RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES
Financial Assistance & Family Support Resources
Westport, Massachusetts & Surrounding Communities
If your family is experiencing financial challenges, you may qualify for assistance with housing, child care, utilities, food, or cash benefits. We’ve gathered some helpful local and Massachusetts resources below.
HOUSING ASSISTANCE
Westport Housing Assistance Office
The Town of Westport provides housing assistance information and resources for income-qualified residents, including help with affordable housing and housing-related programs.
774-264-5126
Westport Town Hall, 816 Main Road, Westport, MA 02790
Learn more:
Westport Affordable Housing Trust Fund
Emergency Rental Assistance — RAFT
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) may provide short-term financial assistance for eligible households experiencing a housing crisis, including help with rent, utilities, moving costs and other housing emergencies.
Learn more & apply:
Massachusetts Housing Assistance & RAFT
NeighborWorks Housing Solutions
Provides housing counseling and assistance navigating rental assistance, housing stability and voucher programs for residents of Bristol County and surrounding communities.
781-422-4200
Learn more:
NeighborWorks Housing Solutions
HOUSING VOUCHERS / SECTION 8 / MRVP
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)
MRVP provides rental assistance to eligible low-income households through tenant-based and project-based vouchers.
617-573-1250
Learn more & apply:
Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program
Section 8 / Housing Choice Vouchers
Housing Choice Vouchers help eligible families pay part of their rent.
Important: Massachusetts’ statewide mobile Section 8 waiting list is currently closed, but families may still have options through local housing authorities and project-based voucher programs. (Massachusetts Government)
Learn more:
Massachusetts Housing Choice Voucher Information
CHILD CARE ASSISTANCE — PACE VOUCHERS
PACE Child Care Works
PACE helps families find affordable child care and provides assistance with paying for child care, including child care vouchers.
508-999-9930
134 South Second Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Learn more:
PACE Child Care Works & Child Care Vouchers
Ask about:
• Child care vouchers
• Child care referrals
• Financial assistance with child care
• Programs available to working families
UTILITY & HEATING ASSISTANCE
PACE Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
Eligible households may receive assistance with heating costs. PACE also connects qualifying households with programs that may help with heating system repairs, weatherization and energy-efficient appliances.
508-525-4271
255 Union Street, New Bedford, MA 02740
Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Walk-ins welcome
Learn more & apply:
PACE HEAP / Fuel Assistance
Massachusetts Utility Assistance
Massachusetts residents may also qualify for help with utility bills through programs such as HEAP and RAFT.
877-886-5066
Learn more:
Massachusetts Utility Assistance
SNAP / FOOD ASSISTANCE
SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP helps eligible Massachusetts families purchase groceries and nutritious food.
DTA Assistance Line: 877-382-2363
You can apply online through DTA Connect or by phone.
Apply / check eligibility:
DTA Connect
SNAP information:
Massachusetts SNAP Benefits
Need help applying for SNAP?
Project Bread FoodSource Hotline
800-645-8333
They can help families find food resources and navigate SNAP applications. (Massachusetts Government)
TANF / CASH ASSISTANCE
TAFDC — Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children
TAFDC is a Massachusetts cash assistance program for eligible families with children and certain pregnant individuals. Benefits may help families meet basic needs while working toward financial stability. (Massachusetts Government)
DTA Assistance Line: 877-382-2363
Families can apply online through DTA Connect or by phone.
Apply online:
DTA Connect — Apply for TAFDC & SNAP
Learn more:
Massachusetts TAFDC Information
ONE NUMBER FOR HELP FINDING RESOURCES
MASS 2-1-1
Not sure which program your family may qualify for?
Call 2-1-1 to connect with local resources for:
Housing
Utilities & heating
Food assistance
Child care
Financial assistance
Family support
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Financial assistance programs have different eligibility requirements, and applying does not guarantee approval. If you are unsure whether you qualify, contact the program directly and ask about your options.
Please keep this flyer for future reference and share it with another family who may benefit from these resources.
Resource information is subject to change. Families should contact each agency directly to confirm current eligibility, availability, waitlists and application requirements.