Outreach Services
Community Outreach Services are offered to the Senior (over 60) and Disabled population of Scituate through our Outreach Coordinator at the Scituate Senior Center. We provide advocacy, referrals to resources, and assistance as able with housing applications, homecare services, home visits for the homebound, insurance and benefit information, elder at risk support, fuel assistance applications, food insecurity resources, legal services referrals, and utility or lifestyle discounts where available.
SHINE
SHINE is a state-funded agency providing FREE unbiased health insurance counseling information and assistance with Medicare and supplemental programs to Massachusetts residents 65 and over, their caregivers and those approaching Medicare eligibility. Volunteers are trained extensively and provided to Councils on Aging to assist older residents turning 65, and each year through the Open Enrollment period for making changes to your providers, including the Part D Prescription Drug coverage.
MassHealth programs include MassHealth Standard, MassHealth Buy-in, Health Safety Net, Frail Elder Waiver, MassHealth for Caretaker Relatives, and Extra Help.
To schedule an appointment with a trained volunteer SHINE Counselor on one of their designated days, please call Jill Johnston at 781-545-8874, or the main number at 781-545-8722, press 0.
SUPPORT GROUPS AT THE SENIOR CENTER
Caregiver Support Group - meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday at 12:00-1:00 at the Scituate Senior Center (333 First Parish Rd). For caregivers who may benefit from the experiences of others who understand the role of caregiver for a loved one. Guidance for discussion and offer of resources when applicable. Faciliated by Licensed Social Worker and Educator, Suzanne Otte.
Parkinson's Support Group - meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday at 1:00-2:00 at the Scituate Senior Center (333 First Parish Rd). For individuals with all levels of Parkinson's Disease to discuss and share challenges for guidance and support from group and facilitator. Led by longtime Parkinson's nurse and facilitator, Leslie Vickers. Caregivers welcome to attend as well.
NEW/COMING IN APRIL: Cancer Support Group - Beginning April 8 this new bi-monthly support group will meet on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month at 4:00pm at the Senior Center. Facilitated by long-time hospice nurse and caregiver Janet Travers, this is an opportunity for individuals living with a cancer diagnose to share and receive resources to support the challenges they are facing. Caregivers welcome.
FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Circuit Breaker Tax Credit
As a senior citizen, you may be eligible to claim a refundable credit on your personal state income tax return. The Circuit Breaker tax credit is based on the actual real estate taxes paid on the Massachusetts residential property you own or rent and occupy as your principal residence.
The Tax Assessor's office can also be helpful in offering opportunities for reductions in property tax or other tax obligations for those residents who are eligibile.
Scituate Community Christmas:
Scituate's Community Christmas mission is to meet the needs of the community throughout the year by supporting families during times of hardship while inspiring the values of kindness, compassion, philanthropy and volunteerism. Requests for assistance may come from a variety of sources. The Senior Center as well as clergy, independent social workers, neighbors, friends and concerned others may submit names of individuals/families who may need services. Service requests are accepted all year long through referrals.
For more information, visit: https://scituatecommunitychristmas.org/aboutus
Phone Number: 781-545-7108
Email: info@scituatecommunitychristmas.org
St. Vincent de Paul
St. Vincent de Paul's mission is to render assistance to the less fortunate in our parish community who are experiencing temporary and unforeseen needs. Such assistance may be provided in the form of food, clothing, furniture, rent, prescriptions, utility bills, home heating and emergency automotive repair.
Anyone seeking assistance should contact the Parish Office, 781-545-3335.
FOOD INSECURITY
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
SNAP offers nutrition assistance to millions of eligible, low-income individuals and families and provides economic benefits to communities.
Online application link: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-snap-benefits-food-stamps. If you would like to mail in an application, please send the application to the mailing address below or fax using the number below (you may find attachment links to the application at the bottom of this page).
Mailing Address: DTA Document Processing Center, P.O. Box 4406, Taunton MA 02780-0420; Fax Number: 617-887-8765
If you need assistance with the application, please contact the Senior Center at 781-545-8873 or 545-8722 and listen for the prompts to speak with the Front Desk (0) or the Director (1). If you have further questions or are in need of additional assistance, contact the Transitional Assistance Office in Quincy, located on 1515 Hancock St. Suite 105. Phone: 617-249-8200.
Scituate Food Pantry
Link to Scituate Food Pantry Website: http://www.scituatefoodpantry.org/
The Scituate Food Pantry is a 501C3 non-profit organization sponsored by the Scituate Clergy Association. To be eligible for this assistance, a person needs to be a resident of the town and meet basic income guidelines. If you would like to apply or have questions or concerns, feel free to visit the Food Pantry for a confidential conversation during the hours of operation. You may also fill out the application below and send to: Scituate Food Pantry, P.O. Box 120 Scituate, MA 02066. Phone number: 781-545-5827.
The hours of operation for visitors are: Tuesdays - 10 am to 12:15 pm & Thursdays - 3:30 to 5:30 pm.
The Distribution Center for the Scituate Food Pantry is located at 327 First Parish Rd on the lower level of the former B-wing of the old Gates School. Drivers enter at Cudworth Street at the entrance to the Historical Society Schoolhouse, driving past the Recreation Tennis Courts and along the multipurpose fields to line up for window service.
Meals on Wheels through South Shore Elder Services
Meals on Wheels is a home delivered meals program designed to provide the right combination of good nutrition and a friendly visitor for people 60+ who may not be able to leave the home, may not have access to food, or may not be able to prepare their own food or manage proper nutrition as they advance in age. Volunteers deliver meals which are prepared at the meal site. Individual needs can be short or long-term, including recovering from surgery or an illness or not having the mobility to get to the market.
To inquire about getting services or for more information, call South Shore Elder Services Information and Referral Department directly at 781-848-3910.
Farmer's Market Nutritional Program
If you are over the age of 60, or disabled, and your income falls within the guidelines then you are eligible to receive coupons to local farmer's markets July through October. The coupons usually arrive in mid-July for distribution through the Senior Center Outreach office. Quantities are limited and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. You will only need to sign a form stating you meet the income requirements. You can use these coupons at many area Farmers Markets.
HOUSING
State-Aided Public Housing
The Department of Housing and Community Department assists with housing through the 253 Housing Authorities in Massachusetts. There are different types of public housing available such as housing for families, elderly persons, and certain persons with disabilities. Households seeking public housing assistance must apply for housing in the community in which they are interested in living
The Scituate Housing Authority provides housing for qualified low-income elderly and handicapped persons upon availability.
Scituate Housing Authority
Lincoln Park, Box 187
No. Scituate, MA 02066
781-545-3375
To apply for state-aided public housing, you must use the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Public Housing (CHAMP). You can apply using CHAMP either online at our CHAMP website, https://publichousingapplication.ocd.state.ma.us/ or in person by completing a printed paper application.
At the bottom of this page you will find the printed paper application. You will also find a list of the types of public housing offered by each housing authority in Massachusetts.
Wait lists vary by property and can be several years long. It is recommended that those in need of housing cast their nets wide and get on as many wait lists as they are able, to increase the chances of getting housing.
Emergency Application for State-Aided Housing
In order to apply for Emergency housing you must be a homeless applicant, as defined below:
(a) is without or about to be without a place to live or is in a living situation in which there is a significant, immediate, and direct threat to the life or safety of the applicant or a household member which situation would be alleviated by placement in an appropriate unit. (Applicants temporarily residing in a shelter are considered without a place to live.); and
(b) has made reasonable efforts to locate alternative housing; and
(c) has not caused or substantially contributed to the safety or life-threatening situation (In cases of domestic violence, there is a presumption that victims did not contribute to their circumstances.); and
(d) has pursued available ways to prevent or avoid the safety or life-threatening situation by seeking assistance through the courts or appropriate administrative or enforcement agencies.
You may find instructions and an extensive checklist of required verification documents to send with the application for priority status at the bottom of this section.
If you have any questions about the application or are in need of assistance you may call the housing authority that you are applying to. A list of housing authorities can be found at the bottom of this page.
Emergency Housing Assistance
Emergency Shelters
At the bottom of this section, you will find a list of Emergency Housing Shelters, and who they accommodate. Including MainSpring House and Father Bill's Place, the two shelters located the closest to Scituate.
If you have any questions or are in need of assistance with any of the above applications, you may call the Council on Aging at 781-545-8873.
Universal Standard Application for State-Aided Public Housing
Housing Authorities in Massachusetts
Emergency Housing Shelters
Emergency State-Aided Housing Application Instructions and Checklist
LEGAL SERVICES
Greater Boston Legal Services
Every year Greater Boston Legal Services helps more than 10,000 low-income families and individuals solve their civil (non-criminal) legal problems. They represent their clients in court, at appeals, in hearings before administrative law judges, and with advice and paperwork, both as individuals and through partnerships with community organizations.
GBLS attorneys and paralegals can assist with many civil (non-criminal) legal problems. An attorney or paralegal may give you advice, assist you in completing forms in a clinic, or represent you in court.
UTILITY DISCOUNTS
Many utility companies offer discounts to low-income families and individuals. Below you will find applications for discounts to a few companies that serve Scituate residents. If you have any questions, or need assistance in filling out or sending any of the applications you may call the Council on Aging at 781-545-8722.
FUEL ASSISTANCE
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Known commonly as Fuel Assistance, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides income-eligible households with help in paying a portion of winter heating bills. You may call the Scituate Senior Center to inquire about the application process and for help facilitating the application process.
If you are eligible for Fuel Assistance, you may also be eligible for the following Energy Programs:
Weatherization Program. The Weatherization Program provide insulation and minor energy efficiency related repairs to Fuel Assistance eligible households to help reduce home heating costs. There is no cost to the household
Burner Repair and Replacement. the Home Energy and Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP) or more commonly known as Burner Repair and Replacement, assists Fuel Assistance eligible households with heating system repairs and replacement services. You must own a home.
Eversource Discount Application: If you are currently eligible for fuel assistance, or are receiving one of the benefits listed in the requirements link below, you may also be eligible for Eversource's discount rate. Please note, eligibility for the discount rate isn't limited to these programs, as other means-tested public benefits are also eligible. Please call (800-592-2000) if you have any questions.
Your household income must also meet eligibility requirements, and your Eversource bill must be in your name. If you think you may qualify, please fill in this form, and then print this web page, sign it, and either fax it to 781-441-8512 or mail it to the address below.
Requirements: https://www.eversource.com/content/ema-c/residential/my-account/billing-...
Application: https://www.eversource.com/nstar/CustomerCare/Residential/DiscountRate
Eversource Customer Service 247 Station Drive, NW200 Westwood MA 02090-9909 Fax 781-441-8512
Columbia Gas Discount Application: Residentail customers receiving public assistance benefits may qualify for Columbia's discounted Low Income Gas Rate and no-cost energy conservation services.
Application link: https://www.columbiagasma.com/en/billing-payment-options/financial-assistance/assistance-application
National Grid Discount Rate Application: Customers receiving public assistance benefits may qualify for National Grid discounted low income rates and services. At the bottom of the page you will find the application. You may either or fax the completed application to National Grid.
National Grid Accounts Processing Post office Box 960, Northborough, MA 01532-9906 fax 877-388-9077
Massachusetts Energy Good Neighbor Fund:
The Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund is available to any Massachusetts resident who, because of temporary financial difficulty, cannot meet a month's energy expense and is not eligible for state or federal energy assistance. income must fall between 60 and 80 % of the state's median income levels. To see if you qualify, visit http://www.magoodneighbor.org/assistance.html