About the Community Health Worker Division
A Somerville Community Health Worker (CHW) is:
- a bridge between the Somerville Community, the health and human services department, and community-based organizations.
- the person to rely on for help navigating the public benefits or services system, as well as an advocate for individual and community needs through data-driven policy development.
- The “boots on the ground,” meeting community members where they are and offering system navigation, health education, and connection to services.
- A reliable source of data collection to identify emerging health issues, determine gaps in existing services, and develop programs addressing health inequities
The direct services CHWs provide focus on reaching underserved populations who aren’t otherwise connected to care. The outreach we do is data-driven and tailored to existing health disparities. We do not work with individuals long-term; we focus on encouraging self-efficacy and sufficiency.
Contact Information
Current Services and projects include:
- Naloxone distribution and usage training
- Health clinics at SHC (Medical services provided by external health professionals)
- New arrival assistance and support
- Public benefits system navigation and assistance
- MassHealth
- SNAP
- Outreach and engagement
- Street outreach (sometimes with Somerville Homeless Coalition and/or Fenway Health)
- Community engagement events
Looking for guidance on how to help someone in immediate need in Somerville? Visit our Together in Public Spaces page.
Community Health Workers can meet with you at the City Hall Annex via walk-in or appointment, located at 50 Evergreen Ave Room 207, Somerville, MA 02145.
Community Health Workers hold office hours at the Somerville Homeless Coalition Engagement Center (1 Davis Square, Somerville, MA) every Tuesday from 2 to 4 p.m.
Community Health Workers can help you with:
- SNAP applications
- MassHealth applications
- Food pantry list
- Shelter list
- Narcan training
- Referrals to other city programs
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