FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020
CONTACT:
Cherrelle Norris
617.455.7212
cherrelle.norris@bostonabcd.org
ABCD LIMITS SERVICES AND TEMPORARILY CLOSES CENTERS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19
ABCD CONTINUES TO PROVIDE THE MOST VULNERABLE POPULATION WITH EMERGENCY SERVICES DURING THE COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) CRISIS
(BOSTON, MA) – During the escalating threat of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and the State of Emergency in Massachusetts, ABCD continues to fulfill our commitment to serving those most in need in a way that can help protect the health and safety of clients and staff.
In coordination with the suggestion to practice social distancing, ABCD has temporarily closed all of our neighborhood service centers as well as all Head Start & Early Head Start locations as of Wednesday, March 18th. We will continue to provide parents, who need assistance, with food for their children.
“Continuing to honor our mission to protect the most vulnerable people amongst us, we have made the decision to limit staff and client contact to emergency supports and reduced services only. We understand this is a very difficult time for our entire community, but we will make sure any emergency services our clients need from us will be available to them,” said John J. Drew President/CEO of ABCD (Action for Boston Community Development). “If you need help, ABCD is here for you.”
Our staff will only be available by phone and/or email to provide emergency and other limited services and ensure that we meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of our community during this public health crisis. Our priority is to ensure both our staff and clients stay safe and healthy during this difficult and quickly evolving time. Additionally, we have closed all neighborhood centers to walk-in traffic and in-person meetings.
List of services available by phone and email
If people are in need of help, they can contact the following programs and services for assistance. We will be regularly updating the bostonabcd.org website with more information.
Food Pantries: 617.348.6559 | fieldoperations@bostonabcd.org
Community Coordination: 617348.6559 | fieldoperations@bostonabcd.org
Neighborhood Service Centers: Six ABCD neighborhood centers will take phone calls from clients in need of emergency assistance:
- Allston/Brighton: 617.903.3640
- East Boston: 617.567.8857
- Mattapan: 617.298.2045
- Mystic Valley (Malden, Medford, Everett): 781.321.2501
- Parker Hill/Fenway: 617.445.6000
- Roxbury/North Dorchester: 617.442.5900
Fuel Assistance: Residents of Boston, Brookline or Newton: 617-348-6599
Residents of Malden, Medford, Everett, Winchester, Melrose, Woburn or Stoneham: 617-519-4317
Head Start & Children’s Services: 617.348.6272 | headstart@bostonabcd.org
Note: ABCD Head Start Centers will be closed through April 6, 2020
Child Care Choices of Boston: 617-542-5437 |childcarechoicesofboston@bostonabcd.org
Tax Assistance: 617.348.6559 | fieldoperations@bostonabcd.org
SummerWorks: 617.348.6548 | summerworksinfo@bostonabcd.org
GENERAL INFORMATION: 617.348.6000 | info@bostonabcd.org
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About ABCD
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) is a nonprofit community action agency that provides low income residents in the Boston and Mystic Valley areas with the tools, support, and resources they need to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. Each year, we serve more than 100,000 individuals, elders and families through a broad range of innovative initiatives as well as long-established, proven programs and services. For more than 50 years, ABCD has been deeply rooted in each neighborhood we serve, empowering individuals and families and supporting them in their quest to live with dignity and achieve their highest potential. For more, please visit bostonabcd.org.
