The Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) provides free help with Fuel Assistance applications for Portuguese-speaking residents of Cambridge and Somerville at the organization’s office in Cambridge, at 1046 Cambridge Street. The program runs from November 1st to April 30th and is available to any family or individual within the income guidelines.

Eligible clients can call the health and social services organization in Cambridge at 617-864-7600 to schedule a free appointment with MAPS caseworkers for assistance with the application process, as well as renewals. Community members in other cities may also reach out to MAPS for help renewing their fuel assistance.

The Cambridge Fuel Assistance Program is a federally funded program that helps low-income residents pay their winter heating bills. Renters and homeowners who live in Cambridge or Somerville are eligible to apply if they meet federal income guidelines. Households that include non-citizens may be eligible to apply if they meet specific qualifications. For more information about eligibility and benefit levels, visit www.cambridgema.gov/FuelAssistance.