Phoenix family fund
The Phoenix Family Fund has ended its weekly disbursements as of April 30th. On May 1st it will shift to supporting families with major life events (death, fire, etc..), Families will be able to apply once per year for this support, applications will be reviewed by the school social workers who will contact the family to review the request, gifts cannot exceed more than $500.
HOUSING INSECURITY
For families experiencing homelessness, please contact our Director of Counseling, Katheline LeConte, at [email protected].
Access to Food
Boston Prep is serving FREE, healthy meals to all children and teens age 18 and under. In addition, Boston has many food sites available for families, the elderly, and the general public. If you need assistance identifying other ways to access food for your family, please visit the state’s food assistance resource. In addition, the agencies below are ready and able to help.
Women, Infants, and Children Nutrition Program (WIC) - Parents, grandparents, and foster parents can apply online for children under the age of 5 who are in their care.
Financial Support
If you’ve lost a job or are experiencing reduced hours:
File for unemployment assistance online. Have questions, or want to learn more? Attend a Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) Town Hall. (Also available in Spanish.)
The new Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) program provides up to 39 weeks of unemployment benefits for those who are unable to work because of COVID-19 but are not eligible for regular or extended unemployment benefits. That includes self-employed workers, independent contractors, gig economy workers, and those with limited work history.
If you do not qualify for unemployment benefits, you may qualify for Disaster Unemployment Assistance.
Cash Assistance:
United Way has established the COVID-19 Family Support Fund to provide cash assistance to working families affected by the public health emergency. Dial 2-1-1 and ask for the United Way Family Support Fund to learn more about how to get support.
Housing
The City of Boston created a Rental Relief Fund for tenants who are at risk of losing their housing because of the crisis.
Mutual Aid
Communities across the Commonwealth are springing into action to help our neighbors. We all have something to offer, and we all have something we need. Share what you can offer to your local community and what you need.
Mental Health Resources for Students and Families
How to maintain your own mental health and that of your family
Our Health & Counseling team has compiled a tremendous array of resources in the Wellness Library.
COVID-19 Information and Resources (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19 (National Association of School Psychologists)
Supporting Families During COVID-19 (Child Mind Institute) - Includes daily Facebook Live video chats for parents and guardians.
Need counseling support? If your student would benefit from counseling, please reach out to their advisor. Our Health & Counseling team members are continuing to provide counseling support during our closure. Family members can also access the following resources:
If you or someone in your family is in crisis, call 1-800-981-4357 for guidance. The Boston Emergency Services Team provides crisis evaluation and treatment services.
MassSupport is a a state-wide program that offers confidential, free emotional support to buffer the stress of the COVID-19 pandemic, both in the form of one-on-one support and virtual group sessions. Call 888-215-4920, email [email protected], or visit their website.
If you are struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline online or by calling 1-800-273-8255.
Text HOME to 741741 to be connected to a live, trained Crisis Counselor on the Crisis Text Line. Volunteer Crisis Counselors provide 24/7 support at your fingertips.
If you just need someone to talk to, 7 Cups offers free 24/7 connection to caring listeners who can offer emotional support.
For a long-term counseling referral, contact the William James INTERFACE Referral Service online or at 888-244-6843.
Domestic Abuse
If you are in immediate life-threatening danger, call 911. For other support, the following organizations can help you evaluate your options, access support, establish restraining orders, and more.
Call the Mayor’s Hotline: 311
Call SafeLink, the statewide 24/7 domestic violence hotline: 1-877-785-2020
Jane Doe, Inc. offers a list of many Boston area programs offering free and confidential support and services.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 or text LOVEIS to 22522
Internet Access
Comcast is offering 60 days of free Internet Essentials to new low-income customers .
Xfinity is offering free access to their 1.5 million hotspots. To find your nearest hotspot, enter your zip code.
