COVID-19 Emergency Response
Action Inc. is here to help! We remain committed to our mission and will continue to serve the community in the face of current challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
For program-specific questions or issues please use the following contact information:
- Fuel Assistance: email fuelassistance@actioninc.org or call 978-281-3900
- Energy Efficiency: email energyefficiency@actioninc.org or call 978-283-2131
- Client and Housing Services (benefits assistance, housing assistance, etc.): email help@actioninc.org or call 978-282-1000
- Emergency Shelter: email shelter@actioninc.org or call 978-283-4125
- Education and Training Center (Job Training, Adult Education, or COMPASS Youth Program): email etc@actioninc.org or call 978-282-1000
For help with housing advocacy, rental assistance, or other housing-related issues, please call our Main Office at 978-282-1000 and leave a message, or email us at help@actioninc.org.
The resources below link to external sites. These resources are provided for informational purposes only. Action Inc. is not responsible for the content of these sites.
Community Support
The Open Door - Food Pantry & Meals
The Open Door provides take-out meals, a food pantry, and other emergency food resources
North Shore Community Health
Community medical, dental, and behavioral health clinic
- Gloucester Family Health Center: 978-282-8899
SeniorCare
Elder Services such as homecare, Meals on Wheels, wellness programs, elder protective services, advocacy, and support
HAWC
Support for people experiencing domestic violence or abuse, with offices continuing to help people in both Salem & Gloucester
- Emergency Hotline: 1-800-547-1649
Cape Ann Transportation Authority (CATA) Updated Schedule (pdf)
The new CATA bus schedule as of May 4, 2020
Free Meals for all Gloucester Public Schools Students (pdf)
Meal distribution schedule for students
Employment & Income
Unemployment Benefits Flowchart (pdf)
MA Unemployment Virtual Town Halls
The MA department of Unemployment Assistance holds virtue town halls online to give updates and answer questions
IRS - Stimulus for Non-Tax Filers
Fill out the information on this IRS website if you have not filed taxes in 2018 or 2019
IRS - Tax Filing
Information about filing taxes online. The deadline to file your 2019 taxes has now been extended to July 15, 2020
MA Department of Marine Fisheries
Information & updates for commercial fisherman and those in the seafood industry
MA Department of Unemployment Assistance
General information about unemployment benefits
MA Department of Transitional Assistance
Apply for or manage cash benefits and SNAP
National Consumer Law Center
A guide to help families navigate and protect their financial life
Instructions on Filing for Unemployment Benefits (pdf)
Step-by-step instructions on how to apply for unemployment benefits online
Mass. Cultural Council - Funding for Artists
A list of funding sources for artists who have lost income
Free Assistance with Unemployment Applications - Northeast Legal Aid
View this pdf for more information about getting help applying for unemployment benefits
Youth Friendly Job Openings on Cape Ann
This is a frequently updated google doc with current jobs available for youth (or anyone!) on Cape Ann
Child Tax Credit 2021
Monthly tax credit payments for families. Learn more or sign up if you did not file 2020 taxes
Health & Family
Parents Helping Parents Support Groups
Online parenting support groups. Join this parenting group on zoom via computer or smart phone. Dial in by phone by calling: 1-646-558-8656 then input the meeting id 6607380697
- PARENTAL STRESS LINE (24/7) : 1-800-632-8188
Children's Trust Online Play & Parent Groups
Resources to support parents and children, as well as information on COVID-19
State of MA COVID-19 Info & Updates
Up-to-date information about COVID-19 from the MA Dept. of Public Health. For Text Alerts: text 'COVIDMA' to 888-777; Spanish text 'COVIDMAESP' to 888-777
MA Humane Society
Help with food, medicine, and other supplies for pet owners. Email mahumane@aol.com or call 781-335-1300
Massachusetts 2-1-1
Resource line that connects people to health and human services available in their area
- Dial '211' from any phone
Lifeline
Free or low-cost phone and internet services
National Center for Transgender Equality
Extensive list of resources and support for the LGBTQ community
SafeLink Hotline - Emergency Support for Abuse (pdf)
Confidential, 24/7 emergency hotline for those experiencing emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
- 877-785-2020
- chat: casamyrna.org/chat
Emergency Broadband Benefit
This program is designed to help households struggling to afford internet service during the pandemic and offers monthly discounts up to $50.
National Grid Arrears Management Program (AMP)
AMP offers forgiveness for past-due energy bills and account with balances over $300.
ONE STOP Prevention & Screening Services
Outreach, Needle Exchange, Sexual health, Testing, & Overdose Prevention (ONE STOP) provides free and confidential harm reduction services
Learn to Cope
Local support network that offers resources, education, peer support, and hope to parents and families dealing with a loved one's drug use
Cold Relief & Energy Assistance Programs in MA (pdf)
MA energy assistance programs throughout the state, plus other resources and tips
Housing & Shelter
Northeast Legal Aid - Family Shelter
Support for families that have been denied access to family shelter
DHCD Memo Regarding Evictions and Housing Court (pdf)
Pdf memo urging all affordable housing owners to suspend evictions and housing court cases
Housing & Eviction Information from DHCD
DHCD's COVID-19 website with recent information regarding evictions, court, and housing programs
MA Emergency Housing Assistance Programs
Info on emergency housing
Housing Rights Information for Residents of Cape Ann (pdf)
Our Housing Attorney Lori Fonseca provides info for tenants, landlords, and homeowners regarding housing laws during the COVID-19 pandemic
Eviction Lab - Federal Eviction Moratorium
Info and resources related to the Federal Eviction Moratorium, currently in place to protect tenants
RAFT & ERMA (Emergency Rental Assistance)
Instructions in English & Spanish on how to apply for emergency rental assistance
Mental Health Support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
Mental health resources and support
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
- Emergency Phone: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
- Good Samaritans Crisis Line: 1-877-870-4673
Center for Disease Control - Stress & Coping
Tips on taking care of your emotional & mental well-being amid the COVID-19 outbreak
Massachusetts 2-1-1
Resource line that connects people to health and human services available in their area
- Dial '211' from any phone
mindful.org
Mindfulness & meditation resources
Recovery & Substance Use Support
Boston Medical Center Recovery Resources
Recovery resources from the Grayken Center for Addiction at BMC
Online & Phone Recovery Support Listing (pdf)
This is an extensive list of online recovery groups and supports
Smart Recovery Community
Online support groups for recovery issues
Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
Website with resources and confidential, free 24-hour a day phone line for individuals and family members facing substance use or mental health issues
- English and Spanish: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Find Treatment
Extensive list of recovery options and treatment locations at findtreatment.gov
ONE STOP Prevention & Screening Services
Outreach, Needle Exchange, Sexual health, Testing, & Overdose Prevention (ONE STOP) provides free and confidential harm reduction services
Learn to Cope
Local support network that offers resources, education, peer support, and hope to parents and families dealing with a loved one's drug use