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Updates July 2024
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Free and Low-Cost Activities
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NameContactDescriptionWebsite(s) for more info
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Free Indoor Activities
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Art/Museums
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Harvard Art Museums (Cambridge)32 Quincy Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone: 617-495-9400

Days and Hours: Tues.–Sun., 10am–5pm

Contact Page: https://harvardartmuseums.org/contact-us
Admission is free for all.https://www.harvardartmuseums.org
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MIT List Visual Arts Center (Cambridge) 20 Ames Street
Cambridge, MA 02142
(Atrium Level, Building E15-109)

Phone: 617-253-4680

Days and Hours:
Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday, 12 noon–6pm
Wednesday & Thursday, 12 noon–7pm

Email: listinfo@mit.edu
Admission is free for all.https://listart.mit.edu
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Boston Fire Museum (Boston)344 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210

Phone: 617-338-9700

Days and Hours: Saturdays, 11am–4pm

Contact Page: https://bostonfiremuseum.com/contact
Admission is free for all.https://bostonfiremuseum.com/
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Bunker Hill Museum (Charlestown)43 Monument Square
Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone: 617 242-7275

Days and Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10am–4:30pm
Admission is free for all.

Learn about the Battle of Bunker Hill, which took place on June 17th, 1775. You can also visit the Bunker Hill Monument (see below) which commemorates this battle.
https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhm.htm
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Commonwealth Museum (Dorchester)220 Morrissey Boulevard
Dorchester, MA 02125

Phone: 617-727-9268

Days and Hours: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm

Email: commonwealthmuseum@sec.state.ma.us

Contact Page: https://www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/visit-us.html
Admission is free for all.

The Commonwealth Museum brings the story of justice in MA to life with state-of-the-art interactive exhibits. Its dramatic “treasures gallery” holds the great historic documents that protect our liberties. Spend an hour or an afternoon and share our common heritage.
https://www.sec.state.ma.us/mus/index.html
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Metropolitan Waterworks Museum (Boston)2450 Beacon Street
Boston, MA 02467

Phone: 617-277-0065

Days and Hours: Thursday/Friday/Saturday, 10am–4pm

Email: info@waterworksmuseum.org

Contact Page: https://waterworksmuseum.org/contact/
Admission is free for all.

Guided tours are offered Thursday–Sunday, 11:15am, 12:30pm, and 2pm.
https://waterworksmuseum.org/
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The Museum of Bad Art (Boston)1250 Massachusetts Avenue
Boston, MA 02125

Phone: 781-444-6757

Days and Hours:
Tuesday–Thursday, 11:30am–10pm
Friday & Saturday, 11:30am–11pm
Sunday & Monday, 11:30am–9pm

Email: MOBA@MuseumOfBadArt.org

Contact Page: https://museumofbadart.org/contact-us/
Admission is free for all.https://museumofbadart.org/
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Additional Free and Low-Cost Indoor Activities
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Cambridge Antique Market (Cambridge)201 Monsignor O’Brien Highway
Cambridge, MA 02141

Phone: 617-868-9655

Days and Hours: Tuesday–Sunday, 11am–6pm

Email: cambridgeantiquemarket@yahoo.com
Over 150 Dealer Spaces on 5 floors offering reasonably priced furniture, lighting fixtures, artwork, fine silver, glass, china, toys, dolls, books, vintage clothing, collectibles and much more.https://marketantique.com/cambridg.htm
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Bunker Hill Monument (Charlestown)Monument Square
Charlestown, MA 02129

Phone: 617-242-5641

Days and Hours:
Tuesday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Admission is free for all.

Commemorates the Battle of Bunker Hill. Learn about the June 17th, 1775, battle in the monument's museum (see above).
https://home.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhm.htm
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Observation Deck – Independence Harbor (Boston)470 Atlantic Avenue
Boston, MA 02210

Phone: N/A (please contact for more information)

Days and Hours: Monday–Sunday, 10am–5pm
Admission is free for all.https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60745-d8634101-Reviews-Independence_Wharf-Boston_Massachusetts.html
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Judson B. Coit Observatory – Boston University (Boston)685 Commonwealth Avenue
Boston, MA 02215

Phone: 617-352-2630

Days and Hours: Wednesdays (times vary)
Admission is free for all.

Tickets go live on Thursdays at 11:00 am EDT.

The tickets are posted on Thursday for the event the following Wednesday.
https://www.bu.edu/astronomy/community/open-night-observatory/faq-and-contact-form/
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Massachusetts State House (Boston)24 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02133

Phone: 617-727-3676

Days and Hours:
Building Hours: Monday–Sunday, 9am–5pm
Guided Tours: Monday–Friday, 10am–3:30pm

Email: mastatehousetours@sec.state.ma.us
Tours are free of charge.https://www.sec.state.ma.us/divisions/state-house-tours/schedule-tour.htm
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Free Outdoor Activities
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Fresh Pond Reservation (Cambridge)250 Fresh Pond Parkway
Cambridge, MA 02138

Days and Hours: Monday–Sunday, 6am–8pm
Public restrooms are located in the Ranger Station (facing reservoir, under the clock tower).

The Ranger Station is open every day from 7am–7pm.
https://www.cambridgema.gov/Water/freshpondreservation/aboutfreshpond
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Magazine Beach (Cambridge)688 Memorial Drive
Cambridge, MA 02139

Days and Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11am–7pm
Seasonal public restrooms available. Visitors also have free access to the outdoor swimming pool.https://magazinebeach.org/about/
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Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University
(Jamaica Plain/Roslindale)
125 Arborway
Boston, MA 02130

Phone: 617-524-1718

Days and Hours:
Arboretum: Sunrise – Sunset
Visitor Center: 10am–4pm
Amazing trees (some are rare and specially preserved here) and beautiful trails can be found here.

Restrooms are located in the Hunnewell Building (visitor center) at 125 Arborway, and are open from 10am–4pm.
https://arboretum.harvard.edu/visit/
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Carson Beach (Boston)165 William J Day Boulevard
Boston, MA 02127

Days and Hours:
Monday–Sunday, 6am–11:30pm
Public restrooms available.
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Castle Island
(Boston)
2010 William J Day Boulevard
Boston, MA 02127

Days and Hours:
Monday–Sunday, 6:30am–7pm
Public restrooms are available. Permanent seasonal restrooms available (spring–fall). Portable toilets available all year round. https://www.mass.gov/locations/castle-island-pleasure-bay-m-street-beach-and-carson-beach
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Charles River Esplanade (Boston)Storrow Drive
Boston, MA 02116
Park stretching along the Charles with beautiful views of Cambridge. There is also a park on the opposite side of the river.

Several public restrooms are available in these areas (unfortunately, these restrooms are closed in the winter):

Behind the DCR (Dept. of Conservation & Recreation) Facility
Near the Hatch Shell
Dartmouth Street Facility
https://esplanade.org/
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Pleasure BayWilliam J. Day Boulevard
Boston, MA 02127

Days and Hours:
Monday–Sunday, 6am–11:30pm
Public restrooms available.
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Freedom Trail
(The Freedom Trail Foundation - Boston)
139 Tremont Street
Boston, MA 02111

Phone: 617-357-8300

Email: info@thefreedomtrail.org
Public restrooms can be accessed along the trail in the following areas:
Boston Common Visitor Center (Tremont St.)
Quincy Market
Old North Church
https://www.thefreedomtrail.org/visit/experience-freedom-trail-now-visitor-resource
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The Lawn on D
(Boston)
420 D Street
Boston, MA 02210


Days and Hours:
The Lawn on D offers space seasonally from May 1st –October 31st.
Monday/Tuesday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday: 7am–11pm
Thursday & Friday: 7am–10:30pm
Provides a grassy outdoor space featuring seasonal live music, lawn games, additional community events, and concessions.https://www.signatureboston.com/lawn-on-d/community-activities/faq
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Revere Beach
(Revere)
Revere Beach Boulevard
Revere, MA 02151

Days and Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Revere Beach has several public restrooms and bathhouses (hours of the bathhouses vary):

• Across from Twist and Shake (82 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA 0215)
• Across from Kelly’s Roast Beef (410 Revere Beach Blvd, Revere, MA 02151)
https://reverebeach.com/
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Low-Cost Activities
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Museums (with Free or Discounted Days)
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The Harvard Museum of Natural History (Cambridge)26 Oxford Street
Cambridge, MA 02138

Phone: 617-495-3045

Email: hmnhreserve@hmsc.harvard.edu

Free or Discounted Days for MA residents (proof of residency required):
Sundays, 9am-12 noon and Wednesdays, 3-5pm

General Hours of Operation:
Daily, 9am-5pm
On Sundays 9am-12 noon and Wednesdays 3-5pm (as mentioned at left), admission is free for all MA residents (proof of residency required).

Admission during all hours of operation is free for MA residents who present an EBT or WIC card, and up to five guests (as part of the Card to Culture program).

General Admission is:
• $15 (Adults)
• $13 (Seniors 65+)
• $10 (Non-Harvard students with ID)
• $10 (Youth ages, 3-18)
• Free (Youth under 3)

The Harvard Museum also offers tickets at free or discounted rates to customers with other affiliations, such as MA teachers (K-12) and many others. Please visit https://hmnh.harvard.edu/plan-your-visit for the full list of how you can qualify for these rates.
Home page:
https://hmnh.harvard.edu/

Visiting times, closures/holidays, admission/ticket pricing and more:
https://hmnh.harvard.edu/plan-your-visit
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Boston Children's Museum (Boston)308 Congress Street
Boston, MA 02210

Phone: 617-426-6500

Email: Info@BostonChildrensMuseum.org

Contact Page: https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/contact/

Free or Discounted Day: Visitors are offered a discounted price on general admission on Sunday afternoons, $1 from 1–4pm (online reservations required).

General Hours of Operation: Wednesday–Sunday, 9am–4pm
(in July and August, also open Mondays and Tuesdays)
General Admission:
• $22 (All Visitors)
• Free (Infants Under 12 months)

The Boston Children’s Museum participates in the Card to Culture program, which offers discounted admission for Massachusetts residents who present an EBT or WIC card at the desk. Pricing is $3 per person for up to 4 people.

Wonderfund Access Card gives you $3 per person admission for up to 4 people.

The Boston Children’s Museum also offers tickets at a discounted rate ($11) to customers who are affiliated with:
• Library Coupons (customer must first reserve with their local library - rate good for up to four people)
• Massachusetts Teachers Association
• Membership with Association of Children’s Museum (ACM)

Military members/veterans can get free admission. So can GO Boston Card holders.

Check the "Ways to Save" link at right for the most up-to-date terms and conditions on the above.
Home Page: https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/

Ticket Pricing: https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/ticketing

Ways to Save (discount information):
https://bostonchildrensmuseum.org/visit/ways-save/
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Isabella Steward Gardner Museum (Boston)25 Evans Way, Boston, MA 02115

Phone: 617-566-1401

Email: information@isgm.org

Contact Page: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/organization/contact-us

Free or Discounted Day: Visitors are offered "First Thursdays" free admission for the first Thursday evening of each month, 3–9pm (begins October)

General Hours of Operation:
Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 11am–5pm
Thursday, 11am–9pm
Saturday & Sunday, 10am–5pm
General Admission:
• $20 (Adults)
• $18 (Seniors 65+)
• $13 (College Students with current ID)
• Free (Children under 18)

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum participates in the Card to Culture program, which offers discounted admission for Massachusetts residents who present an EBT, WIC or ConnectorCare card at the desk. Pricing is $2 per person.

The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum also offers tickets at free or discounted rates to customers who are affiliated with the following:

(Free Admission)
• Any visitor named Isabella (valid ID required)
• Go Boston
• Museum Members
• University Membership (see affiliated Universities here)
• U.S. Military and Families
• Visitors 17 and under
• Wonderfund Access Card holders

(Discounted Admission)
• Library Passes (customer must first reserve with their local library)
• Massachusetts Teachers Association
Home Page:
https://www.gardnermuseum.org/

Ticket Pricing: https://www.gardnermuseum.org/visit/admissions
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The State House
(617) 722-2000
24 Beacon St, Boston, MA 02133

Beacon St and Bowdoin St (Red and Green Line - Park Street, Red, Orange, and Silver Line - Downtown Crossing, Blue and Green Line - Government Center; Bus Routes 43 and 55)
Erected in 1798 on land that once belonged to Massachusetts' first governor, John Hancock. The chamber of the House of Representatives features the "sacred cod." Admission and guided on- site tours are free weekdays 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., but tours must be scheduled in advance. Approximately 45 minutes. Meet in Doric Hall.
Call the phone number to schedule a tour. The State House website also includes a virtual tour.


https://malegislature.gov/StateHouse/Visit

https://malegislature.gov/VirtualTour
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Bunker Hill Monument(617) 242-5641
Monument Sq, Charlestown, MA 02129

Monument Sq and Concord St (Bus Routes 89 and 98 Bunker Hill @ Ferrin St)
https://www.nps.gov/bost/learn/historyculture/bhm.htm

Operations and hours
https://www.nps.gov/bost/bost-know-before-you-go.htm
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Outdoor Activities and Parks Without Restrooms
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DCR Kelly Ice Skating Rink1 Marbury Terrace, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130

Amory Street and Marbury Terrace (Orange Line - Stonybrook; Bus route 22 to Columbus Ave @ Dimock Street)
Public skating at this location will be on a first come, first serve basis, and will have a maximum capacity of 25 skaters in an effort to adhere to guidance issued by the City of Boston. Skating is free and skate rentals are $3.

The rink will be open December 17, 2022 through March 12, 2023, weather permitting.
Holiday schedules may apply, see the DCR site for more info.
Sunday to Friday: 12pm to 7:30pm, Saturday: 1pm to 7:30pm.
https://friendsofthekellyrink.org/public-skating/
DRC Site
https://www.mass.gov/locations/dcr-kelly-outdoor-rink
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Wonderland aka Revere BeachEastern coast of Revere (Blue Line to Wonderland)Beautiful 3 mile public beach with walkway.

HOURS: 24/7
https://reverebeach.com
Recreation
https://reverebeach.com/recreation/
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The Hatch Shell: Breaking Through the Silence47 David G Mugar Way, Boston, MA 02108

Charles River Esplanade and Mt Vernon St (Red Line - Charles/MGH; Green Line - Arlington)

(617) 626-1250
An outdoor concert venue on the Charles River, and a great place to sit outside and hang out. Until February 21, they are also hosting a light and sound show every evening called Breaking the Silence.


HOURS (Breaking the Silence exhibition): every day, 5PM-9PM
http://www.hatchshell.com/
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Quincy Market(617) 523-1300
4 S Market St, Boston, MA 02109

Congress Street and State Street (Orange Line- State Street)
Outdoor market with vendors and street performers.

HOURS: Mon - Thurs, 10AM – 7PM; Fri - Sat, 10AM – 8PM; Sun, 11 am – 6 pm

https://faneuilhallmarketplace.com

Entertainment Directory
https://faneuilhallmarketplace.com/entertainment-directory/#filter=.all
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Boston Public Garden4 Charles St, Boston, MA 02116

Boylston St and Arlington St (Green Line - Arlington)
Public botanical garden with pond and swans.N/A
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Newbury StreetBetween Mass Ave and the Boston Public Garden in Back Bay (Green Line- Hynes Convention Center)A tourist row with a lot of interesting window shopping.N/A
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Fort Point MP3 TourBegins at the InterContinental Hotel

Pearl Street and Atlantic Avenue (Orange Line-Downtown Crossing; Red Line-South Station)
Total tour distance: 1.2 miles
Walking time: 1 hour
Free audio walking tour. Download it from their website.
http://www.audisseyguides.com/fortpointharborwalk/
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Boston CommonTremont Street, Boston, MA

(Red and Green Line - Park Street)
Beautiful large park with well maintained walks and buskers.N/A
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Jamaica PondJamaica Way and Perkins Street (Bus Route 60, 39)Beautiful pond in Jamaica Plain.https://www.emeraldnecklace.org/park-overview/jamaica-pond/
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Christian Science PlazaHuntington Ave and Mass Ave (Green Line, E - Symphony; Bus route 1)Beautiful plaza with reflecting pool.
Free weekend tours of The Mother Church
Saturday: 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. / Sunday: 2:00 p.m.
https://www.christianscience.com/find-us/visit-the-mother-church/visit-the-christian-science-plaza
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Group Activities
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The November ProjectA variety of locations in Boston Parks, check the form to find a location near youThe November Project's goal is to bring communities together through free exercise. They host in-person workouts once a week, sign up at the link.

Please check in with your local November Project group:
https://november-project.com/locations/
November Project Agreem
ent
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefxNbuilBozdtF-tqTF6D_LixdxVRVrLsOs8zQ3-Gr_RWiVQ/viewform?pli=1

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Cambridge Women's Center617-354-6394
25 Mount Auburn Street
Cambridge, MA 02138



Cambridge Women's Center hosts a variety of free activities and groups for women in the greater Boston community, including sewing, art, trauma support, and many others. Click the link for an updated schedule. Groups are currently online, but the center is in person.



Dro-in hours: Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from 1-6pm
617-354-6394 ext 3 or 6 (For general information and to reserve a laptop)


https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org

Monthly Calendar
https://www.cambridgewomenscenter.org/monthly-calendar
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Volunteer Opportunities
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Haley House23 Dartmouth Street
Boston, MA 02116
A soup kitchen with a live-in community who work for the kitchen in exchange for room and board, they are currently accepting new live-in members. They also accept outside volunteers for breakfast shifts.

Breakfast: Tuesday – Friday 8:00-9:30 am; doors open for coffee and snacks at 6:00am
Haley house website:
https://haleyhouse.org/
Volunteer Application:
https://haleyhouse.org/time/

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Harvard Square Homeless Shelter(617) 491-3434
66 Winthrop Street
Boston, MA 02138

Winthrop Street and Dunster Street (Redline - Harvard; Bus Routes 66, 1, 71, 73, 74, 75, 77, 78, 86, 96)
While the shelter is closed, a volunteer-run nightly outreach team, resource advocacy hotline, and resource gathering team, are still in service. Contact the posted emails and phone numbers to sign up.

Harvard Square Homeless Shelter OPEN HOURS: Every day, 7PM - 8AM
Community Cooks :Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Community Center: Monday-Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
HOURS (RA hotline): Monday-Friday 1 PM - 5:30 PM, Saturday and Sunday 10 AM - 7 PM

HOURS (RA resource gathering team): flexible, with periodic deadlines
(646) 808-5777 (Kaia, street outreach team, text preferred)

RAdirector.hshs@gmail.com (Alia and Elizabeth, resource advocacy hotline and gathering team)

Homeless Shelter
https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/harvard-square-homeless-shelter/
Community Cooks
https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/community-cooks/
Community Center
https://www.harvardsquare.com/venue/cambridge-community-center/
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Salvation Army402 Mass Ave
Cambridge, MA

(Red Line - Central; Bus Routes 1)
Organization providing shelter, case management, and other services to those in need. Sign up to volunteer using their online volunteer form, where you'll be able to indicate what programs you'd like to work with.https://massachusetts.salvationarmy.org/MA/Volunteer
Volunteer Hub
https://massachusettssalvationarmy.volunteerhub.com/vv2/
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Heading Home ShelterAt various locations, they send you this info when you sign upHeading Home provides emergency shelter, transitional housing, permanent housing, and supportive services to homeless and formerly homeless families and individuals in Boston. Their only current volunteer opportunity is helping work on the gardens outside their emergency shelter. Email them to sign up, and they will email you the details/time frame.https://www.headinghomeinc.org/take-action/volunteer/outdoor/

Volunteer Oportunities
https://www.headinghomeinc.org/take-action/volunteer/
Email volunteer@headinghomeinc.org to sign up
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Harbor Gallery100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125

University Dr S and W (Red Line - JFK/UMass)

(617) 287-5707
Part of UMass Boston, Harbor Gallery is dedicated to to representing emerging and under-recognized artists locally, nationally, and internationally. (617) 982-3244

https://www.umb.edu/life_on_campus/student_involvement/activities/harbor_art_event_space/exhibitions
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Public Library PickupsSee linksPublic libraries are now open for pickup for those with a library card (or e-card). Library cards are available to those experiencing homelessness, if you put down the shelter where you are staying as your address (or the last shelter where you stayed). Hours are different for each branch, by reservation at non-central branches and walk in at the central branch. No other library services are available at this time. Locations of public libraries:
https://www.bpl.org/locations/central/

e-Card
https://www.bpl.org/ecard/
BPL Passport
https://www.bpl.org/passport/
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