Let us be a gateway to the services that help you and your community thrive.
Library staff can guide you to trusted local organizations, town departments, nonprofits, housing and food assistance programs, senior and youth services, and much more.
What can we help you find?
We can help connect you with local resources for food assistance, housing assistance, and social services. For complete list of local resources, email the Information Services Department.
Community Resources by Topic
1. Westwood Food Pantry
Open to clients on an appointment only basis. Please schedule an appointment by emailing westwoodfoodpantry@gmail.com
Address: 60 Nahatan Street, Westwood MA
Hours: Tuesdays from 8:30 – 10:30am | Saturdays from 8:30 – 10:30am
Documents Required: Proof of Westwood residency & proof of income
2. Norwood Food Pantry Serves residents of Norwood & Westwood who can meet eligibility criteria. New clients are required to complete paperwork by their third visit. New clients may join on Saturday mornings to get signed up. Existing clients sign in upon arrival and wait until called by their first name. Must sign in before 10:40am but please do not arrive before 7:45am Phone: 781-291-3663 Website: https://www.norwoodpantry.org Documents Required: Proof of income, proof of residency (Westwood or Norwood), names & birthdates for all household family members, account information or a letter regarding one of the following government benefits (EAEDC, TAFDC, SNAP, SSI, SSDI, WIC Letter, Norwood/Westwood Housing Assistance.)3. HESSCO Elder Services Meals on Wheels
They provide home-delivered meals to consumers who would otherwise have difficulty getting to one of the congregate meal sites.
Phone: 781-784-4944
Website: https://hessco.org/nutrition-program-features
4. Westwood Community Chest (WCC)
WCC is a 501(c)(3) Public Charity dedicated to helping Westwood residents in need through temporary financial assistance. Run by a volunteer board who works with several town organizations to ensure that our community members get the help they need.
Phone: 781-366-0470
5. Westwood Council on Aging Outreach Department
Licensed Social Worker Rachel Haddock provides assistance with Fuel Assistance & Food Stamps with the COA. Call or email to schedule an appointment.
Phone: 781-355-8105
Email: rhaddock@westwoodma.gov
6. Mass 211
A statewide information system for resources in all categories including food, shelter, healthcare, and immigration
Phone: 211
Website: www.mass211.org
1. Westwood Housing Authority
To reach the Westwood Housing Authority & Westwood Affordable Housing Associates, please reach out to Housing Coordinator Jane O’Donnell.
Email: jodonnell@townhall.westwood.ma.us
Phone: 781-320-1031
2. Housing Information Hotline
Father Bills & Mainspring has a hotline for individuals that are at risk of losing their housing. Call 508-586-2348 for help
3. Emergency Assistance Family Shelter by MA Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities
This program provides shelter for low-income families in MA. Your income must be at or below 112% of the federal poverty guidelines. The reason for seeking shelter must be one of the following:
-No fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation or foreclosure
– Fleeing domestic violence within the last 12 months
-No fault eviction
-Children exposed to substantial health & safety risks
For those facing deportation currently in Immigration court proceedings.
Phone: 508-505-4588
2. Civil Legal Services – Immigration Unit by Greater Boston Legal Services Provides legal representation and advocates on behalf of low-income immigrants. Languages spoken include Chinese, English, Haitian, Spanish & Vietnamese. Phone: 800-323-3205 Website: https://www.gbls.org/our-work/immigration Walk-In & Hotline Hours: 9am – 12pm Office Hours: 9am – 5pmAddress: 197 Friend Street, Boston, MA 02114
3. Legal Aid Services by MetroWest Legal Services Provides free civil, non-criminal legal aid to individuals, families, and elders living in MetroWest. MWLS has staff fluent in Spanish & Portuguese, as well as access to interpreters for clients who speak other languages. Phone: 800-696-1501Website: https://mwlegal.org/legal-services/immigration/
4. MA Immigrant Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA) HelplineThe helpline is open to all Massachusetts residents. Contact them 24/7 and leave a message with your name, best contact number, and details about your inquiry. Their staff will return your call in the order it was received, and aim to respond within 3 business days
Phone: 508-293-1871
Website: https://miracoalition.org
1. Westwood Council on Aging
Provides information & referrals, connects seniors and their families with community resources, and facilities access to services such as fuel assistance, home care, caregiver support, food stamps, financial assistance programs, transportation, health care proxies & more
Phone: 781-329-8799
Website: https://www.townhall.westwood.ma.us/government/boards-committees/council-on-aging
2. Serving Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE)
Provides information on various insurance issues. The COA has a SHINE counselor available each month to discuss health insurance issues. Call to schedule an appointment
Phone: 781-329-8799
3. Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline
Contact the 24/7 helpline to find out about local programs and services, speak with care consultants, learn more about the symptoms of Alzheimer’s & other dementias, and get free confidential support
Phone: 800-272-3900
Connect with us
If you’re looking for community resources of any kind but aren’t sure where to start or would like some personalized assistance from library staff, send us a message. We will get back to you soon!
