Rodent Prevention
The City of Cambridge’s Inspectional Services Department offers free exterior rodent control services through its Private Property Rodent Control Program. Since launching in 2021, the program has helped over 900 qualified residential properties by providing professional inspections, treatments, and follow-up visits. Residents also receive education on effective rodent prevention techniques. The City encourages community-wide participation, as sanitation and shared responsibility are essential to keeping neighborhoods rodent-free.
16-28 Porter Street
16-28 Porter Street is a 12,920 square foot vacant lot located in the Wellington-Harrington neighborhood, a location surrounded by many amenities such as Twin city Plaza, Gold Star Mothers Park, and the Lechmere MBTA station. It was acquired by the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) in April 2026 with financial support from the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT). The site is expected to be developed under the provisions of the Affordable Housing Overlay.
Get Help with SNAP and MassHealth Benefits
Thousands of Cambridge residents are losing or at risk of losing their SNAP (formerly food stamps) benefits and MassHealth insurance because of federal policy changes that introduce new immigration and work requirements. The City of Cambridge, Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee (CEOC), the Cambridge Community Foundation, and more than 30 other community-based organizations created a coordinated system to help Cambridge residents understand these changes, re-enroll in benefits if they are still eligible, and access important resources.
Shop for Free with The Spot: Prom Day
Join the Spot Cambridge and the Cambridge Public Library for its Shop for Free: Prom Day event. A wide range of dresses, suits, and accessories suitable for Prom will be available. All clothing and accessories are free of charge. No registration is required.
All high school students, regardless of school attended or city of residence, are welcome to come Shop for Free. For more information, please get in touch with spotcambridge@karayallc.com.
Food Truck Vending in Cambridge
Food trucks are an important and growing part of the Cambridge food businesses economy. Like farmers markets and open air festivals, food trucks offer new food businesses a relatively low-cost opportunity for testing menu items, building brand awareness, and growing a loyal customer base. Additionally, their “pop-up” style of operation introduces a playful element to public spaces that residents, workers, and visitors enjoy and appreciate as part of a high quality of life in Cambridge.
Kids Paint Party at the Library (O'Connell)
Join us for a fun afternoon of painting, led by local artist Lynn Vandick and geared toward kids ages 7-12. Paint your favorite squishy toy, or paint one of ours! Each painter will receive one of our assorted squishy toys to paint and keep.
Acrylic paint can stain clothing. Please wear old clothing.
No experience necessary. Kids age 7-12 are welcome.
Registration is required and will open two weeks before the event.
Coordinated Care By a Community That Goes Above and Beyond for Those Most In Need
This is a story about “John.” If you have visited Harvard Square anytime over the last two decades, there is a good chance you have come across John. He is one of the more well-known, long-term unhoused Cambridge residents in the Harvard Square area. But you might not know where his story started and how the Cambridge Police Department, Harvard Square Business Association, Healthcare for the Homeless, and many other agencies have been coming together to support John over the years.