Need a little help and don't know where to go? Do you want to find someone to talk to? This comprehensive list of community services and programs can help you get the assistance you need, whatever that may be. Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact us by phone at (508) 696-3844 or by email at Publicbenefits@dukescounty.org.
Resources, Partners, and Friends of the Dukes County Social Services department
- Department of Transitional Assistance - https://www.mass.gov/orgs/department-of-transitional-assistance - The DTA is in charge of all SNAP and WIC cases.
- More information can be found here for the SNAP program.
- More information can be found here for the WIC program.
- South Shore Community Action Council - http://sscac.org - The SSCAC is in charge of Fuel Assistance for all of the Cape and Islands.
- More information can be found here for the Fuel Assistance program.
- Dukes County Healthcare Access - http://mvhealthcareaccess.org - The DCHA is a community-based service of Dukes County that connects residents of Martha’s Vineyard with health benefits. We help people to apply for, enroll in, and maintain coverage in health insurance programs including MassHealth (Medicaid), Medicare , Connector Care and Qualified Health Plans. We also provide assistance with other government benefits like Social Security Disability and Food Stamps.
Homelessness Prevention Services - Residents of MV who find themselves on the verge, in the midst of, or chronically homeless may contact Harbor Homes (harborhomesmv.com) or reach out to the Dukes County Public Benefits Caseworker for additional support to connect to available resources.
- Island Food Pantry - http://islandfoodpantry.org - Since its inception in 1981, the Island Food Pantry has had a simple but effective mission: neighbors helping neighbors get through the winter on Martha’s Vineyard. If you or someone you know need food or supplies, do not hesistate to reach out or visit during open hours.
- Hours (OCT-APRIL): 2-4PM Monday and Wednesday, 10AM-12PM Saturday.
- Hours (MAY-OCT): 2-4PM Wednesday, 10AM-12PM Saturday.
- Martha's Vineyard Community Services -http://mvcommunityservices.org - MV Community Services enhances the lives of Islanders from every corner of the Vineyard community and in every season of their lives.
- Health Imperatives Martha's Vineyard - https://healthimperatives.org/marthas-vineyard/ - Health Imperatives MV is proud to provide high-quality, confidential, and affordable health and human services to island residents. The Family Planning clinic is also run by Health Imperatives and is funded by the Friends of Family Planning MV.
- More information can be found here for the services that the Family Planning MV clinic provides.
- Martha's Vineyard Substance Use Disorder Coalition https://www.mvsud.org/ - The mission of the MV Substance Use Disorder Coalition is to engage, advocate, inform, and bring awareness to substance use disorder through education, prevention, treatment, and recovery to build a healthy, safe, and addiction free community. A valuable resource guide can be found at the Dukes County Social Services office, which will provide a tremendous amount of information and resources for users, family of users, and recovering addicts
- Dukes County Regional Housing Authority - Publicly chartered in 1986 to assist the towns of Martha’s Vineyard and Gosnold with increasing year-round housing opportunities for residents with low and moderate incomes. The housing authority has led several significant efforts including negotiating a six-town agreement to proportionately fund Assistance and Planning, Rental Housing, and Home Ownership opportunities for islanders seeking housing programs and supports.
