Program History

Acknowledging the growing number of predominantly Latino immigrants in financial hardship in the Greater Boston, an Initial Response Department was created over twenty years ago to provide financial assistance, advocacy, referrals and food pantry services. Today, we are so well known in the community that our best source of referral is the people themselves. Up to 200 individual clients a month come through our doors specifically seeking access to our Initial Responses services and, consistently, 20% of these clients are first timers’ visitors to El Centro del Cardenal.

El Centro del Cardenal offers families in need the following programs:

Initial Response

Initial Response provides assistance to people in need. The Program offers emergency food, fuel, and rental/utility assistance, as well as holiday assistance. Initial Response, often within 24 hours, can make the difference for those at risk of homelessness or eviction. In addition, Initial Response makes referrals to those in need of shelter, and counseling support. We also put clients in touch with a network of private charities, public assistance programs, and additional services, in order to help address critical underlying needs and to help prevent future crisis situations.

Food Pantry

El Centro del Cardenal Food Pantry provides nutritious groceries to those in need. The food pantry is open from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 P.M., on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Emergency assistance is available on an as needed basis.