Neighborhood Services

Willis Center operates two Neighborhood Centers with food pantries which target the high level of poverty and increasing need for food aid in Worcester.

Families depend on the Willis Center pantries in Great Brook Valley and Plumley Village for emergency food, clothing and referrals to other social services that improve quality of life for adults and children alike.

If you or someone you know is in need of food aid, contact the Willis Center at 508-799-6981 or 508-852-8905.

At the first visit to the Neighborhood Centers, families and individuals are paired up with culturally competent case managers who facilitate the enrollment in government assistance programs and make referrals other essential Willis Center services or to other services available in the community. Services include:

  • Assistance completing food stamp/SNAP and other food assistance applications

  • Assistance completing health insurance applications

  • Nutrition Education classes

  • Budgeting classes

  • Job search and placement assistance

  • Emergency Clothing

  • Translation Services

  • Children’s toys and gifts at the holidays

 •  Coats and warm winter clothing

  • Rent and Utility assistance

  • Youth Outreach and HIV Education/Prevention

Assistance empowers service recipients to gain access to needed services and provides for basic human needs allowing service recipients to improve their overall quality of life.

With up to 20% of Worcester residents’ living below the poverty line, Worcester’s poverty rate is almost double that of the state. The financial crisis has caused an increase in need of food aid, emergency food, and clothing, as well as an increase in the number of two-parent families requesting aid, in recent years.

Willis Center pantries have seen a 20% increase in need for food aid since 2008.

The services provided at the pantries have a two pronged aim: to alleviate the immediate burdens of poverty and hunger, and use strategic supports that structure opportunities and look to the long-term for sustainable solutions. The Willis Center works to change the conditions that cause hunger in the community by providing culturally competent service to the poor, disadvantaged, and minorities.

Please Note: The Plumley Village neighborhood center provides food to the 01608 zip code and the Bell Hill area of the 01605 zip code. The Great Brook Valley neighborhood center provides food to the 01605 zip code. Emergency food and referrals are provided to everyone.