12/12/2023
This post is on behalf of the Community Resource Unit for the Salem Connection Clubhouse. We are working on making information easily accessible for members of the clubhouse. Today’s topic is Lessons Learned from Budget Social Programming. Many Salem Connection members are low income. Here are some of the recommendations we discuss frequently:
Sign up for food stamps by clicking this link:
https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps
Visit a food pantry. Anyone can go, no matter how much money you have. All of the food is free. Here is the website for the city of Salem:
https://thesalempantry.org/
See if your internet company has discounted internet:
Enroll in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - Xfinity Support
https://www.xfinity.com/support/articles/emergency-broadband-benefit-enroll
*If you qualify for internet or phone discounts, you can only get financial assistance for ONE or the OTHER, but not BOTH
Consider getting a phone through Safelink:
https://www.safelinkwireless.com/en/ #!/newHome?PromotionCode=WASL682&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAg9urBhB_EiwAgw88mT6_d3vmm0OCiHxcoE_Bhf_1g1hTaIK5XmbbOekonmwax5MnIrCkkRoC8y8QAvD_BwE
*If you qualify for internet or phone discounts, you can only get financial assistance for ONE or the OTHER, but not BOTH
See if you qualify for MassHealth, an insurance policy in Massachusetts:
https://www.mass.gov/topics/masshealth
If you have MassHealth, therapy and crisis supports are available through Eliot free of charge:
https://www.eliotchs.org/behavioral-health-clinics/
Make an account on CHAMP for public housing in Massachusetts.
https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/
Apply for Section 8 to be added to a waitlist for financial support with renting an apartment.
https://www.affordablehousing.com/masscwl
Find out if you are eligible for Department of Mental Health Services. If you are approved, they can often help with housing too.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/applications-for-dmh-services
10. Attend budget social programming at Salem Connection to listen to challenges faced by other clubhouse members. Attend in person at 12:30pm on Mondays. You are also welcome to join on Zoom through the link from Chris Tinkham's email.
Applications and forms for DMH services.
