Rent & Utility Help

• Help with money for late rent.

If your landlord gave you a letter about notice to quit or possible eviction, we might be able to help you with some money towards your rent. You will have to complete an application to find out if you are eligible. We will pre-screen you when we first connect with you.

• Help understanding the rules.

We can help you understand what happens next when a landlord wants you to leave your apartment because you owe rent, and you don’t have the money. There are rules in Massachusetts that must be followed, and we can tell you about the process.

• Help connecting to resources.

We can connect you with other agencies and resources that might be able to help you.

• Help with money for move in costs to landlords.

Sometimes we can help people who must move to a new apartment with some money to cover a security deposit or last month’s rent. You will need to complete an application to find out if you are eligible. We will pre-screen you when we first connect with you.

• Help with money to stop your utility from being turned off.

If your metered utility (electric, natural gas, sewer or water) is in danger of being shut off because you are late paying your bill, we might be able to give you some money to help keep your service on. You will have to complete an application to find out if you are eligible. We will pre-screen you when we first connect with you.

• Help with information and applications for utility discount programs and protection programs that prevent shut offs.

We can tell you about several programs that help homeowners and renters with their utility bills, and we can help you apply.

• Help with money for delivered fuel like oil, kerosene and propane.

If you are having trouble getting a fuel delivery because you don’t have the money to pay for it, we may be able to help. You will have to complete an application to find out if you are eligible. We will pre-screen you when we first connect with you. During the Fuel Assistance season, you must apply for help from that program first before applying for help from the Community Resources & Advocacy program.

• Help with connecting to resources.

We can connect you with other agencies and resources that might be able to help you.

Call us at 413-475-1570!

Leave us a message with your:

• • Name
  • Phone number
  • Town where you live
  • What kind of help you need
  • A good time to call back between Monday and Friday, from 9-4pm.

Or you can fill out our contact form .

You will hear from us by email or phone within three business days. Many people get contacted within 24 hours.

We may call you from a different number, so be ready to pick up a call from an unfamiliar number!

Our Resource Advocates will ask you the following questions so that they can find out what programs you qualify for: 

• Who do you live with?
• What are the ages of your family members and does anyone have a disability?
• What is your monthly household income?
• If you need help with heat or a utility, have you received a shut off notice?
• How much you owe on your bill?
• Have you have applied for the Fuel Assistance program?
• Do you have any protections on your utility account?
• If you need help with rent, have you received a notice from your landlord?

Our Resource Advocate will be helpful, friendly, and non-judgmental. They will listen to you and respond to your concerns. They will tell you about other places or programs we know about that might be of help to you.

Appointments are available in-person or over the phone. During your appointment, a Resource Advocate will help you fill out your application and provide information.

Resource Advocates will tell you exactly what to bring to an appointment. However, the most common documents and information people need are:

• Proof of identity for the head of household (driver’s license, passport, state ID)

• Proof of Massachusetts address (a bill, a real estate tax bill, a lease or driver’s license)

• Proof of working income from within the last 90 days that covers 4 weeks in a row.

• Proof of non-working income like social security payments, unemployment, child support or disability pay.

• Utility shut off notice. Notices must be in an adult household members name.

• Notices from your landlord or the court.

• Information about your household members like dates of birth, disabilities and veteran status.