Ensuring that individuals and families experiencing financial difficulty receive services and have access to resources needed to meet basic needs, improve quality of life, and work toward greater self-sufficiency.

JF&CS's Basic Needs Navigation addresses the needs of people in the Jewish community, clients being served by one of the many programs of JF&CS, and others in the Greater Boston community. To help our clients foster economic independence and get connected to services and resources that can support them in a time of need, we provide a compassionate and holistic response through 1:1 case management support services. This program also works in partnership with other Center for Basic Needs Assistance programs, including Bet Tzedek Legal Services and Family Table.

Types of Basic Needs Assistance

Our Basic Needs Navigation case managers use the following tools and strategies to support the individuals and families they work with: 

Financial Assistance

JF&CS manages several funds to assist people with low income in regaining their economic stability. Financial assistance is available primarily for housing costs such as rent, moving expenses, fuel, and utilities.

Help to Maximize Resources and Income

Case managers help connect clients to utility discount plans and protections where eligible, and help families resolve fuel and utility crises. They share knowledge with clients about other financial assistance from government and private resources in their local area. Case managers also work with clients to get the most they can out of their existing benefits, like SNAP, subsidized housing, health insurance, and more. 

Jewish Burial Assistance

A fund to assist in providing a simple burial for Jewish people with limited resources.

Support for Kids Throughout the Year

B'nai Mitzvah Fund

We offer financial assistance for costs associated with a Bar/Bat Mitzvah including tutor, tallit, outfit, room rental, or Kiddush.

Holiday Gift Card Drive

We provide gift cards to current clients to help them buy a present for their child(ren) during the holiday season. This program is available only to individuals who are already receiving services through JF&CS.

Camp Scholarship Fund

Ensures that children whose families are struggling economically have the opportunity to attend summer camp.

Interest-Free Loans

Hebrew Free Loan

In collaboration with CJP, JF&CS offers interest-free loans for Jewish life cycle events, adoption, home repairs, car purchase, and other expenses. Loans are available from $1,000 up to $10,000 to households of moderate income. Residency in the Greater Boston community and a complete loan application are required. 

Max Rosenfeld Loan

Max Rosenfeld Loan provides interest-free loans for the education, skill-building, and/or training of Jewish women living in Greater Boston for the purpose of expanding their employment opportunities. Applicants must be enrolling in a course, workshop, training, or program with the goal of increasing earning potential or employment opportunities. Programs offered by academic institutions must be accredited. Loan amounts are between $1,000 and $5,000.

Get Help

Income eligibility and other criteria apply for all of the services listed above. For information regarding these resources, call us at 781-693-1388, email basicneeds@jfcsboston.org, or submit an inquiry online.