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This resource page consists of mutual aid and community benefits for Allston residents. You can use the filters to sort resources by age and by target. For instance, if you are seeking childcare benefits, click the Childcare filter to find specific resources. If you have questions about the resources, we encourage you to call the phone contact associated with the organization.
If you wish to share a resource that is not on this page, you can find a form to submit resources at the bottom of this page. This page is updated every other Saturday.
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| Resource | Link | How to get resource? | Phone Contact | Organization | Age | Target |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $20 Monthly Printing Credit – Redeemable at Boston Public Libraries with a library card (available at the beginning of each month). | Link | 1. If you don’t have library card—Bringing picture ID and proof of Massachusetts residency, go to any Boston Public Library’s circulation desk and ask to open your library card. 2. Once you have your library card, print anytime at BPL. Nearest Library: 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 (Honan-Allston Library) | (617) 787-6313 | Boston Public Library | Adult, Youth, Senior | Education |
| Allston Safe Place at Honan-Allston Library for Youth Seeking Safety/Shelter | Link | Safe Place quickly connects youth ages 12-17 to needed help of safety and shelter. Honan Allston Library: 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 If the library is closed, call Bridge Over Troubled Waters Boston at 617-423-9575 OR text SAFE to 4HELP (44357) for immediate help | 44357 | Honan-Allston Library 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 Bridge Over Troubled Waters Boston 47 West St, Boston, MA, 02111 | Youth | Safety |
| Allston-Brighton Food Pantry Directory – Locations offering free food and groceries. | Link | Allston Brighton Health Collaborative | Adult, Youth, Senior | Food | ||
| Apply for a rental voucher from the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) or Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP). | Link | MRVP is a rental assistance program for individuals and families of low income that provides participants with a subsidy to rent an apartment in the private market. AHVP is a rental assistance program for non-elderly persons with disabilities and of low income that provides participants with a subsidy to rent an apartment in the private market. State-Aided Public Housing is a housing program consisting of apartments that are owned by Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) which are directly rented to qualified and eligible applicants. 1. Check your eligibility at mass.gov. 2. Apply on publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/ through Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs OR at Metro Housing Boston, which you can call at 617-425-6700 and go to 1411 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02120. | Mass.gov: 211 Metro Housing Boston: 617-425-6700 | Massachusetts RAFT Portal & Regional Administering Agencies Closest RAFT Agency: Metro Housing Boston 1411 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02120 | Adult, Senior | Financial Assistance, Housing, Renter |
| Are you facing an eviction, rent increase, or terrible conditions? Talk to lawyers, organizers, and peers at City Life / Vida Urbana’s weekly meetings! | Link | For primarily English weekly meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30PM at 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. For primarly Spanish weekly meetings, Wednesdays, 6:30PM at 31 Liverpool Street, East Boston. | 617-524-3541 | City Life / Vida Urbana 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | Adult, Senior | Housing |
| Baby lapsit at Honan-Allston Public Library. | Link | Thursdays, 10:30AM-11:15AM (except for 8/7/25) Babies from 0-24 months and their caregivers are invited to join Miss Caroline for bouncing rhymes, finger plays, songs, and some short books! | 617-787-6313 | Honan-Allston Library 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 | Childcare | |
| Brighton Farmer’s Market – Accepts SNAP/HIP, WIC, Senior Coupons, and City of Boston Coupons from 6/11/25 to 10/29/25. | Link | Wednesdays, 2:00PM-6:30PM. Available 6/11/25 – 10/29/25. Go to 30 Chestnut Hill Ave, Brighton, MA 02135 (Brighton Common). There is also Yoga in the Park programming from 5:15PM-6:15PM at the Farmer’s Market. Bring your own yoga mat, blanket, or towel. | Allston Brighton Health Collaborative | Adult, Youth, Senior | Food, Wellness, Limited Time | |
| Community Fridges – Free food available for those experiencing food insecurity in Allston-Brighton. | Link | Find the fridge at 404 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02135. | Allston Brighton Community Fridges 404 Washington Street, Boston, Massachusetts, 02135 | Adult, Youth, Senior | Food | |
| Database of Boston resources for housing assistance, emergency shelters for families and individuals, fuel assistance, weatherization services, heating system services, housing mediation, and legal help. (English-only) | Link | Adult, Senior | Financial Assistance, Housing, Renter | |||
| Directory of Local Housing Professionals – Find loan officers, real estate agents, attorneys, home inspectors, and insurance agents (includes Spanish-speaking providers). | Link | (617) 787-3874 | Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation 18R Shepard St Suite 100, Boston, MA 02135 | Adult | Housing, Renter | |
| Early Head Start & Head Start — Receive free school readiness and child development services for children aged 0-5 years old from Action for Boston Community Development. | Link | Head Start is a family development program that offers comprehensive services for your child as well as your entire family. Their services concentrate on your child’s education, nutrition, and physical and mental health. Pre-register at this link. | 617-903-3494 | Allston Head Start & Children’s Services 41 Quint Avenue, Allston, MA 02134 | Childcare | Education |
| Ed Portal Membership – Access scholarships, Harvard gym and museum passes, youth and art programs, and small business support. | Link | Apply at this link. | (617) 496-5022 | Harvard Ed Portal 224 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134 | Adult, Youth, Senior, Childcare | Wellness, Workforce Development, Education |
| Enroll youth in programming at the West End House — Access academic/arts/sports programs, leadership and career development, youth community building, social/emotional growth counselors, etc. | Link | Enroll in programming at this link. | 617-787-4044 | West End House 105 Allston St, Boston, MA 02134 | Youth | Education, Wellness, Artist |
| Financial Support Services – Help with job searching, financial difficulties, budgeting, and banking education. | Anytime during Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM Call Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation at 617-787-387 (extension: 202) OR go in-person to 1287 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA 02134 (All Bright Community Center). | (617) 787-3874 | Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation 18R Shepard St Suite 100, Boston, MA 02135 | Adult, Senior | Financial Assistance | |
| First-Time Homebuyer Funding – Grants available for eligible homebuyers in Allston and Brighton. | Link | 1. Take Homebuying 101 at Allston-Brighton Community Development Corporation (or other locations); email homebuy@allstonbrightoncdc.org or call 617-787-3874 with questions. 2. Complete and compile relevant documents required by application. 3. Submit application on transfer.boston.gov/, following instructions on page 2 of application OR mail to 26 Central Ave, Hyde Park, MA 02136 (The Boston Home Center). | 617-787-3874×35 | Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation 18R Shepard St Suite 100, Boston, MA 02135 | Adult, Senior | Housing, Financial Assistance, Renter |
| Free yoga classes at the Honan-Allston Library every Friday from 3-4PM! — Available 8/15/25-9/19/25. | Link | Fridays, 3PM-4PM. Available 8/15/25-9/19/25. Ease into the weekend with a refreshing, all-levels yoga flow designed to release tension, build strength, and reset your mind! 1. Register at this link. This energizing yet grounding class links breath with movement and offers options for all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned yogis. Expect a blend of mindful sequencing, full-body stretches, and a calming finish to leave you centered and recharged. Yoga mats, straps, and blocks are available on a first-come first-served basis. | 617-787-6313 | Honan-Allston Library 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 | Adult, Youth, Senior | Wellness, Limited Time |
| Get a compost bin from the City if you live in a building with 6 units or less and receive curbside trash collection from the City. | Link | Sign up at this link. | 617-977-4547 | Garbage to Garden | Adult, Youth, Senior | Food, Wellness |
| Get a heavily discounted Bluebikes membership — $5 for SNAP/MassHealth/Income-Eligible and $60 for Returners. | Link | Check your eligibility, then apply at: 1. $5 Income-Eligible Program: Link. Approval usually takes 3 business days. 2. $60 Returner Program: Link. | 617-635-4680 | City of Boston Transportation Department | Adult, Senior, Youth | Wellness, Financial Assistance, Transportation, Renter |
| Get career development and job placement experience in the construction industry with Harvard Ed Portal. | Link | The Harvard Careers in Construction Program (HCCP) introduces residents of Allston, Brighton, and Cambridge to the many career opportunities available within the construction industry. Participants explore a variety of career paths, including skilled trades, project management, real estate development, design, sustainability, and construction technology. Through a combination of career exploration, industry workshops, job readiness training, and mentorship from experienced construction professionals, HCCP helps individuals identify their interests and prepare for next steps in the industry. Participants who successfully complete the program will qualify for a paid apprenticeship opportunity and receive support with apprenticeship applications, job placement, and continued education or training pathways. Check eligibility and when applications are open at this link. | 617-496-5022 | Harvard Ed Portal 224 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134 | Adult | Ed Portal Member, Workforce Development |
| Get free legal advice from an immigration attorney — hosted by Rian Immigrant Center and Boston Public Library — Available 8/21/25-12/11/25. | Link | The dates for the legal clinics are: Thursday, August 21; Sunday, September 18; Thursday, October 16; Thursday, November 13; Thursday, December 11 — 10AM-2PM (registration opens at 9:30AM). They will be located at the Copley Branch of the Boston Public Library (Commonwealth Salon) at 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116. During the legal clinic, attorneys will provide individuals with immigration advice. Those eligibile to apply for immigration benefits can also be referred to the Rian Immigrant Center for case assistance. | 617-984-6542 | Rian Immigrant Center, Boston Public Library 700 Boylston Street, Boston, MA 02116 | Adult, Senior, Youth | Immigration |
| Get rental and mortgage assistance from staff at Action for Boston Commmunity Development. | Link | Staff are available to assist Boston residents with applying for various funding resources for housing. Contact them via phone or email at abcdconnect@bostonabcd.org. | 617-348-6329 | Action for Boston Community Development 178 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111 | Adult, Senior | Financial Assistance, Housing, Renter |
| Get support with your job search, resume, cover letter, or interview preparation in English, Italian and Spanish with Harvard Ed Portal | Link | Do you need assistance with your job search, resume, or interviewing skills? The Harvard Ed Portal now provides free individual consultations with professional career coaches in English and Spanish that may accommodate your busy schedule. To sign up for a consultation, please complete this registration form. If you are an Allston-Brighton resident, Cambridge resident, or the parent/guardian of a Gardner Pilot Academy student, the Harvard Ed Portal will contact you by email to advise who your coach will be and provide assistance with setting your consultation agenda. Afterwards, the career coach will contact you directly to schedule an appointment. Meetings can be held either virtually or in-person (locally). | (617) 496-5022 | Harvard Ed Portal 224 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134 | Adult | Ed Portal Member, Workforce Development |
| Get technology assistance from a librarian at Honan-Allston Library. | Email librarian Sarah Mahon at smahon@bpl.org or call 617-787-6313 to schedule your appointment. | 617-787-6313 | Honan-Allston Library 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 | Adult, Youth, Senior | Education | |
| Get up to $7,000 per year if you need emergency housing assistance. | Link | RAFT provides up to $7,000 per 12-month period so your family can stay in your current home or move to a new one. You may use the money for rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments. 1. Check your eligibility at this link. 2. Gather the necessary materials at the same link. 3. Apply online at applyhousinghelp.mass.gov OR at Metro Housing Boston, which you can call at 617-425-6700 and go to 1411 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02120. | Mass.gov: 211 Metro Housing Boston: 617-425-6700 | Massachusetts RAFT Portal & Regional Administering Agencies Closest RAFT Agency: Metro Housing Boston 1411 Tremont St, Boston, MA, 02120 | Adult, Senior | Financial Assistance, Housing, Renter |
| Have questions about your rights and resources as a tenant? Attend a free virtual legal clinic with housing, landlord tenant mediator, Boston housing experts. | Link | Thursdays, 5:30PM-7:00PM. 1. RSVP at this link. | 617-635-4200 | City of Boston Office of Housing Stability | Adult, Senior | Renter, Housing, Education |
| Home Heating System Repair Funding – Support for homeowners with 12+ heating systems; income restrictions apply. | Link | Contact kpressey@esacboston.org or 617-524-2555 to get started. | 617-524-2555 | Allston-Brighton Senior Saves | Senior | Housing, Financial Assistance |
| Immigration Information Corners at Boston Public Library — Information stations for Boston’s immigrants and refugees, giving access to citizenship and other immigration related materials in multiple languages. | Link | Check out the website to find public resources on naturalization, legal services, and education for immigrants. Nearest Library: 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 | (617) 787-6313 | Boston Public Library | Adult, Youth, Senior | Education, Immigration |
| Income Tax Relief for Seniors — Senior Circuit Breaker. | Link | 1. Check your eligbility at this link. 2. If you are eligible, file a Schedule CB with your personal income tax return. If you seek a AARP Tax Aide (senior-specific tax-help), call 1-888-227-7669. | 1-800-392-6089 | Massachusetts Department of Revenue | Senior | Financial Assistance |
| Job placement program supporting foreign-trained immigrants interested in healthcare and research careers – Immigrant Professional Fellowship. | Link | Opens in May 1. Check eligibility at this link. 2. Apply for the fellowship. | 978-310-1949 | African Bridge Network | Adult | Immigration, Workforce Development |
| Join a Local Community Group – Meet and connect with other Allston residents. | Tuesdays, 10:30AM-11:30AM Meet in front of 1287 Commonwealth Ave, Allston, MA 02134 (All Bright Community Center), weather permitting. | (617) 787-3874 | Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation 18R Shepard St Suite 100, Boston, MA 02135 | Adult, Youth | Wellness | |
| Learn English at your level with Gardner Pilot Academy Adult Education’s 6-level program from September to May. | Link | Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00PM-8:30PM. Available September to May. Child care is available. The program challenges students to set and meet personal education goals. It is designed to develop students’ oral communication, as well as reading and writing skills. We also explore the experience and knowledge that every student brings to the program as English language skills are taught using themes and content related to the interests, needs, and experience of the learners, including their educational, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds. Directions to Gardner Pilot Academy: 30 Athol St, Allston, MA 02134 | (617) 635-8365 | Gardner Pilot Academy Adult Education Program 30 Athol St, Boston, MA 02134 | Adult | English Learner, Education, Immigration |
| Learn how to bike or sharpen your city biking skills with the Free Learn-to-Bike Workshops from the City (no personal helmet or bicycle required) | Link | Build your biking skills from the City of Boston for free! There are workshops specific for women and gender-diverse people. Level 1 & 2: Want to learn or refresh basic skills, such as starting, stopping, and turning? Level 3: Gain on-bike confidence skills! We will learn and practice hand signals and advanced bike handling. Level 4: A group ride designed to practice bike skills on off-street paths and on low-stress shared streets. For all levels, registration is required, bikes and helmets provided. Check the calendar of workshops at this link. | 617-685-8099 | City of Boston Transportation Department | Adult, Senior | Wellness, Transportation, Safety |
| Learn software development (front-end, back-end, database, design) at the Cambridge Public Library every Monday and Wednesday 6PM-8PM | Link | Mondays and Wednesdays, 6PM-8PM Free classes for everyone who wants to learn software development or ask questions / hang out! Front End, Back End, database, design, and other topics. | (626) 689-9042 | Cambridge Public Library 449 Broadway To find the meetup in the library: look for silver tables on the first floor, under the red staircase. Our table will have a meetup poster on it. | Education | |
| Need legal assistance? Get your questions answered by Greater Boston Legal Services. | Link | GBLS is here to help you access important services and benefits that protect you and your loved ones. We can answer your questions and help you understand your rights. If we determine that you need an attorney and that we can take your case, we will provide you with high-quality representation every step of the way regardless of your immigration status. 1. Find the hours to call in or walk-in to share your situation at this link. | 617-371-1234 | Greater Boston Legal Services 197 Friend St, Boston, MA 02114 | Adult, Senior, Youth | Renter, Housing, Education, Immigration |
| Pick up diapers once a month from Allston-Brighton Family Nurturing Center. | Link | Tuesdays, 1:00PM-4:30PM Must have WIC/MassHealth Card and proof of Allston-Brighton residency. 1. Check your eligibility. If you have not, apply to WIC at mass.gov, OR apply to MassHealth at mass.gov. 2. Families can pick up diapers once a month for children up to 3 years old. When children turn 3, they will receive a potty training kit. | 617-208-8611 | Allston-Brighton Family Nurturing Center 640 Washington Street, Suite 103, Brighton, MA 02135 | Childcare | |
| Receive free, high-quality clothing for from newborn to 12 years old from Allston-Brighton Family Nurturing Center. | Link | Mondays, 10:30AM-1:00PM OR Tuesdays, 1:00PM-4:30PM Must have WIC/MassHealth Card and proof of Allston-Brighton residency. 1. Check your eligibility. If you have not, apply to WIC at mass.gov, OR apply to MassHealth at mass.gov. 2. Schedule an appointment by calling 617-208-8611. | 617-208-8611 | Allston-Brighton Family Nurturing Center 640 Washington Street, Suite 103, Brighton, MA 02135 | Childcare | |
| Small Business Consulting – Free support from City-approved business consultants. | Link | Contact emily.patrick@boston.gov or 617-635-0252 with your requests. | 617-635-0252 | City of Boston Economic Opportunity and Inclusion & Small Business Development | Adult, Senior | Workforce Development |
| STEAM Toddler Playgroup — For families with children aged 3-6, by Allston-Brighton Family Nurturing Center — Available 7/8/25-8/12/25. | Link | Mondays, 10:30AM-11:30AM. Available 7/8/25-8/12/25. Register at this link. | 617-208-8611 | Allston-Brighton Family Nurturing Center 640 Washington Street, Suite 103, Brighton, MA 02135 | Childcare | Education |
| Storefront Improvement Grants – ReStore Boston offers 50-90% funding (up to $8,000 for signage and $200,000 for facades). | Link | 1. Read User Guide; see what you need before you apply. 2. Complete application form by first of February/April/September/November OR May 15. 3. Contact RESTORE@BOSTON.GOV with any questions. | City of Boston Small Business Development | Adult, Senior | Workforce Development | |
| Storytime for 2- and 3-year olds at Honan-Allston Public Library. | Link | Mondays, 10:30AM-11:15 (except for 8/4/25, 9/1/25) Children from ages 2-3 and caregivers, please join Miss Caroline for fun read-alouds, movement, and songs! | 617-787-6313 | Honan-Allston Library 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 | Childcare | |
| Weekly English Practice – Join English conversation groups at the Allston Boston Public Library. | Tuesdays, 10:30AM-12:00PM. Practice speaking english with other adult learners in an informal and friend group setting. Basic English speaking skills are recommended. | 617-787-6313 | Honan-Allston Library 300 N Harvard St, Allston, MA 02134 | Adult, Youth, Senior | English Learner, Immigration, Education, Limited Time | |
| Winter Heating Bill Subsidy – Assistance for eligible households to help pay winter heating bills. | Link | Opens October, Closes April 1. Confirm income eligibility. 2. Apply online OR call 617-357-6012 OR go to 178 Tremont Street, 4th floor, Boston, MA 02111 (ABCD Central Office). | (617) 348-6000 | Action for Boston Community Development 178 Tremont St, Boston, MA 02111 | Adult, Senior | Housing, Renter, Financial Assistance |
| Need legal assistance? Get your questions answered by Greater Boston Legal Services. | Link | GBLS is here to help you access important services and benefits that protect you and your loved ones. We can answer your questions and help you understand your rights. If we determine that you need an attorney and that we can take your case, we will provide you with high-quality representation every step of the way regardless of your immigration status. 1. Find the hours to call in or walk-in to share your situation at this link. | 617-371-1234 | Greater Boston Legal Services 197 Friend St, Boston, MA 02114 | Adult, Senior, Youth | Renter, Housing, Education, Immigration |
| Get support with your job search, resume, cover letter, or interview preparation in English, Italian and Spanish with Harvard Ed Portal | Link | Do you need assistance with your job search, resume, or interviewing skills? The Harvard Ed Portal now provides free individual consultations with professional career coaches in English and Spanish that may accommodate your busy schedule. To sign up for a consultation, please complete this registration form. If you are an Allston-Brighton resident, Cambridge resident, or the parent/guardian of a Gardner Pilot Academy student, the Harvard Ed Portal will contact you by email to advise who your coach will be and provide assistance with setting your consultation agenda. Afterwards, the career coach will contact you directly to schedule an appointment. Meetings can be held either virtually or in-person (locally). | (617) 496-5022 | Harvard Ed Portal 224 Western Ave, Boston, MA 02134 | Adult | Ed Portal Member, Workforce Development |
| Are you facing an eviction, rent increase, or terrible conditions? Talk to lawyers, organizers, and peers at City Life / Vida Urbana’s weekly meetings! | Link | For primarily English weekly meetings: Tuesdays, 6:30PM at 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130. For primarly Spanish weekly meetings, Wednesdays, 6:30PM at 31 Liverpool Street, East Boston. | 617-524-3541 | City Life / Vida Urbana 284 Amory St, Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | Adult, Senior | Housing |
| Learn software development (front-end, back-end, database, design) at the Cambridge Public Library every Monday and Wednesday 6PM-8PM | Link | Mondays and Wednesdays, 6PM-8PM Free classes for everyone who wants to learn software development or ask questions / hang out! Front End, Back End, database, design, and other topics. | (626) 689-9042 | Cambridge Public Library 449 Broadway To find the meetup in the library: look for silver tables on the first floor, under the red staircase. Our table will have a meetup poster on it. | Education |
