Community Resources
Welcome!
This guide contains information on local and state resources to help individuals, families and veterans in need of housing, food, medical, legal or mental health assistance. There are also specialized resources for seniors, people with criminal convictions, immigrants and those needing assistance with domestic violence and addiction/recovery issues. Use the tabs on the left to navigate through the guide to locate resources in the Springfield area.
413Cares
- 413Cares.org
413Cares is an innovative community portal that provides online access for residents of Western Massachusetts to available resources from housing, to healthcare, early education, and more. It’s like Google, but for searching for community resources. 413Cares uses the findhelp search platform and technology services to list thousands of programs and services in Western Massachusetts, as well as the ability to search for services across the entire country.
Key Resources
The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA) assists and empowers low-income individuals and families to meet their basic needs, improve their quality of life, and achieve long term economic self-sufficiency. DTA serves one in seven residents of the Commonwealth with direct economic assistance (cash benefits) and food assistance (SNAP benefits), as well as workforce training opportunities. Apply for DTA benefits online or visit / call one of the local DTA offices below.
- DTA ConnectDTA Connect is DTA's mobile app and online portal to see case information for people who have applied for or get DTA benefits. DTA Connect.com also has an online SNAP application.
- Community Kiosk at the DTA Office in Holyoke, MA72-100 Front St, Holyoke, MA 01040 (4 minute walk from Holyoke Transportation Center bus stop)
(413) 552-5400
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
DTA’s local office lobby in Holyoke is open for limited services, including new self-service options. The fastest way to apply for benefits is using the DTA Connect Mobile App. At the Holyoke DTA's community kiosk, you can use their mobile devices (phones, iPads) and copiers to apply for benefits or manage your case. DTA staff and interpreters are available to assist you. - DTA Office in Springfield, MA243 Cottage Street
Springfield, MA 01104
413-858-1000
Office hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
The fastest way to apply for benefits is using the DTA Connect Mobile App. If you need access to a mobile device, visit a DTA location with a community kiosk. The local DTA office in Springfield does not have a community kiosk, but the local DTA office in Holyoke does.
- Mass 211
Connects callers to information about critical health and human services available in their community. Get free, confidential, multilingual help with almost any challenge such as housing, child care, legal, mental health, addiction issues and more.
- Dial 211 or call 1-877-211-6277 (Available 24/7)
- 508-370-4890 (TeleTYpe)
- Chat online now: https://home-c17.incontact.com/incontact/chatclient/index.html
To receive SNAP, you must be low income and be a U.S. citizen or legal noncitizen (restrictions apply). Eligibility for SNAP benefits depends on financial and nonfinancial criteria. Apply for SNAP online now or call the DTA Assistance line at 877-382-2363, 8:15 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
If you need assistance faster, contact Project Bread hotline: 1-800-645-8333
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can help you expand your healthy food budget and explore opportunities to support your wellbeing and education and employment goals. SNAP benefits include: (1.) Monthly funds on an EBT card to buy food. (2.) $40, $60 or $80 a month put back on your EBT card when you use SNAP to buy local produce via the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). (3.) SNAP Path to Work free education and training opportunities. (4.) Free nutrition education classes and resources.
If you need help making ends meet, you can apply for Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC), or Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC). Apply for economic assistance online now or call the DTA Assistance line at 877-382-2363, 8:15 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) is an economic assistance (cash benefit) program that helps pregnant individuals, families and caregivers explore opportunities, improve their finances, and reach their goals.
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) may be able to help you if you are: (1.) Unable to work due to your own disability that will last at least 60 days. (2.) Over 65 years old and waiting for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments to begin (3.) Living with and taking care of a child who is not closely related to you. (4.) Participating in a Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission program. (5.) Required in the home to take care of a disabled person who would otherwise have to move to an institution.
- Impact Center
41 Taylor Street
Springfield, MA 01003
(413) 654-1566
Mon – Thur: 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Fri*: 8:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
*CLOSED on the last Friday of every month
The Impact Center is open to youth and young adults ages 16-24. Services are informal, flexible, safe, welcoming to diversity and committed to supporting youth in achieving their own goals. The support you need is here:
• Free WiFi, computers, and book lounge
• Support groups, peer mentoring and recovery navigating
• Independent life skills and résumé building