Contract Extension Approved; Other Network News
Dear Network Members:
I hope everyone had a great end of summer. In the midst of alternating vacations, a lot of Network business took place and I wanted to provide you with some of the highlights below:
- Yesterday, the ICHH officially approved our contract extension through March 31, 2010. The extension is for $114,236 and is allocated among 3 providers: Mental Health Association ($78,936), ServiceNet ($21,000) and The Brien Center ($14,300). All funds were part of each provider’s original contract and were not spent due to a delay in the start of the contracts and resulting staffing delays or turnover. The extension will allow us to house an additional 11 individuals, bringing our total served to at least 42 chronically homeless individuals (the original contract promised to house 38). So this is great news! Please click here to read the contract extension request if you would like additional detail.
- The ICHH also approved contract amendments for this last month of the pilot period, permitting $18,953.00 in additional unspent funds from The Brien Center and from the data budget line (due to our data analyst Suzanne Smith’s late hire) to be moved to family providers to immediately help rehouse additional families currently living in motels. The process, overseen by the Steering Committee, exemplified the very best of our Network development: 4 Hampden County providers, Center for Human Development, HAPHousing, New England Farm Workers Council and Valley Opportunity Council, brainstormed the best use of the dollars and decided together how to ensure the quickest and largest impact on rehousing families in our region. Hats off to them and to so many Network members for making this possible.
- In addition to the ICHH contract extension, the Network – that is, Suzanne’s and my positions – will continue to be supported beyond September 30, thanks to remaining funds from the United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV). We are incredibly grateful for their support and look forward to continuing to build our partnership. Please click here to read the report to the United Way, which offers an overview of what we have accomplished thus far and a sampling of what lies ahead. This report is a starting point for a more organized and developed fundraising effort that is in our immediate future. At our next Leadership Council meeting on October 27, we will be reviewing more in-depth development and workplan proposals.
- One Family, Inc., with ICHH, is sponsoring a statewide end-of-pilot-period event in Worcester on September 23rd. I have been invited to sit on a panel to speak about Network successes and challenges. We should all feel honored by the ask!
- I want to take this opportunity to welcome Bill Miller, executive director of Friends of the Homeless, as a new member of the Leadership Council. As a director of the largest shelter for homeless individuals in the western region and already an active member of our individual services committee, joining the Leadership Council is a natural extension of the collaboration currently underway. Welcome, Bill!
As this pilot period comes to a close, we can pause to celebrate not only what we have accomplished thus far but the promise of what lies ahead. I look forward to continuing to work with all of you to make this Network the engine for ending homelessness in our region. Your commitment and determination are what make it possible.
Wishing you all a healthy fall season.
Pamela
Director, Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
Steering Committee Meeting Minutes – 9/2/10
In attendance: Father Stan Aksamit, Jane Banks, Joanne Glier, Erica Johnson, Peg Keller, Mike Longley, Andrea Miller, Pamela Schwartz, Suzanne Smith, Lynne Wallace
Leadership Council membership:
- Agreed to invite Bill Miller, executive director, Friends of the Homeless
- Agreed to invite Gina Selin, a consumer referred from the Recovery Learning Community – we will address lack of computer through communication via Learning Community and will accommodate transportation needs. All agreed her presence on the LC would be a meaningful contribution.
- Restated earlier agreement (made via email) to invite Sylvia deHaas-Phillips, vice president, United Way of Pioneer Valley
End of Pilot Project accounting:
Erica Johnson presented a budget update and explained the communication and processing with ICHH regarding reconciliation of bills between Fiscal Years 2010 and 2011 and our remaining funds as of 10/1 when the pilot period ends (with the presumed exception of our narrow contract extension). Committee members had a lengthy discussion to gain further understanding, and the good news from Erica is that all questions are nearly resolved. Lynne Wallace will follow-up with Erica to review and discuss in more detail and will report back to the steering committee.
Fundraising: We agreed to continue via email the discussion of Network fundraising efforts, following-up on our to-do lists from earlier meetings.
Our next meeting will focus on both fundraising and workplan development for the new fiscal year.
Next meeting: Thursday, October 7, 3-5 pm, DMH Haskell Building, Northampton.
Act Now: Urge Senate to Extend TANF Funds
Below is an important announcement from the National Alliance to End Homelessness that impacts many of the people we serve. Please read and act ASAP.
Urge Senators to Extend Critical Support for Low-Income Families AND Create Jobs
The Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF) is helping states to prevent and end homelessness for families across the country. ECF funds can help states create subsidized employment for low-income parents, provide short-term rent assistance to families experiencing a housing crisis, and offer cash assistance to low-income families.
Unfortunately, ECF funds are due to expire on September 30!
We must urge the Senate to take action NOW to extend the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund.
Today, Senator Kerry (D-MA) began circulating a “Dear Colleague” congressional sign-on letter urging Senate leaders to provide a one-year, $2.5 billion extension of the ECF before it expires on September 30. For more information, see “Background” below. The deadline for joining the letter is Wednesday, September 15 at 12 p.m. ET.
What You Can Do
When senators return to Washington on September 14, they will only have two short weeks to extend the TANF ECF. Please make sure your senators know how these resources could benefit families in your state and urge them to extend the ECF. They can show their support by signing onto Senator Kerry’s sign-on letter.
- Call the housing staffers in your senators’ offices. Senators’ phone numbers can be found by calling the congressional switchboard at 202-224-3121.
- Explain what your state is already doing with ECF dollars and what you could do with more. For more information on how your state is currently using TANF ECF dollars, click here.
- Ask them to ask their bosses to sign onto Senator Kerry’s “Dear Colleague” letter urging Senate leaders to extend the ECF by September 30. The deadline for signing on is Wednesday, September 15 at 12 p.m. ET.
- Ask when you can follow up to find out if their bosses will sign onto the letter.
Interested senators should contact Alison Bonebrake in Senator Kerry’s office at Alison_Bonebrake@kerry.senate.gov to sign onto the letter.
In addition, if your state and community are not already accessing ECF dollars, you should work with key officials at both the state and local level to access the next round of funds for homelessness prevention and assistance.
BACKGROUND
What is TANF ECF?
The TANF Emergency Contingency Fund (ECF) was created through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) in early 2009, though it is set to expire on September 30, 2010. It provides critical resources to states to:
- Create new work opportunities for low-income mothers and fathers so they can provide care for their children (subsidized employment);
- Provide emergency assistance to families experiencing a housing crisis – including mortgage assistance, help paying for motels, eviction prevention, and rapid re-housing assistance (short-term benefits); and
- Cover the increased costs of providing cash assistance to eligible, low-income families who may have lost jobs and are ineligible for unemployment insurance so that states do not have to absorb the increased costs by cutting other programs.
How Can TANF ECF Serve People Experiencing Homelessness?
TANF ECF funds can be used to prevent and end homelessness. In fact, ECF funds have helped create more than 200,000 jobs across the country for low-income families who might be at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
In addition, TANF ECF can be used with Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Program (HPRP) funds to prevent and end family homelessness. Carmen Nazario, Assistant Secretary for Children and Families at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Mercedes Marquez, Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development at the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, had this to say about combining TANF ECF and HPRP funds to serve homeless and at-risk families:
“As parents have lost jobs or faced other economic challenges, many families are falling behind on rent or mortgage payments and are at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Many households are confronted by eviction from their apartment or foreclosure on their home, while others have already fallen into homelessness but may be able to move toward stability with immediate assistance. … Where possible, we strongly encourage State TANF agencies to work together with HPRP programs to maximize the benefit and efficiency of both resources to serve families.”
Click here for more information on how the TANF ECF can be used in conjunction with HPRP funds to help homeless families.
Who Else Supports a TANF ECF Extension?
State and County leaders across the country have urged Congress to take action and extend the TANF ECF. The National Governors’ Association, the National Council of State Legislatures, and the National Council of Counties Board of Directors have all expressed their support of this extension.
Join the movement to preserve and expand programs that can help families avoid homelessness and help families achieve greater economic self-sufficiency by improving their work skills. Urge your senators to support the extension to the TANF Emergency Contingency Fund TODAY.
Peter Pan Bus guidelines for emergency transportation
Peter Pan Bus Lines provides complimentary bus service to assist victims of domestic violence, or where transportation is necessary for medical treatment, housing assistance or other emergency services.
The company recently revised its guidelines for use of this service. Please see the new guidelines here.
Editorial Praise of the Network
The largest daily paper in Hampshire County, the Daily Hampshire Gazette, published an editorial on Tuesday, August 31, in response to the dismantling of a small ‘tent city’ in Northampton. In the course of setting forth the challenge and possible solutions, it acknowledged the efforts of the Western Mass. Network:
A relatively new initiative, the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness, continues its effort to create more low-cost housing units. The group also works to coordinate services for the homeless and cut through the red tape that sometimes keeps people from tapping in to resources that will get them help. The homelessness network has the support of mayors and other civic leaders in the region and is partnered with key social service agencies.
Click here to read the whole editorial. While the challenges continue to loom large, we can feel buoyed by our region’s growing recognition of the Network’s role in meeting them. Hats off to all of us.
The Lt. Governor Meets the Network!
Our Network had the pleasure of meeting with Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray on Tuesday, August 24th at the Friends of the Homeless in Springfield. The Lt. Governor requested the meeting on the heels of other western Massachusetts events. Leadership council member Sylvia deHaas-Phillips of the United Way of Pioneer Valley generously stepped up to host the meeting as Pamela and Council co-chairs Lynne Wallace and Father Stan Aksamit were out of town. We also had 15 other Network partners from across the region in attendance, all on two days notice, a true testament to our depth as a Network. Members seized the opportunity to both hear from the Lt. Governor about the importance of our effort and to share with him how vital the Network is and will continue to be in our work to end homelessness.
Thanks to all who could be there and congratulations to everyone for once again demonstrating our unity and commitment!
Join the Network in Honoring Dave Modzleweski!
Our Network is proud to spread the news that The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) has selected one of our own to honor, David Modzelewski, in its statewide special event “Honoring Achievements in Ending Chronic Homelessness.” As you know, Dave has worked tirelessly with the state Department of Mental Health as a leader in efforts to end chronic homelessness across the region. Congratulations, Dave!
In honor of the occasion, the Western Massachusetts Network and the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission are co-sponsoring a table at the event, which will take place on:
Monday, September 20
8:00 – 9:30 am
The Beechwood Hotel
363 Plantation Street, Worcester
Click here for details of the event, which will also honor Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray and other leaders across the state.
If you are from the western region and would like to attend, please email coordinator Pamela Schwartz at pschwartz77@gmail.com and we will facilitate your $25 ticket purchase through the Network.
We hope you can join us in celebrating our colleague!
Data Committee Meeting Minutes – August 19, 2010
In Attendance: Michael Doherty, Charlie Knight, Nicole Desabrais, Lori Ingraham, Andrea Miller, Ron Krakowiak, Mary Orisich, Suzanne Smith.
Update on Funding of Data Analyst and Research Assistants Post 9/30 – Discussions between the three continua about merging HMIS systems have continued, and consultations with Social Solutions and others are ongoing. It is currently looking like sharing staff among continuaa rather than data systems might be the best way to go. The state will roll out Social Solutions as its new system in November, making it available to CoCs free of charge for the first year. In addition to their HMIS system, Social Solutions has a promising new subscription software program called ETO Community, which would allow us to integrate data across the three continuaa. This is currently looking like the best bet for merging and analyzing our data as a region, but it could take several months before full implementation.
The timing of these developments is such that Three County CoC HUD/HMIS funds will most likely not be available to fund the network level Data Analyst position in October, as the best use of those funds is still being determined. In addition, the purchase of hardware and software for the network will be postponed until more is known about what will be needed in conjunction with the ETO Community software. In the meantime, to continue to build on our current momentum, another source of funding will be found to extend the Data Analyst contract at a level that would be enough to sustain existing work and bridge the gap.
Housing Court Data Collection: The committee strategized ways to continue Housing Court data collection and entry for ongoing analysis and follow up after the end of the ICHH grant. Providers who staff the housing court should continue to fill out forms. Suzanne and Nicole will create a student internship or service learning position that will cover data input and some analysis. Nicole will pull together a description and list of appropriate college offices. Suzanne will circulate to Judge Fields and committee for feedback before it is posted.
Performance Measurement:
Family Shelter entries have been increasing through late July and the early part of August, and hotel numbers have increased from the low of 166 on July 14th to 190 on August 14. This is being seen statewide and coincides with the ICHH and balance of state HPRP funds having been used up. The housing court has also seen more evictions as unemployment benefits have run out. We discussed the ways we could look at expected levels of homelessness given the poverty rates in our area and compare that to what we are seeing to get a better handle on our impact. We are not far enough in to some our family rehousing efforts to determine sustainability rates, but following up on whether our efforts resulted in sustainable housing of families will provide a key indicator.
On the individual side, we are up to 31 chronically homeless individuals housed through the ICHH grant, with a contract extension allowing for another 11 being placed in housing by March, 2011.
The Second Quarter Outcomes Report was distributed. This report went to Leadership Council in July. Some indicators still require data collection or quality improvement in order to be calculated accurately. The monthly PIT counts are sometimes over estimated due to inaccurate exit dates entered into the HMIS system. We are now going each provider to get the numbers for the given dates. We are aiming to have the quarter 2 PIT counts by September 1, and until the new system is in place and data quality is assured, we will implement an automated monthly survey to collect those numbers.
The Committee discussed ongoing data collection strategies post 9/30. The best bet to bridge the time between the end of the grant and the beginning of new systems (SHORE’s move to Social Solutions in November, the three County CoC’s hiring of an HMIS administrator, ETO community being up and running) will be to continue the monthly surveys of individuals and family providers, only expanding the provider list to include all providers and the questions to cover numbers relevant to the outcomes we want to measure. These include number of families rehoused from shelter and hotels, monthly Point in Time counts, and the numbers of chronically homeless individuals housed throughout the region, not just through REACH programs but through other means as well. The best tool will be an automated survey that will go out once per month with a limited number of questions asking for summary data, without any identifying information. As the new systems roll out, these numbers can begin to serve as a check on data quality. Reporting these survey results out will provide some needed feedback on how we are doing as a region. This approach will keep us moving as we gather additional resources and implement the new systems.
Next Meeting:
Tuesday, September 21, 1-2:30 Springfield Housing Court
Hampden County Diversion Meeting Minutes – 8/4/10
Diversion meeting – 8/4/10
In attendance: John Bednaz, NEFWC, Martha Ceplikas, DHCD, Marcia Crutchfield, HAP, Leonard Hayes, Steve Huntley, VOC, Jane Lindfors, DTA domestic violence, Eneida Madho, DCF, Betty Miller, NEFWC, Ita Mullarkey, DHCD, Jim Reis, HAP, Tom Salter, NEFWC, Pamela Schwartz, Network, Luz Vega, Womanshelter, Janette Vigo, YWCA
Current situation: Martha noted that applications have picked up tremendously this past week. An average of 20 families/day. John, diversion worker, confirmed big pick-up in traffic.
Staffing update: Assistant director position and new homeless coordinator hires moving along, awaiting Governor action.
NEFWC HPRP amendment for additional hire: hoping to get approval within a couple of weeks, will post and hire immediately.
Space issue at DTA office: Ita will advocate for additional cubicle for DHCD on first floor for efficiency; consider possible move of clerical staff to 2nd floor. John confirmed that move to 2nd floor would be very difficult for flow.
HAP’s conflict resolution services: HAP will offers two sessions per week starting the first week of September. How do families get referred? Jim will follow-up with DHCD and DCF to work out protocol, allowing for referrals from both to take place.
Housing Authorities: Can DHCD work with housing authorities on doubling up so they do not evict on that basis? DHCD sent letter to housing authorities advising them not to evict on basis of doubling up. Ita will send this memo to providers.
HAP ESG funds: Distributed guidelines and criteria for state ESG eligibility (Springfield guidelines will be available next week). State funds ready to access now (city within the week). $52K from state; $42K from city. All cash assistance for families (note 3 month maximum of assistance).
HAP appointment system with diversion cases coming from DHCD: Expanded appointment times from 30 to 60 minutes to allow for completion of application process. Will involve more counselors. Will continue to iron out details with John and Martha as process evolves.
Motel update: HAP is out of funding and no longer working with families In motels. VOC working with 30 families in motels.
Other issues:
Families in DV shelters, technically EA eligible but can’t become EA eligible because DV shelters do not ask families to leave so they are not eligible for diversion funds. Everyone acknowledged the problem but Ita responded that with a shelter system over-capacity, 675 families living in motels, in a deficit spending situation…it is not possible to expand numbers entering the system any further.
Teen mothers: Boston and Western Mass. have highest rate of people under 24 entering shelter. Statistical reference should not be limited to Springfield alone since it actually refers to the entire region – citing “Springfield” alone does not accurately reflect the numbers and the demographics.
Next meeting: will merge with family services committee meeting on 9/14 at 1 pm at the Holyoke DTA office.
Visioning Day 2010: Ending Family Homelessness
Homes for Families
Visioning Day 2010
August 12, 2010
10 AM – 3 PM
Cost: FREE
Phelan Center
Clark University
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610
What is Visioning Day?
Our annual event where key stakeholders meet to discuss solutions to end family homelessness in the Commonwealth.
Who Should Come?
Families
Providers
Advocates
Policy Makers
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