Social Assistance Program

Assisting Indigenous Native American Elders & Families Across Massachusetts with a focus on families & Elders in Essex, Suffolk and Middlesex Counties.

FUNDING PARTNERS:

MCNAA is deeply grateful for the longstanding support of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office, whose partnership began in 2019 through the Natural Gas Fuel Assistance Program and continued in 2022 under its new name, the Residential Energy Assistance Grant Program. Their ongoing commitment helps Native residents across the Commonwealth reduce or fully cover high home‑heating costs.

We are also thankful to The Boston Foundation, Eastern Bank Foundation, and Essex County Community Foundation for their recent grant support, along with the many private donors whose generosity helps sustain this vital program.

PROGRAM IMPACT:

During Fiscal Year 2026 (July 1, 2025 – June 30, 2026), MCNAA provided more than $98,000 in direct assistance to Native Elders and families, helping them stay nourished, safe, warm, and secure in their homes.

The Social Assistance Program was created to provide timely and compassionate support to Indigenous Native Americans living in marginalized communities throughout the Commonwealth. This initiative is a lifeline for those experiencing temporary financial hardship and lacking access to a reliable safety net.

This program is designed to uplift and assist:

• Native families navigating economic instability

• Our respected Elders facing age-related challenges

• Individuals living with disabilities

• Community members managing chronic illness

• Other vulnerable Native residents at high risk for unmet basic needs

These individuals often face compounded socio-economic disparities, limited access to critical resources, and systemic barriers that make everyday survival a struggle.

MCNAA provides direct assistance to help with essential needs, including:

• Heating support during harsh New England winters, ensuring families can maintain safe, warm homes when seasonal costs become overwhelming.

• Food security, helping Native families access nutritious meals through grocery store gift cards, emergency food bags, referrals to local food banks and farm projects, partnerships with Indigenous fishermen and hunters, and community‑led food drives.

• Essential household items, including hygiene products, sanitation supplies, clothing, cleaning products, and other daily necessities that support health, stability, and dignity.

This support is not just financial—it’s a gesture of dignity and care for those who need it most.

Assistance is offered:

• During periods of temporary hardship

• Throughout the winter months, when needs are most acute

• In emergency situations that threaten health or well-being

MCNAA pays heat bills directly to service providers or vendors on behalf of the applicant, ensuring timely and secure delivery of funds.

Support is dependent on available funding, which is often limited, and is distributed on a first‑come, first‑served basis to ensure timely response during periods of high need.

If you are a Native American residing in Massachusetts and find yourself in need of help with any of the services listed above, please reach out to MCNAA. If funding is available, you will be provided with the necessary paperwork to begin the application process.

Email us at: mcnaa@aol.com