that has been provided to MEMA.
- Disaster Distress Hotline: The Disaster Distress Helpline, 1-800-985-5990, is a 24/7, 365-day-a-year, national hotline dedicated to providing immediate crisis counseling for people who are experiencing emotional distress related to any natural or human-caused disaster, including disease outbreaks like COVID-19. This toll-free, multilingual, and confidential crisis support service is available to all residents in the United States and its territories.
- Call2Talk: Call2Talk is a mental health, emotional support, and suicide prevention program run by Mass211. It operates 24/7 and provides confidential, compassionate listening to assist people – including those who may be despondent or considering suicide – during stressful times. Dial 2-1-1, if you are unable to reach 2-1-1 due to your telephone or cell phone carrier, a toll-free number is available 1-877-211-MASS (6277)
- Samaritans: Call or text Samaritans’ 24/7 statewide Helpline at 877-870-4673. Whatever the reason, you will get help from a trained volunteer offering non-judgmental support. Our crisis Helpline based in Massachusetts is confidential and free.
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) continues to run support groups via telephone. Meetings are Monday (6:30PM), Wednesday (7:30PM) and Saturday (10AM). The number for all meetings is 508-206-8720 and no password is required. For more information, email jmaguire@namimass.org or visit the website.
Well Connection is a program available for those who have Blue Cross/Blue Shield Health Insurance. Users can speak live with medical professionals for both medical and psychiatric concerns. Meetings are confidential and secure, and doctors are available 24/7.
- Eliot Community Human Services offers a variety of services including mental health, children, youth and family services; emergency psychiatric services, homelessness services, and brain injury services.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance offers online support groups for these living with depression and bipolar disorder. These groups are peer-led and are available for young adults, friends, and family members.
- With many AA and NA groups unable to meet in person, many organizations have begun to hold meetings virtually with apps such as Zoom and GoToMeeting. For more information: visit
- To help support individuals in recovery from substance use disorder, Addiction Policy Forum has partnered with CHESS Health to launch the Connections App, a free smartphone app that is scientifically proven to support patients in recovery by reducing relapse and promoting pro-social engagement.
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24/7 for those either in distress or who have a family member or friend who is struggling by calling 1-800-273-8255
- Turn 2 Me hosts free online support groups for anxiety, suicidal thoughts, depression, stress management, and general mental health issues
- 7 Cups has online forums for mental health concerns. Volunteers are available to speak 24/7 either online or with a licensed therapist.
- HAWC (Healing Abuse Working for Change) works to help abused women, children, men, and nonbinary people live free from violence and fear. As a domestic violence agency, HAWC provides a domestic violence helpline, emergency shelter, legal services, and advocacy. HAWC’s 24 Hour Hotline 1-800-547-1649