Community Services

Action Inc.’s Community Services program is a vital resource for the Cape Ann community — a safe and welcoming place where you can find help, hope, and support when you need it most. Our Community Services team helps empower people to lead healthy and successful lives.

Our Community Services Navigators will work with you to apply for public benefits – such as SSI/SSDI, MassHealth, and food stamps – and will help you navigate these complex systems. We can help you apply for housing assistance, find affordable housing, address landlord/tenant disputes, and deal with back rent. If you have received an eviction notice, we can assist you with this process and try to prevent you from losing your housing. We can connect you to mental health and substance abuse resources if you need them. If you don’t know where to turn, our Community Services team can help you move forward and get the resources you need to support yourself and your family.

All services are delivered in a confidential, one-on-one setting with an experienced social service advocate.

Short-term rental and mortgage assistance is available for renters and homeowners in Gloucester, Rockport, Essex, Manchester, or Ipswich who have recently lost their jobs, been furloughed, or lost significant income due to COVID-19.

This new funding has been made available thanks to the City of Gloucester Community Preservation Act, the Manchester Affordable Housing Trust, the Ipswich Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and the Town of Rockport Preservation Funds.