FAQ

General

When are you open?

General Hours of Operation
Monday-Thursday, 10am-6pm
Friday, 10am-1pm

Food Pantry Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, 2pm-6pm (or until food runs out)

Diaper & Baby Supply Pantry Hours of Operation
Wednesdays, 9am-12pm (or until supplies run out)

What is your geographic focus?

While our homebase is Chelsea, La Colaborativa’s doors are open to residents across Greater Boston. We provide services where there are needs, with the goal of building a growing base of immigrant leaders who are united and empowered across the state. The majority of our members live and work in Chelsea, East Boston, Everett, Lynn, Malden and Revere.

I need help, how can I reach someone?

La Colaborativa is receiving record numbers of phone calls, emails, and walk-in requests for support. Please know our team is working around the clock to respond to everyone as quickly as possible. The best way to reach someone quickly is to call our main phone number: 617-889-6080. If no one answers, please leave a message with your name, phone number, and a short description of your situation. Someone from our team will get back to you with more information within 24 hours.

You can also reach us via email at hola@la-colaborativa.org or via our online Contact Form.

I’ve heard that accessing any public help could hurt my chances of becoming a citizen. Will receiving help from La Colaborativa impact by immigration journey?

No. Our programs and services are available to everyone, regardless of immigration status. We operate independently from any government agency and we will never share your information with anyone outside of our organization. Receiving assistance from La Colaborativa will not count towards the “public charge” rule, or be used in any way by immigration officials. Please trust that we fully support undocumented and mixed-status families and will do everything within our power to ensure you are protected.

I want to help, what is the best way to support La Colaborativa?

Financial donations are one of the best ways to support La Colaborativa and ensure we have the resources and capacity needed to meet the high level of needs in our community.

Volunteers are also needed to keep our programs running efficiently.

Links to
Donate
Volunteer

Food & Diaper Pantry

Chelsea Collaborative distributes groceries that include diapers, baby formula, and diaper cream to residents in need. If you or someone you know are unable to go to the Chelsea Collaborative to receive your groceries, please contact us at (617) 889-6080 and we will work with you to deliver groceries to your door.

What are Food Pantry Hours?

Food Pantry Hours of Operation
Monday-Friday, 2pm-6pm (or until food runs out)

Diaper & Baby Supply Pantry Hours of Operation
Wednesdays, 9am-12pm (or until supplies run out)

What is available from the Food Pantry?

You can expect to receive an array of groceries. We try to provide fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, milk, rice, beans, and maseca in each box, depending on availability of food donations each day. Through our Diaper and Baby Supply Pantry, we also have diapers, wipes, formula, and baby food available (distributions begin Wednesday mornings at 9am).

How can I get diapers or baby supplies?

Diaper and baby supply distributions begin at 9am on Wednesday mornings. If you cannot make it at that time, please call us at 617-889-6080.

How do I sign up for Food Delivery?

Please fill out the Food Delivery Form or call 617-889-6080

Housing

How does La Colaborativa help tenants?

La Colaborativa is working around the clock to protect vulnerable tenants facing eviction. Through the following actions we provide immediate eviction interventions

  • Mediation with landlords and tenants to prevent evictions;
  • Connect residents to free legal services;
  • Work with local law enforcement and City officials to uphold the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 anti-eviction law. Please click here for easy to understand your rights during the COVID-19 eviction moratorium.

I’m behind on rent and I can’t afford to pay. What should I do?

You should first attempt to work with your landlord to reach an arrangement based on what you are able to afford to pay. Mass Legal Help has created a COVID-19 Housing 101 webpage. We encourage you to read this to be as informed as possible about your rights and responsibilities before engaging your landlord. It is encouraged you are informed when advocating for an adjustment in rent.
If you are unable to reach an agreement with your landlord, and you face eviction, please contact our office for assistance. You can reach us at (617) 889-6080. We will assess your case and work with you to resolve any threats of eviction.

I’m being evicted. Can you help?

If you find yourself facing eviction, contact us at (617) 889-6080.
Now more than ever it is important to be informed about your rights and responsibilities. Please review the following resources to help you if you are facing eviction.

  • City Life/Vida Urbana COVID-19 Housing Resources: City Life/Vida Urbana operates an emergency eviction and foreclosure hotline, in English and Spanish, at (617) 934-5006 and (617) 397-3773. City Life/Vida Urbana also has a template letter (in both English and Spanish) to send to your landlord or bank if you rent, if you have a mortgage, or if your ability to pay has been affected by the coronavirus.
  • Greater Boston Legal Aid provides a help sheet (in both English and Spanish) for tenants facing eviction. Housing court is currently closed except for emergency cases until May 4. If you need legal representation in an eviction dispute, Mass Legal Services has a useful tool to help find legal aid in your area.
  • The state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program is a tool used by the Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) team to provide eligible households up to $4,000 per 12-month period that can be used to help retain their housing, obtain new housing, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless. Click here to learn more about the Massachusetts RAFT Program

I was laid off and have no income to pay rent. What resources are available to help me?

  • The City of Chelsea now has the Emergency Rental Assistance Program. Qualifying applicants may be eligible for a grant equivalent to up to three (3) months of rent, or $5,000, whichever amount is less. Click here to learn more about the program.
  • You can also apply to the The state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program. RAFT is a tool used by the Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) team to provide eligible households up to $4,000 per 12-month period that can be used to help retain their housing, obtain new housing, or otherwise avoid becoming homeless. Click here to learn more about the Massachusetts RAFT Program
  • You may also be eligible for unemployment benefits (see below for information about unemployment benefits.)

I have COVID-19 and I’m worried about the people in my apartment. What should I do?

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has guidance on what to do if you feel ill. We encourage you to read those guidelines as well as their guidance for those living in close quarters and shared housing.

I’m afraid to access public benefits because of my status. Should I still seek housing assistance?

Please read the resources below regarding Public Charge. We encourage individuals that are in need of assistance to review the links below to become informed about Public Charge.

COVID-19

When should I get tested for COVID-19?

  • According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, if you develop symptoms of COVID-19, even if they are mild, please contact your healthcare provider and a test site near you to schedule a test. You can also check your symptoms online.
    • Symptoms may include:
      • Fever, chills or shaking chills
    • Signs of a lower respiratory illness (e.g., cough, shortness of breath, lowered oxygen saturation)
    • Fatigue, sore throat, headache, body aches/myalgia, or new loss of sense of taste or smell
    • Other less common symptoms can include gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g. nausea, vomiting, diarrhea), rash, and inflammatory conditions such as “COVID toes”.

In elderly, chronically ill, or debilitated individuals such as residents of a long-term care facility, symptoms of COVID-19 may be subtle such as alterations in mental status or in blood glucose control

Additionally, if you are a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, please contact a test site near you to schedule a test. You are a close contact of a COVID-19 positive person if you were within 6 feet of them, for at least 10-15 minutes, while they were symptomatic or within the 48 hours before symptom onset.

COVID-19 testing for symptomatic individuals and their close contacts is free and covered by your insurance.

Click here to get more information about COVID-19 testing.

What happens if I’m positive with COVID-19?

You should adhere to all CDC guidelines. You should stay at home and self quarantine, unless you need emergency medical assistance.

I don’t have health insurance. Should I still get tested for COViD-19?

Yes. In many instances COVID-19 tests will be provided at no charge. If you are undocumented, do not have health insurance, or are worried about the cost of a COVID-19 test, please call us and we will work with you to help you navigate the testing process so you can get tested and become informed of your status. Call us at (617)889-6080 at any time.

Where can I find reliable information about COVID-19 in Spanish?

https://www.who.int/es/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters

I’m afraid to get tested because of my status. What should I do?

  • You can get tested regardless of your status. You will not be deported for getting tested for COVID-19. You are encouraged to contact us if you are afraid to get a COVID-19 test or are unable to get a test for any reason. Please call us at (617) 889-6080.
  • You must also know that according to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, Health care providers do not have to verify your immigration or citizenship status and can help you regardless. Emergency departments can also provide emergency care without asking about immigration, citizenship, or insurance status. Click here to learn more about your rights.
  • We encourage you to review the links below to become more familiar with Public Charge and how it is being applied during the COVID-19 crisis.

I’m afraid to get medical attention because of my status. What do I need to know?

  • You will not be deported because you are seeking medical attention during the pandemic. Also, according to the Attorney GeneraI’s Office, ICE cannot detain you at a hospital or similar places such as doctors’ offices, health clinics, and urgent care centers. Click here to read more.
  • We encourage you to seek any medical help if you need it. You are especially encouraged to seek medical help if you have any or all of the below symptoms as they may be a sign of a COVID-19 infection.
    • Trouble breathing
    • Persistent pain or pressure in the chest
    • New confusion
    • Inability to wake or stay awake
    • Bluish lips or face
  • As always, if you are encouraged to contact us at (617)889-6080 if you have any fear seeking assistance, or face any trouble obtaining care.

Financial Assistance

How do I apply for unemployment assistance?

You can apply for unemployment benefits by using this link: https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-unemployment-benefits.The Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance hosts daily webinars to help individuals understand the process to seek benefits. Individuals can click here to access the webinar. You can also click here to access a slide deck that explains how to obtain benefits. 

We can help with applications for unemployment assistance – call 617-889-6080

Can I apply for unemployment assistance if I’m undocumented?

According to the Massachusetts Department of Unemployment Assistance, if you’re a non-U.S. citizen filing for unemployment benefits, DUA must verify that you are legally authorized to work in the United States. This is required by the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986. Your legal authorization to work will be verified through a computer match with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). The information received from the USCIS may affect your eligibility for unemployment benefits. Click here for more information about filing for unemployment as a non-U.S. citizen. 

How long will I get unemployment assistance?

Unemployment benefits run out after 30 weeks. 

Will I get deported if I file for unemployment assistance?

 You must verify that you are legally authorized to work in the United States if you plan to file for unemployment benefits

Work

I’m working but my employer isn’t paying me. What can I do?

You have every right to receive the compensation you are owed, regardless of your immigration status. According to the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, as a worker, you have the right: 

To be paid a legal rate of pay, in full and on time, including:

  • Minimum wage Overtime Prevailing wage on public works projects
  • To be free from sexual harassment and other forms of discrimination on the job
  • To a safe and healthy workplace
  • To organize To be classified properly as an employee

If you feel that you are a victim of wage theft, please review the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office wage theft website to learn more about your rights and how to file a complaint.

Please know that your employer can not retaliate against you should you file a complaint. You are entitled to pay regardless of your immigration status. Anyone that is a victim of wage theft should contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office for more information and guidance.  

I’m undocumented. Can I do anything to get the money that is owed to me?

Yes. The MA Attorney General’s Office serves all workers, regardless of immigration status. Click here to know your rights as an immigrant worker and how you get any money you are owed.

I know if I ask for help I will get fired. Why should I even bother to get my money?

It is against the law for any employer to retaliate against an employee that has filed a wage theft complaint. If your employer retaliates against you, please contact the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division at (617) 963-2917 for assistance. 

How much privacy do I have when I file a wage theft complaint?

Your employer may become aware that you have filed a wage theft complaint. Please read the below fact sheets to know how you will be protected should your employer attempt to retaliate against you because you filed a wage theft complaint.

Will I get deported if I file a wage theft complaint?

You will not be deported or nor will your immigration status be at risk if you file a complaint. You are entitled and encouraged to file a wage theft complaint if your employer is withholding pay. Please visit the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office Information for immigrant workers about their rights website for more information about your rights filing a wage theft complaint. You can also call the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office at (617) 963-2917 if you are unable to access the website.

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