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1. I or my loved one is having a mental health or substance use crisis, who can I call?

I or my loved one is experiencing a life-threatening mental health or substance use crisis

In a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. 

Lahey Hospital and Medical Center

Lahey Hospital Burlington provides adult emergency services.

41 Burlington Mall Road, Burlington, MA 01805

Winchester Hospital 

Winchester Hospital provides adult and pediatric emergency services.

41 Highland Ave, Winchester, MA 01890

I or my loved one is experiencing a non life-threatening mental health or substance use crisis

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline

The Behavioral Health Helpline connects callers to trained behavioral health providers 24/7. The Helpline can provide clinical assessment, treatment referrals and crisis triage services. 

(833)773-2445

Lowell Community Behavioral Health Center (Vinfen) 

For in-person and telehealth support, Billerica residents can visit the Lowell Community Behavioral Health Center for same-day evaluation and treatment. Click here to learn more or call: 

(866)388-2242 or (978-674-6744) 

40 Church St, Lowell, MA 01852

Frontline Initiative 

Billerica participates in a regional Police Mental Health Collaborative, the Frontline Initiative. All Billerica residents can access the following crisis services through Frontline:

• Teletherapy
• Phone Follow-up
• Individual and Group recovery services
• Case management/Referral Services
• Access to crisis care
• General support

To speak to a Frontline Initiative clinician, call: 

(978) 215-9642 

My school-aged child in Billerica Public Schools needs a mental health or substance use provider. How can I find one?

Billerica Public Schools offers the Care Solace referral service to its families. To find a provider, call:  

(888) 515-0595

Or click here to start a search online.

Other Local Hotlines

Massachusetts/local Hotlines:

Dial 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline

The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline:

(800) 327-5050    

I'd like to access free online resources to support my mental health

All Billerica residents can create a free account with  CredibleMind.com. This website offers assessments, articles, podcasts and more to help you manage your mental health and well-being. 

2. I'm in need of food support, where can I go?

Food Resources in Billerica  

Billerica Community Pantry

The Billerica Community Pantry uses a drive-through pickup model to provide food at no cost for Billerica residents. Services are by appointment only and you must complete a preregistration. 

Call or email the Pantry to complete registration and receive your appointment. 

Phone: (978) 357-7560 
Email: billericapantry@gmail.com

Additional Local Food Pantries

The following local food pantries serve Billerica residents. Call for hours and eligibility.

Catholic Charities Merrimack Valley:

(978) 454-9946

70 Lawrence Street, Lowell, MA 01852

Chelmsford Food Pantry:

(346) 616-5035

50 Rear Billerica Road, Chelmsford, MA in beige trailer 

Salvation Army Lowell Corps (by appointment only in November/December):

(978) 458-3396

150 Appleton St, Lowell, MA 01853

Westford Food Pantry:

(978) 692-5523

Cameron Senior Center, 20 Pleasant St, Westford, MA 01886

3. Utility bills are getting more expensive. What are my options for assistance?

Alternative Electric Supply  

Community Choice Energy Program

Municipal Aggregation allows local government to combine the purchasing power of its residents so that it can provide them with an alternative electricity supply. Municipal Aggregation is a valuable service that residents and small businesses look for from their local governments. It has proven to be the most effective way to help small consumers manage their electricity bills, and has received overwhelming support wherever it’s implemented.

Click here to apply online. 

Utility Assistance Programs

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance program (LIHEAP) 

LIHEAP, or Fuel Assistance, pays a portion of heating costs for eligible homeowners and renters. LIHEAP eligible households may also qualify for assistance with weatherization and heating system repair. Click here to apply online with Community Teamwork.  You will need to create an account in order to apply online. 

The Billerica Veterans Department can assist any Billerica resident to apply for Fuel Assistance. Contact Marie Rourke, Head Clerk, for more information: 

(978) 671-0968

Good Neighbor Energy Fund

The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund assists households with too much income to qualify for LIHEAP. Click here to check eligibility.  Residents can apply for the Good Neighbor Fund by contacting the Salvation Army Lowell Corps at:

(978) 458-3396

 New! The Community Services Coordinator can now assist residents in applying for the Good Neighbor Energy Fund. Contact for an appointment, 978-215-1903 or by email

National Grid

National Grid offers several programs to help consumers manage their energy bills. Click here to learn more.

(800)-322-3223 (electric)

(800)-233-5325 (gas) 

Additional utility assistance programs

For additional programs, contact the Billerica Community Services Coordinator:

(978) 215-1903 or by email. 

4. How do I apply for SNAP or WIC benefits?

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

SNAP benefits (food stamps) are administered by the Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). Click here to check eligibility.

Click here to apply online. Or apply by phone: 

(877) 382-2363

Apply in person at the Lowell DTA office:

(978) 446-2400 for assistance.

The Billerica Community Services Coordinator can also assist in applying for SNAP benefits. Call  (978) 215-1903 or email for an appointment.

Healthy Incentives Program

SNAP recipients can also use the Healthy Incentives Program, which reimburses up to $80 monthly for the purchase of fresh produce. Click here to learn more about the HIP program. 

Women, infants, Children Program (WIC)  

WIC benefits are available for eligible MA residents who are children under 5, new mothers , or pregnant or breastfeeding parents. Click here to check eligibility.

Click here to apply online  or call the Lowell WIC office to make an appointment:

(978) 454-6397

5. How can I find affordable or subsidized housing?

I'd like to apply for subsidized housing programs or a rental voucher in person

Billerica Housing Authority

The Billerica Housing Authority administers housing programs including state and federally aided public housing, federal and state rental vouchers, and emergency housing. Contact them at: 

(978) 667-2175
16 River Street
Billerica, MA 01821

Billerica's Regional Administering Agency: Community Teamwork

Community Teamwork offers additional housing programs to Billerica residents. Their programs include state and federal (Section 8) rental vouchers, other targeted housing programs, and first time homebuyer seminars. Contact the Community Teamwork Resource Center at:

(978) 459-0551 

Or visit their Resource Center, Monday-Friday 8:30am-5pm: 17 Kirk St, Lowell, MA 01852

I'd like to apply for subsidized housing programs or a rental voucher online

Common Application for Massachusetts Programs 

The Common Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP) website allows you to apply for state-aided public housing or the Alternative Voucher Program, and manage your application online.  Click here to begin your application.  You can also download a paper application here. 

Massachusetts Centralized Section 8 Waiting List (federal rental voucher)

The MA Centralized Section 8 Waiting List is a partnership of 103 participating Housing Authorities. You can apply to all 103 waiting lists by submitting and maintaining one application online. Click here to begin your application.

 

I'd like to search for affordable rental properties online

Housing Search Tools  

Housing Navigator Massachusetts is the state's most comprehensive listing of affordable, accessible, and/or subsidized housing. Click here to begin searching for affordable housing.

I'd like to learn about affordable homeownership programs

MyMassHome  

MyMassHome is MA's online resource for affordable homeownership programs, including first time homebuyer seminars, down payment assistance, and affordable mortgage products. You can also search for current affordable real estate listings. Click here to begin the process. 

There are so many options, I'd like to talk to someone about the available programs

Call the Billerica Housing Authority to discuss housing options at:

(978) 667-2175

Or, call the Community Services Coordinator at:

(978) 215-1903

6. I'm having trouble paying my rent or mortgage, where can I receive assistance?

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

RAFT is a short-term financial assistance program for low-income families, and provides up to $10,000 per household to help preserve current housing or move to new housing. RAFT can assist with rent, utilities, and moving costs. Click here to check eligibility.

Click here to apply online. 

To apply in person, contact the Community Teamwork Resource Center: 

(978) 459-0551

Massachusetts Homeowners Assistance Fund (HAF)

HAF assists eligible homeowners who are behind on their mortgage due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Click here to check eligibility.

Click here to apply online 

For assistance with the application, contact Lawrence CommunityWorks, Inc:

(978) 722-2627

7. What's Community Teamwork and how can they help me?

Community Teamwork 

Community Teamwork is the Greater Lowell region’s Community Action Agency. CTI administers a variety of programs including housing supports, fuel assistance, food and nutrition programs, financial education, and youth programs. To access CTI’s programs, contact them directly or make an appointment with the Community Services Coordinator for assistance.

8. Domestic violence is impacting myself or my family. Who can I call?

Help is available!

Billerica Police Department

The Billerica Police Department offers protection and support for domestic violence situations. Call 911 or check your rights online at https://police.billericaps.com/index.php/domestic-violence/'

Frontline Initiative

Billerica participates in a regional Police Mental Health Collaborative, the Frontline Initiative. All Billerica residents can access the following crisis services through Frontline:

• Teletherapy
• Phone Follow-up
• Individual and Group recovery services
• Case management/Referral Services
• Access to crisis care
• General support

To speak to a Frontline Initiative clinician, call: 

(978) 215-9642 

The following outside organizations offer confidential guidance and support for domestic violence situations:

Safelink is a statewide toll-free confidential domestic violence hotline:

(877)785-2020  

Reach Beyond Domestic Violence provides emergency shelter, supportive services, and advocacy for individuals and families experiencing domestic violence. Confidential helpline: 

 (800) 899-4000  

Saheli provides culturally sensitive supportive services for South Asian and Middle Eastern individuals and families who are experiencing domestic violence. Confidential helpline:

(866) 4SAHELI (866-472-4354)

9. What parenting supports are available in Billerica?

The Coordinated Community and Family Engagement Program

 

Community Teamwork administers Billerica's Coordinated Community and Family Engagement program, for families with children age newborn to 8 years. Click here to subscribe to their newsletter.