Resources for Immigrants in Western MA
How to Use this Page
- Find resources and information for immigrants and refugees by clicking on the categories below.
- You can also search for additional services using the 413Cares Search Bar.
- Some services may have eligibility requirements.
- For people in Berkshire County, you can find more resources using BASIC Berkshires' Directory for immigrants and Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's Resource Guide.
Legal
Housing
Food
Healthcare
Education and Work
Family Support
Immigration and Legal Resources
Know Your Rights
Whether you’re a U.S. citizen, a green card holder, a student on a visa, or undocumented, you have legal rights. Learn more from the MIRA Coalition.
Be prepared for interactions with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
Immigration and Legal Services
Ascentria Care Alliance
Supports refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants by providing:
- Free and low-cost immigration legal services, legal advice, and representation
- Housing support
- Cultural and community orientation
- Employment and transportation assistance
- Healthcare and school enrollment
- Education services
For more information:
Berkshire Immigrant Center
Supports refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants by providing:
- Free and low-cost immigration legal services
- Citizenship assistance, including applications, waivers, and civics/ESL classes
- Housing support and referrals for social services (daycare, healthcare, education, career counseling)
- Education services, including free citizenship preparation classes and tutoring
- Translation services (limited languages)
- Emergency financial assistance for basic needs
For more information:
Center for New Americans
Supports immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers by providing:
- Family Immigration Assistance
- Citizenship Support
- Green Card Applications
- TPS, VAWA, and DACA application assistance
- Work permits
- Support for re-entry permissions
- Help with government application fee waivers
- Referrals to other organizations based on needs
Call a local office for more information:
- Springfield: 413-587-0084
- Northampton: 413-587-0084
- Amherst: 413-239-9550
- Greenfield: 413-772-0055
Community Legal Aid Central West Justice Center
Provides free consultations for low-income residents and free representation before USCIS & Immigration Court
For more information, call:
- 855-CLA-LEGA (855-252-5342)
- 508-755-3260 (TTY/TTD)
Jewish Family Services
Supports refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants by providing:
- Help becoming a U.S. Citizen
- Citzenship classes
- Green Card Support
- Help with applying for protection in the U.S.
- Bring family members to the U.S.
- Travel documents
- Work permits
For more information
Massachusetts Immigration and Refugee Advocacy Coalition (MIRA)
Provides legal & case management support for newly arrived immigrants and information around your legal rights as an immigrant. They also offer support around citizenship.
For more information, email: IAS@miracoalition.org
Massachusetts Legal Resource Finder
Can help low income residents find a lawyer and get help with a variety of legal issues.
Political Asylum/Immigration Representation (PAIR) Project
- Connect with other organizations who can provide support.
- If you are in the Berkshires, you can use
BASIC Berkshires' Directory for immigrants to find food and other resources.
- To find someone who is already detained by ICE, use the Online Detainee Locator System.
Avoid Immigration Scams!
The immigration process can be complex, and you need to find the right people to help you. Only a licensed immigration attorney or accredited representative can provide legal advice. Beware of unlicensed "notarios" or scams that falsely promise work permits or green cards for a small fee.
- Verify an attorney on the Massachusetts Board of Bar Overseers by clicking "Look Up An Attorney".
- Look up "Recognized Organizations" and "Accredited Representatives" on the
U.S. Department of Justice.
Citizenship
If you need help becoming a U.S. citizen, there are organizations that offer support with:
- Citizenship classes & test practice
- Legal support
- Filling out applications such as N-400 applications
Find organizations that can help you in this journey.
Housing Resources
Emergency shelters provide a safe place to stay for people who need housing right away. These shelters help families who are facing tough times by offering a warm place to sleep, meals, and support services.
- Find an emergency shelter near you
- Domestic violence shelters
Emergency Housing Assistance helps immigrants, families, and youth who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. Programs like Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) provide temporary housing and rental help to keep families safe. Learn more about RAFT.
- Find an emergency housing assistance program
Find more housing resources on our housing resource page.
If you are in the Berkshires, you can use BASIC Berkshires' Directory for immigrants to find food and other resources.
Need to talk with someone about your housing situation? Contact an Organization that helps immigrants or your local Housing Consumer Education Organization
Food Resources
If you need help getting food for yourself or your family, there are programs and services that can help. You can find food pantries, free meals, and programs like SNAP to buy groceries.
- Find support with food on our Food Resources Page.
- If you are in the Berkshires, you can use
BASIC Berkshires' Directory for immigrants to find food and other resources.
Help Paying for Food
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program): SNAP helps people buy groceries with a monthly benefit card. You may qualify based on income and family size.
- Find out if you are eligible and get help enrolling by contacting the Food Bank or call 413-992-6204 to speak with a coordinator or 800-997-2555 to speak with a customer service agent.
- Find other SNAP enrollment sites
- If you receive SNAP, you are automatically enrolled in the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). This program gives extra money to buy fresh fruits and vegetables from participating farmers' markets, farm stands, and CSAs.
Learn more about HIP.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program
WIC provides healthy food, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and referrals to healthcare for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children. Learn more about WIC and its benefits.
*SNAP and WIC are not part of a
public charge test. If you are not a U.S. citizen or eligible immigrant, it is safe for you get these benefits for an eligible family member.
Healthcare Resources
General Health
Volunteers in Medicine (VIM) serves residents in Berkshire County who are uninsured or underinsured. No insurance required.
Find other healthcare services that can help you get the care you need.
Mental Health
Find programs that offer mental health resources like counseling, support groups, and other mental health services.
Getting Health Insurance
Community Health Navigators and Enrollment Navigators at local health centers are available to assist you in finding and enrolling in the right health insurance plan.
Many health centers have dedicated Community Health Navigators. Here are a few:
Education and Work
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs help immigrants and newcomers learn English for work, school, and daily life. These programs offer classes for all levels, from beginner to advanced, and may include online and in-person options.
- Find an ESOL program near you
Workforce Development
Workforce Development Programs help people learn new skills, find jobs, and grow their careers. These programs offer job training, career advice, English classes, and job certifications. Some also help with writing resumes, practicing for interviews, and connecting with employers.
Need help using a computer or finding low-cost internet options? Explore our Digital Resources Page to connect with programs that offer support.
Family Support
Family Resource Centers
Family Resource Centers offer free or low-cost services like early education programs, parenting help, therapy, and community resources. Families can find classes, counseling, food assistance, and other programs to help children and parents grow and succeed.
- Find Family Resource Centers that can support you.
If you are in Berkshires County, find more family resources using BASIC Berkshires' Directory for immigrants and the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition's Resource Guide.
Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)
The DTA helps people in Massachusetts get food, cash, and job support when they need it and also connects families to job training and other resources to help them succeed.
- Find and connect with your local DTA office
Childcare Services
Massachusetts has programs to help families pay for childcare. Childcare vouchers and Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) can help if you qualify.
- Find licensed daycare programs across the state.
- Find daycare programs that accept vouchers.
Seven Hills Foundation & Affiliates help families find child care by giving free referrals, information on costs and quality, and access to Child Care Vouchers. Their staff can help families find child care, after-school programs, and special services for children with disabilities.
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Connect with key resources in these common areas of need.
Food
Housing
Mental Health
Substance Use
Legal
Reentry
Digital
Immigrants
LGBTQIA+
Mentoring
