Category: News

State forecasts lower winter heating bills for most Mass. homes

As an investigation of utility bill cost drivers gets underway, state government has projected that about three-quarters of Massachusetts homes could spend between 4% and 9% less than last year on heating this winter. The combination of a “slightly milder” winter and the expectation of lower fuel costs spells good news for natural gas, heating oil and propane customers at…

Read More

Demand For Low-Income Fuel Assistance Continues To Skyrocket

As recent federal shutdown made bad situations worse for Mass residents reliant on the Home Energy Assistance Program BOSTON – It’s effortless for Everett resident Luke Charles Farrell to recall the exact day his basketball career at the University of Alabama came to a halt. On Dec. 15, 1996, Farrell lost vision in his left eye when a fellow athlete…

Read More

Massachusetts to receive $146 million for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program — ABCD urges residents to apply now

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has released $3.7 billion to states for the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP), of which Massachusetts will receive more than $146 million. ABCD is accepting and processing Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) applications for residents in Greater Boston and the Mystic Valley, and award letters are forthcoming. The maximum benefit for…

Read More

NBC News Energy Assistance


Mass. governor urges immediate release of federal heating-assistance funds as winter nears

Governor Maura Healey on Wednesday urged the federal government to release long-delayed low-income heating-assistance funds, saying Massachusetts families need help now as colder weather approaches. “Get that money out the door and get that money out the door today,” Healey said, adding she had sent a letter to “Secretary Kennedy” asking for an immediate funding release. The governor said the…

Read More

Managing Mental Health During the Holidays with ABCD Health Services


‘Very problematic’: The rental market in Boston has been skyrocketing. Is there any relief in sight?

BOSTON — The rental market in Boston has been skyrocketing over the last few years, so much, that it’s become out of reach for many wanting to live where they work. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Boston is a little over $3,000. Is there relief on the horizon? “I know it’s a difficult problem to solve, but…

Read More

Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s Winter Clothing Drive now underway

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s 2025 Winter Clothing Drive to benefit Action for Boston Community Development – a nonprofit that supports more than 100,000 low-income Greater Boston residents each year – is now underway. ​Until Nov. 20, donate your new or lightly used winter clothing for all ages to: Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday…

Read More

Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s Winter Clothing Drive now underway

The Emerald Necklace Conservancy’s 2025 Winter Clothing Drive to benefit Action for Boston Community Development – a nonprofit that supports more than 100,000 low-income Greater Boston residents each year – is now underway. Until Nov. 20, donate your new or lightly used winter clothing for all ages to: Shattuck Visitor Center, 125 The Fenway, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday…

Read More

Mass. residents line up for food donations to fill SNAP gap

About one in six Massachusetts residents are waiting to hear when they will receive money through SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, this month and how much. The national aid program ran out of money over the weekend amid the government shutdown. This morning, in response to a court order, the Trump administration said it is sending states $4.65 billion from…

Read More