Get Help

If you need emergency help, call 911.

For non-emergencies, contact:
📞 Cambridge Police Non-Emergency Line: 617-349-3300
📞 Community Safety: 617-349-7200.

If you’re new to Cambridge or otherwise need help, welcome! You've come to the right place. Here are tips for settling in. This page lays out some of the programs Cambridge offers for safety, housing, food security, and coping with severe weather.

⚠️ Alerts and Updates

Cambridge daily email updates provide information about City news and happenings, upcoming events and public meetings, and other important community information.
The Cambridge Alert Network informs residents and businesses about emergencies and severe weather.

⛈️ Severe Weather

Learn where to go in extreme winter weather, and find more information about what to do during winter snowstorms.
Follow steps to prepare, cope, and recover from extreme heat.

🍎 Food Security

Locate food pantries and learn about free meals and food resources. The Cambridge Food and Fitness Policy Council is another helpful resource.

📱 Homelessness

For Domestic Violence Services, call the Transition House Crisis Line at 617-661-7203 or SAFE Link at 1-877-785-2020.
Find shelter:
- For individuals, find shelters using the MSC Pocket Guide for People Experiencing Homelessness.
- For Families, apply to Massachusetts Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelters.
Get help with questions or problems with your housing such as evictions, homelessness and housing search. Get support for complex housing situations, fires and questions about tenant rights.
Visit the Housed IN Cambridge FAQs to learn about local organizations with housing opportunities and resources.
Visit resilience hubs. These facilities support residents, coordinate communication, and distribute resources.

🏙️ Housing

The state provides low-income families and individuals with rental assistance, including housing vouchers. Visit the Cambridge Community Development Department’s Housing Division page for more information about affordable housing in Cambridge.
Landlords, management companies, and realtors must provide renters with information about their rights and resources, including mediation and legal services.
Renters can report a public health hazard or concern or ask for help fixing issues. They can also request an inspection for potential violations by property owners.

💵 Help With Bills

There are several community energy programs available for low-income households that qualify for assistance through the Cambridge Department of Human Service Programs. Call the Cambridge Energy Helpline to identify which of the following options may best suit your needs.
You might qualify for help with winter heating bills based on your income. Also, connect to other services for utility cost assistance.

🚐 Help with Mobility

The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities makes Cambridge a more accessible place for people with all types of disabilities. Residents, business owners, and other community members can reach out to CCPD staff for accessibility guidance. Visit their website or call 617-349-4692 for more information.
Call the Council on Aging (COA) at 617-349-6220 to learn about help for older adults or people with disabilities who may need assistance clearing sidewalks of snow.
Cambridge offers Door2Door Transportation for residents who have a disability or are 60 years or older who need rides to local non-emergency medical appointments or to the grocery store. Call 617-625-1191 to make a reservation.
Cambridge residents with disabilities or who are 60 and over are eligible for reduced taxi fares. Call 617-349-4692 for information about the Cambridge Taxi Discount Coupon Program. The Cambridge Commission for Persons with Disabilities also has information about transportation options offered by the state, including The RIDE, which provides door-to-door transportation to people with disabilities.

❗Reporting an Issue

Use SeeClickFix to ask for services or report non-emergency issues like dumping in storm drains or overflowing public trash.
For hazardous city trees, contact the Urban Forestry Division.
For public health hazards or environmental concerns, contact the Cambridge Public Health Department.
Housing Inspectional Services addresses complaints about sanitary code violations like lack of heat or plumbing issues.