Find Help › Massachusetts › Essex County
Family help in Essex County, Massachusetts
54 places and programs in and around Essex County that help families with food, diapers, healthcare, childcare, housing, and bills. Everything here is free to browse and free to contact.
Food assistance
3 listedOpen Hand Pantry - Food Distribution Center
16 Ashland St, Haverhill, MA 01830, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 4:00 – 7:00 PM · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: Closed · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
The Greater Boston Food Bank
70 South Bay Avenue, Boston, MA 02118
Food bank serving eastern Massachusetts. They distribute food through local pantries, mobile distributions, and meal programs in Essex County and the surrounding area. Visit their website or call to find the food assistance nearest you.
Who it is for: Open to families and individuals in need of food.
The Open Door/Ipswich Community Food Pantry
00 Southern Heights, Ipswich, MA 01938, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most community pantries and supply banks are open to any family in need in their service area; some ask for an ID or a referral. Call ahead to confirm hours and what to bring.
Diapers & baby supplies
4 listedBambino Basket Inc.
721 Hale St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: 12:30 – 2:30 PM · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: 12:30 – 2:30 PM · Friday: Closed · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Neighbors In Need
60 Island St Ste 74A, Lawrence, MA 01840, USA
Monday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Wednesday: 12:30 – 2:30 PM · Thursday: Closed · Friday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Our Neighbors' Table Amesbury Market
194 Main St, Amesbury, MA 01913, USA
Monday: Closed · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Show 1 more in Diapers & baby suppliesShow the first 3 only
The Open Door
28 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Most diaper banks serve any family in need; some ask for an ID or a referral from a partner agency. Call ahead to ask what to bring.
Maternal & infant health
8 listedAmesbury Wic Program
44 Friend St, Amesbury, MA 01913, USA
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
GLCAC - WIC
141 Tenney St, Methuen, MA 01844, USA
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Lawrence WIC Program
305 Essex St, Lawrence, MA 01840, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Show the other 5 in Maternal & infant healthShow the first 3 only
Northern Essex WIC Program
3 Washington Square, Haverhill, MA 01830, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Peabody Women Infants & Children
85 Main St, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: Closed · Wednesday: Closed · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:15 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
WIC
302 Washington St #1, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
WIC
4 Ocean St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
WIC Program
141 Tenney St, Methuen, MA 01844, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Healthcare & clinics
5 listedLynn Community Health Center
280 Union St, Lynn, MA 01901, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 7:30 PM · Thursday: 1:00 – 7:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Lynn Community Health Center
269 Union St, Lynn, MA 01901, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Lynn Community Health Center - Main Location
269 Union St, Lynn, MA 01901, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Sunday: 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
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Lynn Community Health Center at Lynn English High School
50 Goodridge St, Lynn, MA 01902, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Lynn Community Health Center at Lynn Vocational Tech High School
80 Neptune Blvd, Lynn, MA 01902, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: WIC serves pregnant, postpartum, and breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 in families with limited income. Many working families qualify, and families on Medicaid or SNAP automatically meet the income rule. Call to confirm and set up an appointment.
Childcare & early education
23 listedClark Preschool
64 Forest Ridge Dr Units 8-12, Rowley, MA 01969, USA
Call (978) 777-4699 ext. 106Website
Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:15 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Community Action Inc Headstart-Goldman Center Child
230 Hilldale Ave, Haverhill, MA 01832, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Greater Beverly YMCA
254 Essex St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
Monday: 4:45 AM – 9:30 PM · Tuesday: 4:45 AM – 9:30 PM · Wednesday: 4:45 AM – 9:30 PM · Thursday: 4:45 AM – 9:30 PM · Friday: 4:45 AM – 9:30 PM · Saturday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM · Sunday: 6:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Show the other 20 in Childcare & early educationShow the first 3 only
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc. Child Care Center
136 Water St, Lawrence, MA 01841, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Haverhill Day Care Center
367 S Main St, Haverhill, MA 01835, USA
Monday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Tuesday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Wednesday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Thursday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Friday: 6:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Head Start
75 Elm St, Haverhill, MA 01830, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Head Start
10 Skerry St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Head Start At The Common
305 Essex St, Lawrence, MA 01840, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Head Start escuela zabdiel
246 Andover St, Lawrence, MA 01843, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Head Start-Emerson
29 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Headstart
292 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Leo Affordable Housing
156 Broad St, Lynn, MA 01901, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
LEO Head Start
38 Commercial St, Lynn, MA 01905, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Little Beginnings Day Care
75 Canal St, Salem, MA 01970, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Magical Beginnings Inc
185 Lynn St, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Magical Beginnings Learning Centers Beverly
50 Dunham Rdg Rd Ste 1200, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Magical Beginnings Learning Centers Essex
1 Scott's Way, Essex, MA 01929, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Magical Beginnings Learning Centers Middleton, River Street
16 River St, Middleton, MA 01949, USA
Monday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Tuesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Wednesday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Thursday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Friday: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Massachusetts Head Start Association
156 Broad St, Lynn, MA 01901, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Methuen Head Start
24 Gill Ave, Methuen, MA 01844, USA
Monday: Open 24 hours · Tuesday: Open 24 hours · Wednesday: Open 24 hours · Thursday: Open 24 hours · Friday: Open 24 hours · Saturday: Open 24 hours · Sunday: Open 24 hours
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Newburyport KinderCare
151 Low St, Newburyport, MA 01950, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Northern Essex Community College - Haverhill Campus
100 Elliott St, Haverhill, MA 01830, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Pathways For Children
29 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Who it is for: Head Start (ages 3 to 5) and Early Head Start (pregnancy through age 3) are free for children in families with limited income. Children in foster care, families experiencing homelessness, and families receiving TANF or SSI qualify regardless of income. Contact the program to apply.
Utilities & financial help
11 listedAction Inc
180 Main St, Gloucester, MA 01930, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Beverly Bootstraps Community Services
35 Park St, Beverly, MA 01915, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 6:00 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Community Action
44 Friend St, Amesbury, MA 01913, USA
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
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Community Action Drop-In Center
16 Ashland St, Haverhill, MA 01830, USA
Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Thursday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Friday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Community Action, Inc.
3 Washington Square, Haverhill, MA 01830, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 3:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Essex County Community Organiz
74 S Common St, Lynn, MA 01902, USA
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Essex County Habitat for Humanity (THE RESTORE IS LOCATED IN LAWRENCE)
14 Park St, Danvers, MA 01923, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council
581 Andover St, Lawrence, MA 01843, USA
Monday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Greater Lawrence Community Action Council Inc.
305 Essex St, Lawrence, MA 01840, USA
Monday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Tuesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Wednesday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Thursday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
North Shore Community Action Programs
119 Rear Foster St Bldg 13, Peabody, MA 01960, USA
Monday: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM · Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Saturday: Closed · Sunday: Closed
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
Two Community Action Inc
346 Broadway, Haverhill, MA 01832, USA
Who it is for: Community action agencies serve residents with limited income in their service area. Utility and energy help (LIHEAP) is income-based. Call and ask what you qualify for; staff can often point you to other local programs too.
National helplines, open to every family
These work anywhere in the United States, most of them around the clock.
Feeding America Food Bank Finder
Find your local Feeding America food bank and nearby pantries anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
SNAP Food Assistance (USDA state directory)
Apply for SNAP (food stamps) to help buy groceries. Use the directory to find your state SNAP office and application.
Who it is for: Income-eligible households
USDA National Hunger Hotline
Monday to Friday, 7am to 10pm ET
Free help finding food assistance anywhere in the country. Call to be connected with food pantries, meal sites, and benefit programs. Available in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
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National Diaper Bank Network
Find a diaper bank near you anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Families in need of diapers
National Maternal Mental Health Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support before, during, and after pregnancy. Call or text 24/7; interpreter services available.
Who it is for: Pregnant and postpartum people and their families
Postpartum Support International
Support and resources for parents experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety challenges. Call or text the helpline to be connected with local support.
Who it is for: New and expecting parents
WIC Nutrition Program (USDA)
Free healthy food, nutrition support, and breastfeeding help for pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5. Find and apply at your local WIC clinic.
Who it is for: Income-eligible pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and children under 5
Find a Health Center (HRSA)
Find a community health center near you that provides care on a sliding fee scale, regardless of insurance or ability to pay.
Who it is for: Open to all; sliding-scale fees
Health Insurance Marketplace (HealthCare.gov)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Enroll in health coverage for your family, with financial help based on income. Call or apply online; the call center is open 24/7.
Who it is for: Open to all; subsidies based on income
Insure Kids Now (Medicaid and CHIP for children)
Free or low-cost health and dental coverage for children and teens through Medicaid and CHIP. Call to be connected with your state program and get help enrolling.
Who it is for: Children and teens in income-eligible families
Childcare.gov
Find child care options, financial assistance, and your state child care resources anywhere in the United States.
Who it is for: Open to all families
Head Start and Early Head Start
Free early education, child care, and family support for income-eligible families with children from birth to age 5. Use the locator to find a program near you.
Who it is for: Income-eligible families with children birth to age 5
211 (United Way)
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential help available 24/7 in every state. Dial 211 to connect with local resources for housing, food, utilities, healthcare, and more.
Who it is for: Open to everyone
HUD Housing Counseling
Free, HUD-approved counseling for renters and homeowners. Get help finding rental assistance, avoiding eviction or foreclosure, and locating affordable housing.
Who it is for: Open to renters and homeowners
National Runaway Safeline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Help and resources for youth experiencing homelessness or thinking about running away, and for their families. Available 24/7 by call, text, or chat.
Who it is for: Youth and families
LIHEAP Energy Assistance (National Energy Assistance Referral)
Monday to Friday, 9am to 7pm ET
Free help paying heating and cooling bills. Call to be connected with the energy assistance office that serves your area, or visit EnergyHelp.us to find it.
Who it is for: Income-eligible households
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential crisis support available 24/7 for anyone in emotional distress or thinking about suicide. Call or text 988, or chat online. Help is available in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Anyone in crisis; free and confidential
Disaster Distress Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential crisis counseling for anyone in emotional distress related to a disaster. Call or text 24/7.
Who it is for: Anyone affected by a disaster
SAMHSA National Helpline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information for mental health and substance use, in English and Spanish.
Who it is for: Open to everyone; free and confidential
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline
24/7 confidential support for children, teens, parents, and anyone worried about a child. Counselors answer questions, talk through difficult situations, and connect you with local resources. Call or text.
National Domestic Violence Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support 24/7 for anyone affected by domestic violence. Call, text START to 88788, or chat online to talk with an advocate, plan for safety, and find local help.
Who it is for: Anyone affected by domestic violence; free and confidential
RAINN National Sexual Assault Hotline
24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Free, confidential support for survivors of sexual assault, available 24/7. Call or chat online to reach a trained advocate.
Who it is for: Survivors of sexual assault; free and confidential
Find Legal Aid (Legal Services Corporation)
Search for the free civil legal aid office that serves your county. LSC funds nonprofit legal aid organizations in every state for issues like housing, custody, benefits, and debt.
LawHelp.org (free legal aid finder)
Find free legal aid and self-help resources in your state for housing, family, public benefits, safety, and more.
Who it is for: Income-eligible individuals and families
CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor)
Free job search help, training and certification info, and resume guidance from the U.S. Department of Labor. Use the Local Help section to find your nearest American Job Center for free in-person employment services.
211 Transportation Help (United Way)
Free, confidential referrals to local transportation help such as rides to medical appointments, bus passes, and gas vouchers where available. If you have Medicaid, also ask your state Medicaid office about free rides to covered medical appointments.
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (club finder)
After-school and summer programs for ages 6 to 18, including sports leagues, STEM labs, and meals at many clubs. Use the finder to locate a club near you.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library
Free, age-appropriate books mailed each month to children from birth to age 5, at no cost to families. Available where a local program operates; use the finder to check your area and register your child online.
Who it is for: Any Missouri child under age 5, regardless of income
YMCA (Find Your Y)
Youth programs, child care, camps, and family activities at local YMCAs nationwide. Use the locator to find your nearest Y and see which youth programs it offers.
What happens next
You need help right now
Everything on this page is free to contact, and you never need an account to look. Neighbors post free baby gear, clothes, and household things on the item board, and the helplines above answer around the clock.
You want to help families in Essex County
This list is free to use and always will be. Keeping it accurate takes real work, and there are three ways to pitch in: fund it, tell us about a place we missed, or push for the policies that would make a list like this less necessary.
Want to know when this list grows?
We add listings county by county. Once a month we send one email with what is new, what is on the free item board, and the research behind all of it. No account needed.