Resources

local resources

Local and National Support Services


National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988

  1. Veterans: 988, then PRESS 1
  2. En Espanol: 988, then PRESS 2
  3. LGBTQI+ Support: 988, then PRESS 3

BlackLine: 1-800-604-5841
Department of Transitional Assistance (SNAP & other benefits): 781-388-7300 / 877-382-2363
MASSHIRE Metro North Career Center (employment and career services) Woburn: 781-932-5500
Mystic Valley Elder Services: 781-324-7705
Lifetime Program (free / reduced-cost cell phone): 800-234-9473
Respond Inc. (domestic violence resources): 617-440-7267
SAMHSA's National Helpline: 800-662-4357
MA Substance Use Helpline: 800-327-5050
NAMI Compass Helpline: 617-704-6264
Boston Area Rape Crisis Center: 800-841-8371
MA Emergency Housing Assistance Resource Helpline: 888-584-0653
MA Overdose Prevention Helpline: 800-972-0590


BHHL

MA Behavioral Health Help Line (BHHL) offers direct connection to mental health and substance use care for Massachusetts residents – no insurance needed. The BHHL is available in more than 200 languages, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week through phone, text, and online chat. It is operated by clinically trained staff who will determine the care that best fits residents’ needs. Callers can expect to be connected directly to treatment services. This is a general hotline for anyone who needs help and would like to be referred to a professional. BHHL professionals can provide mental health assessments, substance use treatment, referrals and more, with options in all communities. Help Line staff remain on the line until callers are connected to their next step. 

If you are in need of mental health or substance use help, call or text the Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line at 833-773-2445 or chat online at masshelpline.com


Hotlines
 

Domestic Violence
Casa Myrna, Safelink: 877-785-2020
BARCC (Sexual Violence Hotline): 800-841-8371

National Domestic Violence Hotline
Call: 800-799-7233
Text: "START" to 88788

Children & Youth
Child-at-Risk (DCF Emergency Hotline): 800-792-5200 / Child Abuse and Neglect | Mass.gov
Childhelp, National Child Abuse Hotline: Call/ Text: 800-422-4453

Domestic Violence
Casa Myrna, Safelink: 877-785-2020
BARCC (Sexual Violence Hotline): 800-841-8371
National Domestic Violence Hotline:
Call: 800-799-7233
Text: "START" to 88788

LGBTQ+ Support
LGBTQ+ Youth National Talkline: 800-246-7743
Trevor Lifeline: 866-488-7386
Trans Lifeline: 877-565-8860

People with Disabilities
Disabled Persons Protection Commission Hotline:
Call: 800-426-9009
TTY: 888-822-0350

Older Adults
MA Elder Abuse & Neglect Hotline: 800-922-2275


Crisis Services


Community Behavioral Health Center (Eliot) 
24/7mobile service for community-based psych evaluation, crisis intervention, stabilization & follow-up.
Call: 800-988-1111


Mental Health Services & Resources


Department of Mental Health Northeast Office
MA State Mental Health Agency
Call: 978-863-5000
https://www.mass.gov/locations/department-of-mental-health-northeast-area-office

Melrose Wakefield Hospital Behavioral Health
Community Counseling Adult Inpatient Services
Call: 781-306-6155

Arbour Counseling
Outpatient Counseling Partial Hospitalization Programs Community Services Substance Use Services
Call: 855-575-2273
https://arbourhealth.com/

Wayside: Youth & Family Support Network
Youth & family service Therapeutic Schooling Counseling Services
Call: 508-879-9800
https://www.waysideyouth.org/

Greater Malden Behavioral Health
Community Services Outpatient Therapy Substance Abuse Services
Call: 781-480-3946
https://www.gmbhealth.com/

Eliot Community Health Services:
Counseling Services Community Services Homelessness Support Children & Families Services
Call: 781-861-0890
https://www.eliotchs.org/


Domestic Violence
 

Melrose Alliance Against Violence (MAAV)
Focuses on outreach, education and community collaboration in order to raise awareness of the problems of bullying, teen dating and domestic violence.
Call: 781-662-2010
https://www.maav.org/


LGBTQIA+ Resources List
 

BAGLY
The Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth, is a youth-led adult supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LBGTQIA+ youth community.
28 Court Square Boston, MA 02108 (open Mon-Fri 9am-7pm)
(617)227-4313 / info@bagly.org
https://www.bagly.org/
BAGLY hosts virtual clinic hours for 30 minute appointed for intake, risk assessment and counseling. 
Monday - Tuesday: 11:00AM-6:30PM
Thursday: 11:00AM-6:30PM
For more information about booking visit BAGLY's website 

NAGLY (Northeast Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Transgender Youth)
Support, education, and programming in northeast MA 
https://www.nagly.org/

Trevor Project: The Trevor Project | For Young LGBTQ Lives
LBGTQIA+ specific suicide prevention organization / resource:
Crisis Support: Call, Text, and Online Chat options for LGBTQIA+ Young people to contact rained counselors who are struggling with issues such as coming out, LGBTQIA+ Identity, Depression and suicide.
CALL: 1(866)488-7386
TEXT: 678-678
Online Chat: TrevorChat (force.com)
Advocacy, Education, and more
https://www.thetrevorproject.org/?_gl=1%2Ait9iag%2A_gcl_au%2AMjUxMjczMjkzLjE2ODU3MTgzMTA.

Greater Boston PFLAG
Offering various affinity and general support groups for LGBTQIA+ identifying individuals and their loved ones. (check website for times & options)
Parent / Caregiver Connection line: Safe and confidential parent / caregiver line with trained volunteers ready to listen, offer support, and provide resources. When you call this number you will leave a voicemail and receive a call back shortly from someone who is ready to help you (all information shared is protected by confidentiality: (866)312-5007 / helpline@gbpflag.org
(781)891-5966 / info@gbpflag.org
https://www.gbpflag.org/

Bi Resource Center
Works to connect the Bi+ community and help its members thrive through resources, support, and celebration.
(617)424-9595 / brc@biresources.org
Affinity specific social / support groups; more info: Bi+ Community Activities (Boston, MA) | Meetup
https://biresource.org/

Boston GLASS Community Center: GLASS (GLBTQ+ Adolescent Social Services) | Justice Resource Institute (jri.org
LGBTQIA+ Drop-in Center for youth 12-25.
Resources include: daily meals for participants, access to computers, staff / support professionals on site (informed to provide support on issues such as housing and health care).
Free on-site HIV / STI Testing, Treatment, and PrEP for participants
Referral Form: Boston GLASS Referral Form (office.com)
55 Amory St. (Suite 2) Boston MA 02119 / (857)399-1920
Referral Form: Boston GLASS Referral Form (office.com)
https://jri.org/services/health-and-housing/health/boston-glass

Trans Health Program Patient Advocacy Program, Fenway Health: Transgender Health - Fenway Health: Health Care Is A Right, Not A Privilege.
Fenway’s Trans Health Patient Advocate can help you find health information and resources, and assist you in figuring out your next steps for getting the care you may need.
Services are free and available by appointment (or by walk-in for 20 minute sessions on Wednesdays 4pm-7pm- 2nd floor of the Ansin building @ 1340 Boylston St.
(857)313-6589 / for intake and appointments
Additional Fenway Health Trans Specific Support Group: contact, transhealth@fenwayhealth.org
https://fenwayhealth.org/care/medical/transgender-health/

GLAD (GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders)
The GLAD Program seeks to provide legal representation to members of the LGBTQIA+ community who may be experiencing: issues accessing justice, discrimination, health care issues, issues with aging, issues with employment, issues with immigration, issues with marriage / relationships, issues with parenting, violence and or harassment, racial injustice, and more …
(617)426-1350 / gladlaw@glad.org
https://www.glad.org/


Recovery Resources 
 

The Bridge Recovery Center
This has a lot of diverse programming and is great for connecting people to recovery services.
bridgerecoverycenter.org 
781-480-4937

The Sober Shuttle
This is a free transportation service that will help individuals in recovery get from where they currently are to treatment services (like Detox or CSS).
sobershuttle535.com
617-460-0584

The SAMSHA Resource Line
This is a free sate help-line that will assist individuals in identifying services and resources that meet their needs.
1-800-662-HELP(4357)

MASH, Sober Housing Directory
This is a statewide directory that people can use to identify MASH certified sober housing.
mashsoberhousing.org
781-472-2624
Office@mashsoberhousing.org

AdCare Treatment Center
AdCare Treatment Center Provides detox services, outpatient addiction services, inpatient addiction services, and veteran focused SUD services.
Call:325-757-8273
https://adcare.com/programs/inpatient/

The Gavin Foundation Substance Abuse Treatment Professionals
Substance Abuse Counseling Detox Recovery Housing Recovery High Schools
857-496-1384
https://www.gavinfoundation.org/

North Shore Recovery High School
Provides recovering students a safe and supportive community in an academic and therapeutic environment. NSRHS fosters an ethic of honesty and mutual respect, promoting accountability to oneself and to the community, and prepares students for higher education, military service or employment.
978-922-3305
https://www.nsedu.org/schools/northshore-recovery-high-school/

MASH: MASH - Certified Sober Homes (mashsoberhousing.org)


Gambling Support
 

National Problem Gambling Helpline
Help is available 24/7 and is 100% confidential.
Call or Text 1-800-522-4700
Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat
https://www.ncpgambling.org/help-treatment/national-helpline-1-800-522-4700/

Gamtalk
Online support for Gambling Issues
https://www.gamtalk.org/

National Council on Problem Gambling
A list of state resources, self-help resources, and screening tools in MA.
https://www.ncpgambling.org/state/massachusetts/


Resources for families and friends who have a loved one with a substance use disorder
 

Learn to Cope
Support groups for family and friends across MA. They are currently offering groups for parents and siblings as well as other groups. Click out the link below for more support and information. 
https://learn2cope.org/
508-738-5148
ltc@learn2cope.org

Partnership to End Addiction 
Partnership to End Addiction provides online support for parents and caregivers who may have children experimenting with, or dependent on, substances.
https://drugfree.org/get-support/
Text CONNECT to 55753 to contact one of there trained specialists to get answers to your questions, share your concerns and develop an action plan.


Services & Resources For Older Adults
 

Melrose Council on Aging
Programing, resources, and services for adults 60+
781-662-6886
https://www.cityofmelrose.org/council-aging

Mystic Valley Elder Services (MVES)
Local Social Service Agency for adults aged 60+
Referral Services Home Care Protective Services Caregiver Support
Nutrition Services Healthy Aging Programs Counseling Services Transportation
Call: 781-324-7705
https://www.mves.org/


Services and Resources for Young Adults


YouForward
Support. Connect. Inspire. YouForward supports youth adults ages 16-26 and strives to stop stigma surrounding mental health and empower youth voices. They have peer mentors to support, refer and connect young adults with free training, courses, workshops, etc. 
Everett Access Center
369 Broadway, Suite #103
Everett, MA 02149
https://youforward.org/
617-388-1049


Grief Resources
 

Partnership to End Addiction Walking Through Grief Together
What's Your Grief? 
Support After a Death by Overdose


Community Meals (Free)
 

EVERY SUNDAY 11:00 to 11:30 AM
Sunday Free Meal Distribution from the Melrose Community Freezer
Melrose First United Methodist Church
645 Main Street, Melrose

FOURTH MONDAY 5:00 to 6:00 PM
Shepherd’s Table Ministry Community Dinner hosted by First Baptist Church
Held at First Parish Congregational Church
1 Church Street, Wakefield

EVERY TUESDAY through FRIDAY 5:30 to 6:30 PM
Bread of Life Dinner Program at Malden First Baptist Church
493 Main Street (corner of Main & Salem Street), Malden

FIRST AND THIRD TUESDAY
Stoneham Community Dinner at First Congregational Church
1 Church Street, Stoneham
(Pick up meal at kitchen door on Common Street)

SECOND WEDNESDAY 5:00 to 6:00 PM
MBS Community Dinner at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish
1155 Main Street, Wakefield

THIRD THURSDAY 5:00 to 5:30 PM
St. Joseph’s Table Community Dinner at St. Joseph Parish
173 Albion Street, Wakefield

THIRD FRIDAY 6:00 PM
Melrose Community Dinner at Faith Evangelical Church
200 Franklin Street, Melrose
http://www.breadoflifemalden.org/

THIRD SATURDAY 9 to 10:30 AM
Community Breakfast & Clothing Closet at First Parish Congregational Church
1 Church Street, Wakefield


Veteran Services


City of Melrose Veteran's Services
Their office is open 8:30-12:30 Mon-Fri for walk-ins, although appointments are encouraged. 
They can be reached at 781-979-4186 or via email RMazz@cityofmelrose.org or JMiller@cityofmelrose.org
Milano Center
201 West Foster Street
Visit their website

Veterans Crisis Line
veterans crisis lifeline
The Military Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource for all service members, including members of the National Guard and Reserve, and Veterans, even if they’re not enrolled in VA benefits or health care.
Call 988 and press 1
Visit their website
Calling from overseas?
In Europe - Call 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118
In Korea - Call 080-855-5118 or DSN 118
In Afghanistan - Call 00 1 800 273 8255 or DSN 111
In Philippines - Dial #MYVA or 02-8550-3888 and press 7

Veterans' Treatment Courts
A court-supervised, treatment-focused collaborative for defendants who have served in the United States Armed Forces.
Veterans’ treatment courts are designed to handle criminal cases involving defendants who have a history of military service through a coordinated effort among the veterans services delivery system, community-based providers, and the court. The sessions aim to improve public safety while dealing with the underlying issues of posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma.  Abstinence from drugs and alcohol, mandated treatment, swift accountability, and weekly interaction with the court are requirements of the Veterans Treatment Court.
For your local court here


Food Access
 

Melrose Pantry Network/ Food Drive: 617-501-7134, thefoodrive.org 

Mystic Community Market
Regional pantry open to anyone and everyone in the Mystic Valley area. Make an appointment online to forgo the line for food resources OR Walk-in and wait for opportunity to receive assistance.
Phone: 617-629-5120
Address: Walnut St. Center; 291 Mystic Ave. Medford MA 02155
Website: Mystic Community Market (mv-ymca.org)
Hours:
MONDAY: 10:00am - 12:00pm by appointment only, 3:30pm - 6:30pm
TUESDAY: 10:00am - 12:00pm by appointment only, 3:30pm - 6:30pm
WEDNESDAY: 10:00am - 12:00pm by appointment only, 3:30pm - 6:30pm
THURSDAY: 3:30PM – 7:30PM
FRIDAY: 10:00am - 12:00pm by appointment only, 3:30pm - 6:00pm
SATURDAY: 9:00AM-2:00PM
To Book Appointment: Home (force.com)

Bread of Life: 214 Commercial St., Suite 209, Malden, MA 02148, 781-397-0404

Department of Transitional Assistance (SNAP / WIC): 781-388-7300 / 877-382-2363


Housing
 

Housing Families
Local Housing Organization, Housing Families provides Housing, Legal Services, Youth & Family Services, and Wellness Resources.
Housing: Individuals & Families can access emergency shelter & affordable housing options.
Emergency Housing & Shelter Referrals currently coming in through DHCD (Dept. of Housing & Community Development)
Leal Services: Housing families can provide free legal help & mediation to help individuals & families to prevent eviction and support those living in situations of homelessness
Legal Services Program Hotline: 781-322-9119 ext.146
Youth & Family Services: Including After-school Tutoring, Counseling / Therapy, Child Advocacy, Summer Camp & School Vacation Programming.
Wellness Resources: Including Support Groups, Parent Resources, and a Community Resources HUB.
General Outreach & Inquiry: Contact 781-322-9119 OR fill out online intake form: Get Help - Housing Families
Use this information for counseling, childcare, support, and community resources HUB services

Melrose Housing Authority
Our local housing authority, managing our Melrose’s public Subsidized Housing Programs, Public Housing, Section-8 Vouchers, and various other housing programs / initiatives in Melrose.
Application-based: Apply for Housing (Public Housing, Section-8, ect..) online through CHAMP: Home - CHAMP (state.ma.us)
Phone: 781-665-1622
Address: 910 Main St. Melrose MA 02176 (Administrative Office)
Website: Melrose Housing Authority (melroseha.com)
Hours:
Mon-Thurs; 8am-4pm
Friday: 8am-1:30pm
NOTE: Wait lists for access to public housing are very long. Various priorities effect different people’s wait-times for both public housing & section-8.

Metro Housing Boston
MHB uses various services & program management models to help resident of greater Boston bridge gaps in the homelessness prevention & affordable housing system. Working in collaboration with city government, non-profits, and corporations MHB is our macro-housing entity working with individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of losing their homes. Their services include: RAFT application & Processing (Housing Financial Assistance); Wrap-around / Intensive specialized housing services (SIPS); Family Homelessness Prevention (HomeBASE)/ Financial Coaching; Fair Housing / Housing Equity Services; Access to Section-8 and other affordable housing programs; and resources / programming for property owners.
SIPS (Referral form): SIPS-Referral-Form-Filable.pdf (metrohousingboston.org)
HomeBASE: Contact Brenda Core @ Brenda.Core@MetroHousingBoston.org
Fair Housing Project: fairhousing@metrohousingboston.org / 617-425-6681

MA Emergency Housing Assistance Resource Helpline: 888-584-0653


Don’t forget to clean out your medicine cabinet.

Drop box is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week at the Melrose Police Dept 56 West Foster Street.

Syringe Drop Box

Can be found on the ground floor of Melrose City Hall, 562 Main Street. It is available during regular City Hall hours. Please place used or unused syringes in a rigid plastic container.


Social Host Liability …what is it?

View the Social Host Ordinance

This law gives our Police Department one of the tools they need to hold private homeowners, who are providing alcohol to underage kids, civilly responsible for doing so.

Access the brochure that is being used for outreach to parents and other homeowners 


Other Resources:


Disclaimer: Please take notice that by providing the information to the organizations listed on this resource page, the City is doing so for informational purposes only and is not endorsing the organizations.