Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

We serve residents of Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. (Our Fuel Assistance program also serves Hamilton and Wenham.)

Our Community Services staff meet with clients at the Action Inc. main office in Gloucester and at our satellite offices in Rockport and Ipswich. Please call 978-282-1000 for information about hours.

Call the Action Inc. main office at 978-282-1000 to speak with our intake specialist.

Space at the shelter is limited and beds may not be available. Please call 978-282-1000 with questions.

The shelter serves hot meals every night for shelter guests and members of the community. Shelter guests also receive breakfast and a bag lunch that was donated by a local church.

Yes. We offer on-site mental health and substance use counseling, case management, housing search assistance, and medical services.

Unfortunately, our shelter is for homeless adults ages 18 and older. If you are seeking shelter for yourself and your children, contact the Department of Transitional Assistance’s North Shore Office at 978-825-7300 or visit the DTA office at 45 Congress Street, Suite 4120 in Salem.

At this time, the Emergency Shelter is only accepting donations of unexpired food items. Please contact the shelter at 978-283-4125 or shelter@actioninc.org before making a donation.

Call the Action Inc. Main Office at 978-282-1000 to learn more about eligibility for our housing programs.

To qualify for HEAP, your annual household income may not exceed 60% of the mean income of same-size households in MA, and you must reside in one of the following cities/towns: Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Manchester, Rockport, or Wenham, MA. Please call 978-281- 3900 to learn if you are eligible.

Yes. It is possible to qualify for discounted electric and/or gas rates with National Grid if your bills are in your name and you are currently receiving any of these benefits: SSI, SNAP, WIC, TAFDC, EAEDC, Head Start, MassHealth (Medicaid), Public Housing, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Veterans' Service Benefits (Chapter 115), Veterans DIC Surviving Parent or Spouse, Veterans Non-Service Disability Pension. Please call Action Inc. Energy Services at 978-283-2131 or the Fuel Assistance direct line at 978-281-3900 to learn more.

No. This program is free for eligible residents.

The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) is offered throughout Massachusetts. To find out where to apply in your area, visit the HEAP application site and enter your zip code. Action Inc.'s HEAP (Fuel Assistance) program is available to residents of Gloucester, Ipswich, Rockport, Essex, Manchester-by-the-Sea, Hamilton, and Wenham.

The application deadline is April 30, 2025.

If your home has not been weatherized by Action Inc. since September 30th, 1994, you may qualify. Please call 978-283-2131 to learn more.

If you have lived in your place of residence for at least nine months and have an active National Grid electric account in your name, you may qualify for this program. Please call 978-283-2131 to learn more.

This program is typically for homeowners only. However, National Grid customers who are tenants and have approval from their landlords may also qualify. Please call 978-283-2131 to learn more.

Yes. It is possible to qualify for discounted electric and/or gas rates with National Grid if your bills are in your name and you are currently receiving any of these benefits: SSI, SNAP, WIC, TAFDC, EAEDC, Head Start, MassHealth (Medicaid), Public Housing, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Veterans’ Service Benefits (Chapter 115), Veterans DIC Surviving Parent or Spouse, Veterans Non-Service Disability Pension. Please call Action Inc. Energy Services at 978-283-2131 or the Fuel Assistance direct line at 978-281-3900 to learn more.

Yes. It is possible to qualify for discounted electric and/or gas rates with National Grid if your bills are in your name and you are currently receiving any of these benefits: SSI, SNAP, WIC, TAFDC, EAEDC, Head Start, MassHealth (Medicaid), Public Housing, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Veterans’ Service Benefits (Chapter 115), Veterans DIC Surviving Parent or Spouse, Veterans Non-Service Disability Pension. Please call Action Inc. Energy Services at 978-283-2131 or the Fuel Assistance direct line at 978-281-3900 to learn more.

Yes. It is possible to qualify for discounted electric and/or gas rates with National Grid if your bills are in your name and you are currently receiving any of these benefits: SSI, SNAP, WIC, TAFDC, EAEDC, Head Start, MassHealth (Medicaid), Public Housing, National School Lunch Program, School Breakfast Program, Veterans’ Service Benefits (Chapter 115), Veterans DIC Surviving Parent or Spouse, Veterans Non-Service Disability Pension. Please call Action Inc. Energy Services at 978-283-2131 or the Fuel Assistance direct line at 978-281-3900 to learn more.

Please call 978-283-2131 to learn more.

We offer three levels of Adult Basic Education courses: Level 1: For participants with a learning level at or below 4th grade. Level 2: For participants with a learning level between 4th and 8th grade. Level 3: For participants working toward taking the HiSET (grade level 9-12). Call 978-282-1000 for more information about this program.

Classes are offered in the evenings.

If you are between the ages of 16 and 24, you may be eligible for the COMPASS Program. Call us at 978-282-1000 or email compass@actioninc.org for more information and to sign up.

Academic instruction is offered from 9 am to 2 pm Monday through Friday. One-on-one tutoring is available upon request and based on need.

No. This program is free for eligible Cape Ann residents.

We serve residents of Gloucester, Essex, Ipswich, Manchester-by-the-Sea, and Rockport. (Our Fuel Assistance Program also serves Hamilton and Wenham.)

No. This program is offered free to individuals who qualify.