Housing Sex Offenders Summit: 2/1

Pamela Schwartz — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:48:28 +0000

Please see the invitation below to faith leaders and housing, health care and other non-profit providers to a “summit” on the challenges and possible solutions for housing sex offenders. We have an excellent turn-out already and welcome others who are interested in attending. Please RSVP to Pamela Schwartz at pschwartz77@gmail.com. Thank you!

Dear Friend:

The Western Massachusetts Network’s Committee on Housing Homeless Sex Offenders would like to invite you to join in a conversation regarding how best to preserve our public safety through stable, supportive housing for registered homeless sex offenders living in our communities.

This committee is comprised of a coalition of human service, correctional, police and professional organizations in the Western Massachusetts area including: the Sheriff’s Departments of Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties, the Northampton Police Department, the Massachusetts Department of Corrections and Department of Mental Health, The Veterans Medical Center and Veterans Services Office, the Massachusetts Association for the Treatment of Sex Offenders, and emergency homeless shelters in the region.

The mission of this committee is to maximize the safety of the community by minimizing the potential for re-offense through the identification and development of stable, supportive housing options for registered sex offenders who are committed to an offense-free life.

Several months ago this Network committee set about educating itself regarding the complex issues associated with this homeless sub-group. We would now like to broaden our coalition to help develop an informed and rational response to the issue of homelessness among the registered sex offender population. Please join us on:

Wednesday, February 1
10 am – 12 noon
College Church, 58 Pomeroy Terrace, Northampton

This gathering will bring together a broad cross-section of the community to share information about this population and to discuss housing alternatives for homeless sex offenders that would promote public safety and decrease the risk for re-offense. Our greatest hope for progress is to build awareness and consensus that housing registered sex offenders makes our community far safer than having them remain homeless. The agenda will include:

1) Introduction to the Issue: Fundamental Concerns and Considerations

2) Models of Hope: Effective Responses to a Complex Issue

3) Creating Opportunities: Exploring Possibilities

4) The Road Forward…

Your participation and thoughts will be greatly welcomed. Please RSVP to me at pschwartz77@gmail.com or 413-219-5658.

Free Tax Return Assistance Available!

Pamela Schwartz — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:39:37 +0000

COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS PARTNER TO OFFER FREE TAX PREPARATION WITH VITA
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance sites available to low-income families across the region

Pioneer Valley, January 26, 2012 – Springfield Partners for Community Action, Valley Opportunity Council and United Way of Pioneer Valley are joining forces as part of an annual effort to increase tax refunds and credits for low- income families and individuals. Together they will operate and fund several free community tax preparation programs and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites throughout the region.

The VITA program is focused on helping qualifying individuals and families receive free tax services and learn if they are eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) by properly preparing and filing their Federal tax return. SPCA is celebrating its 10th Anniversary for VITA tax preparation. As part of this celebration they will hold an EITC Awareness Day on Friday, January 27, 2012 at 10:00 a.m. at their offices on 721 State Street.

“VITA is an outstanding program and we are excited to join Springfield Partners for this important program,” said Sylvia deHaas Phillips, Senior Vice President of United Way of Pioneer Valley. “Increasing financial stability for families and individuals in our community is one of our priorities.”

VITA sites are an important way for low-income working families to learn about sound financial practices and access the. Each year, over $35 Million in Earned Income Tax Credit refunds are not brought into our area, because low-income residents don’t know they qualify or don’t know how to claim the credit. VITA program volunteers prepared approximately 3,000 tax returns, which generated more than $5 million in tax refunds for local residents last year.

For more information, a complete list of sites and contact information, please visit our website at www.uwpv.org. Information also available on attached flyer.

Individual Services Committee Meeting Minutes – 1/19/12

Pamela Schwartz — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 01:59:37 +0000

Individual Services Committee Meeting – January 19, 2012

In attendance: Beth Coombs, Treehouse Foundation, Jason Cuyler, Berkshire county Sherriffs office, Danielle DeBerry, ServiceNet, Gena Dube, Cooley Dickinson Hospital, Lisa Goldsmith, Dial/Self, Dave Havens, Mental Health Association, Peg Keller, City of Northampton, Ann Lentini, Domus, Inc., Jay Levy, Eliot CHS – Homeless Services, Kim Majewski, Gandara Center, David Modzelewski, Mental Health Association, Jennifer Moore, Behavioral Health Network, Jordana O’Connell, Holyoke Public Schools, Claudia Phillips, Mercy Medical Center Health Care for the Homeless, Marty Pope, Baystate Medical Center, Wanda Rolon, ServiceNet, Pamela Schwartz, network coordinator, Sarah Slautterbach, DESE, Julia Sullivan, Berkshire County Sheriff’s Office, Rani Turner, Treehouse Foundation, Jennifer Wuest, Behavioral Health Network, Kurt Zellen, Northampton VAMC

Presentation on unaccompanied homeless youth: Many thanks to Lisa Goldsmith of Dial Self for her informative presentation on unaccompanied homeless youth. Please click here for “unaccompanied homeless youth notes” containing the information shared (thank you, Lisa!). She also distributed information around the statewide legislation that would both increase services to this population and study the population and their needs. It was agreed that the Network could play an advocacy role around this legislation and serve as a resource for furthering collaboration.

Sarah Slautterbach offered information from the Dept. of Elementary and Secondary Education regarding homeless youth (click here to review). She also shared information around the Worcester-based Compass pilot project to prevent homelessness among unaccompanied youth and young adults – please click here to see the invitation.

Kim Majewski presented on Gandara Center’s new housing program for unaccompanied youth. Click here for the brochure.

The Committee agreed to establish a working group on this issue. Participants will include: Jordana O’Connell, Holyoke Public Schools, Kim Majewski, Gandara Center, Sarah Slautterbach, DESE, Lisa Goldsmith, Dial Self, Beth Coombs, Treehouse Foundation, Rani Turner, Treehouse Foundation, Danielle DeBerry and Wanda Rolon, ServiceNet. Pamela will follow-up to coordinate first meeting. Please let Pamela know if you would like to be involved – everybody is welcome!

Jordana also agreed to reach out to Job Corps to see if they would like to participate in this effort.

Discharge Planning Check-in

General discussion and agreement that network meetings are helpful to stay connected and build collaborations. The communication is critical.

Important to record if homeless in paperwork at hospitals – can be challenging.

Health Care for the Homeless received Blue Cross/Blue Shield grant that involves 5 hospitals that will look at high end users of hospital emergency services – will follow individuals with excessively high costs.

Observation that hospitals are seeing more elderly homeless in ER . Not necessarily appropriate for shelter with particular medical needs, etc . Agreed we would put this issue on next month’s agenda.

SAMHSA Grant Update

BHN putting together 2 teams of case manager/peer counselor to treat chronically homeless, dually diagnosed adults. Will provide wrap-around care coordination services. Network is coordinating housing. Soldier On serving veteran population.

Goal is to have 2-3 participants enrolled by beginning of Feb. REACH group via Dave Modzelewski is serving as point group/person for referrals to program. Please click here for REACH referral form. EVERYBODY welcome to refer.

Update on Samaratin Inn Outreach: Peg Keller, working with Wanda and Danielle, will reach out to Ann Lentini to help build collaboration with Samaratin.

Leadership Council with the Region’s Mayors

Pamela updated the group on the upcoming quarterly Leadership Council meeting on 1/25 that will include attendance of 8 of the region’s city leaders: Mayors of Chicopee, Easthampton, Greenfield, Springfield, West Springfield, Northampton, Holyoke and the town manager of Amherst. The meeting will focus on welcoming and orienting leaders to the Network, explaining “housing first” and inviting them to join the Leadership Council as partners in the effort. Pamela will keep everyone posted – subscribe to the blog for the update, as well!

Next meeting

2/16/12, 10-11:30 am, Northampton Senior Center

Agreed we will meet 3^rd Thurs. of the month at same time and place through the winter season at least.

Network Leadership Council Hosts Region’s Mayors

Pamela Schwartz — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:46:20 +0000

The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness put the call out to leaders across the region to come learn about the Network, its mission and how we can help support them in their efforts to combat homelessness. They responded in force: Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno, Holyoke Mayor Alex Morse, West Springfield Mayor Greg Neffinger, Chicopee Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Northampton Mayor David Narkewicz, Easthampton Mayor Michael Tautznik, Greenfield Mayor Bill Martin and Amherst Town Manager John Musante all joined over 50 Leadership Council members at the Network’s quarterly meeting at the Springfield Sheraton Hotel yesterday.

Chaired by Lynne Wallace of Dietz &Co. Architects in Springfield and Vice-Chaired by Father Stan Aksamit of Our Lady of Peace Parish in Turners Falls, the gathering demonstrated both the regional strength of the Network and the commitment of our local leaders.

Former Northampton Mayor Clare Higgins, now a Leadership Council member as executive director of Community Action of the Franklin, Hampshire and North Quabbin regions, spoke to the mayors in attendance, urging them to participate in the regional effort to end homelessness with housing. Bob Schwarz, executive vice-president of Peter Pan Bus Lines and a Leadership Council member, advised the mayors to reach out to their local business leaders to enlist them in this effort, noting that ending homelessness is both morally and economically the right thing to do. Gerry McCafferty, director of the Springfield Housing Department, shared her expertise around Housing First and why and how it works.

Chief among the mayors’ concerns included: the number of families living in hotels in the region; the cost to communities of transporting homeless children living in motels in one community to their home school in another; the need for greater public education on homelessness, who it impacts and effective community responses; the need for more permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals and greater involvement of housing authorities in the provision of housing for homeless individuals and families.

All the elected leaders expressed their desire to partner with the Network. The Network in turn committed to following-up with each of them to build on the discussion and move towards concrete, coordinated solutions.

It was a proud day for the Network. Congratulations to all on an exciting step forward!

Housing Trainings Offered Through Mass Housing

Pamela Schwartz — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:26:48 +0000

Housing Trainings Offered Through Mass Housing

Still Time to Register for TAP Winter Trainings: MassHousing.com/TAPtraining

Animals: Pets, Service Animals, and Companion Animals: Level 2

1/26/12, 8:45 – 1:00, Worcester

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Aging in Place: Meeting the Needs of Elders in Housing

2/3/12, 8:45 – 1:00, Worcester

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Strategies for Dealing with Cognitive Impairments

2/7/12, 8:45 – 1:00, Taunton

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Overview of Adolescence: Understanding Risk & Opportunity

Through a Developmental Perspective

2/15/12, 8:45 – 1:00, Hyde Park

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Advanced Managing Conflict on Site: Taking Your Skills to the

Next Level: Level 2

2/17/12, 8:45 – 4:00, Newton

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Effective Communication with a Person Who Hoards: Level 2

2/28/12, 8:45 – 1:00, Natick

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Alcohol and Drugs Level 2 – Practicing Substance Abuse Interventions

and Lease Enforcement

3/7/12, 8:45 – 1:00, Hyde Park

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ADA Issues in Everyday Housing Management

3/15/12, 8:45 – 1:00, Lowell

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Hoarding Basics – What You Need to Know about Hoarding: Level 1

3/19/12, 8:45 – 4:00, Lynn

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Screening, Tenant Selection and Reasonable

Accommodation: Level 2

3/29/12, 8:45 – 3:00, Holyoke

Questions? Contact Janeen Harris, 617-854-1069, jharris@masshousing.com

SSA requests public comment on the unique needs of homeless SSI recipients

Pamela Schwartz — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 03:24:39 +0000

SUMMARY: We are requesting information from the public regarding the unique needs of homeless Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients, particularly those who live in public emergency shelters for the homeless, in an effort to better understand and address their needs. The SSI program provides a minimum income level for aged, blind, or disabled persons who do not have income or resources above levels specified in the Social Security Act (Act).

See link below for the complete notice and questions asked. Comments due by 3.2.12.

http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2012-01-12/html/2012-406.htm

Housing Sex Offenders Work Group – 1/4/12

Pamela Schwartz — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:36:31 +0000

Housing Sex Offenders Work Group – January 4, 2012

In Attendance: Carl Cignoni, Hampshire Sheriff’s Dept., Steve Connor, Veteran Services, Joe Critelli, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept., Jason Cuyler, Berkshire Sheriff’s Dept., Karen Dean, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept., Danielle DeBerry, ServiceNet, Patrick Devine, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept., Donn Dominique, Hampden County Sherriff’s Dept., Hwei-Ling Greeney, Amherst Community Connections, Laurie Guidry, MATSA, Reikka Simula Gooden, Housing for All, Ellie Harris, ServiceNet, Richard Hendrick, Eliot CHS-Homeless Services, Jay Levy, Elliot-CHS Homeless Services, Sgt. Anne McMahon, Northampton Police Dept., Marie McNeil, VA, Robin Powell, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept., Kelly Przypek, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept., Laurie Smith, ServiceNet, Sally J Van Wright, Women’s Correctional Center, Thomas Whuy, Hampden County Sheriff’s Dept.

Outreach Check-in for 2/1 “summit” with faith leaders and providers on housing sex offenders:

Reviewed outreach assignments. Will continue to push out invitation over the next week to ensure sufficient notice and attendance.

2/1 Agenda Brainstorm:

Overview presentation by Laurie Guidry – the problem, the challenge, possible models (national and local) for solutions
Promote interactive dialogue – alternating between presentation/discussion
Offer additional educational opportunities

Measure of success: their willingness to come back to the table, to get more deeply engaged.

Range of possible responsive actions: speak publicly on this issue, e.g., engage landlords in their congregation. Connect their faith obligations to this issue – what does it mean to respond to this problem?

Integrate current reality of Penn State (sports) and experience of priests/sexual abuse – Laurie will “name it.”

Pose question re: how this issue is relevant to their mission.

Tape presentation? Consider Webinar in order to allow for interactive piece. Taping could be problematic.

We need to connect faith leaders with what THEY have to offer to this issue, how they can make the difference.

One possibility: bring a sex offender who relies on the churches to talk about their experience/relationship with the church. Agreed this would be good for second meeting.

Check in with churches re: their experience with sex offenders. Get their experiences/insights. Make sure they feel supported – that we are a community .

For 2nd meeting: invite Rosa of Springfield, Fred of St. Francis – demonstrate models where housing sex offenders works. Also consider adding offender perspective.

Agreed to schedule the follow-up meeting. Agreed on next date: 3/14, 10 am – 12 noon

Laurie, Joe and Carl will be there at 9:30 am on 2/1 – others welcome. Room set-up will depend on actual room. Pamela will manage refreshments. Bring name tags. Carl will do site visit to assess best set-up.

Laurie will contact Fred re: 3/14; Richard will contact Rosa, as well – try to get them to save the date.

Next work group meeting: 2/8, 1-2:30 pm, AISS, 736 State Street, Springfield

Between now and 2/1, each network member will take charge of their invitees, follow-up, remind them of the date in a couple of weeks and then a couple of days before. Pamela will send out reminders on this.

Family Services Committee Meeting Minutes – 1/10/11

Pamela Schwartz — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:33:26 +0000

Family Services Committee Meeting – 1/10/11

In Attendance: Jane Banks, Center for Human Development, Joni Beck-Brewer, Square One, Alvina Brevard, DHCD, John Busbin, Community Legal Aid, Cris Carl, ServiceNet, Karen Cavenaugh, WomanShelter, Charity Day, Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Luz DeJesus, New England Farm Workers, Heidi Dileone, DPH FORFamilies, Anthia Elliott, Safe Passage, Toni Hochstadt, Community Action, Steve Huntley, VOC, Mary Johnson, YWCA, Kimberly Lee, Square One, Fran LeMay, ServiceNet, Ashley McGurn, DPH FOR Families, Donna Nadeau, DHCD, Jordana O’Connell, Holyoke Public Schools, Lizzy Ortiz, City of Springfield, Stephen Plummer, Springfield Partners, Jim Reis, HAP, Cindy Rodolakis, Chicopee Public Schools, Sarah Slautterback, DESE, Rachel Trant, DCF, Luz Vega, WomanShelter, Jean Williams, West Springfield Public Schools,

HAP announcement: tornado relief funds available. Please see HAP to determine if qualified.

HomeBASE update Because of end of rental subsidy component as of 10/28, numbers in motels going up. Click here and here for attachments that Jim Reis provided outlining situation (thank you, Jim!). What to do for families in motels/shelters post 10/28?

Jim visited CT – even bleaker situation. Virtually no state support at all.

Discussed overflow shelter concept. Being considered in MA, e.g., after determined shelter capacity is reached, instead of motels, go to overflow shelter (more barebones, fewer services). Likely to be controversial. Heads-up to Network – should be prepared to consider position on this.

What are families arriving post 10/28 being told? It will be a longer wait (post 7/1, new fiscal year).

Discussion of whether household assistance ($4K) would still be useful to some of those families. DHCD noted that there is support on an individual basis if sustainability is established.

Another gap in sevices – those with some disabilities who can’t sustain apt. without assistance. Need supportive housing. CT has a great model for family supportive housing.

FOR Families: 4 home visitors for 400 families in hotels. Attempting case management but inherently limited. Addressing families immediately upon entry to assess immediate needs. If working with HomeBASE, FOR families do not manage. Working with compliance issues. Challenging to come up with organized way to provide support because such a chaotic situation, e.g., needs to get food stamps quicker to ensure adequate food supply; need a way to get diapers quickly. Linkages to services are key, e.g., if child is in child care, they will get additional support.

Transportation a huge issue. Motels have no responsibility.

Consider “tornado approach” to motels – coordinated response to multi-faceted services.

Families must be involved/invested in their stabilization plans. They need some kind of ownership. While we lack case management, families need to be able to complete tasks and report back. Need to ask what they need/want, so they can get invested.

Not enough GEDs, not enough therapists. Current discussions with CHD on GED training near/in motels. CHD training staff in congregate shelters to provide GED training.

Many Hampshire County families ending up in Hamdpen County. Additional burden from shifting south. What resources can Hampshire County providers offer? (note: this comment posed by Hampshire County provider)

Jane Lindfors: in prior iteration – when EA under DTA – there was a “Matt team” – a team approach with multiple agencies involved with families.

Agreed: will hold a meeting to focus on building motel support system. Kim Lee of Square One volunteered to use an ongoing weekly meeting with many relevant people as the forum for this conversation. Pamela will follow-up to schedule and will provide committee notice.

Leadership Council – Mayor outreach

Anticipate hotel conversation. Avoid debate with DHCD.

Emphasize the community nature of this problem – a public health issue. Everyone has a stake.

Anticipate topic on transportation funds – housing is the appropriate response.

This is an opportunity to build as a region, create collaboration.

An ask of mayors: commitment to continue meeting…

Pose the question of how do they think homelessness is impacting their community? Perhaps put it in writing since it would take too much talking time to go one by one. But getting their thoughts would be great.

Next meeting: 2/14, 1-2:30 pm., New England Farm Workers Council

Community Engagement Meeting Minutes – 1/5/12

Pamela Schwartz — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:29:06 +0000

Community Engagement Meeting – 1/5/12

In attendance: Jane Banks, CHD, Andrew Morehouse, Food Bank of Western Mass., Pamela Schwartz, network coordinator, Lynne Wallace, Dietz&Co. Architects

Review of draft factsheet. Click here to review.
Andrew: great, short, good on one page. Add links for further info in each section, e.g., pilot project impact, housing first, network unique role…
Stats and Facts section on blog is outdated – need to update.

Jane: We need to talk about our need/vision.

Lynne: this is good for general public. Consider another track: think of what funders may need. A little more detail.

Andrew: would be helpful as a non-practitioner to have a map of what’s what – how people/families get to services, utilize housing first.

Consider a diagram for how people move through the system. And then our vision for what we need, how people can contribute (based on each constituency, e.g., landlord, funder, citizen).

Jane will connect with Yoshi Bird of CHD who has tremendous skill in diagramming and ask if she will consider creating a diagram on this.

Leadership Council Meeting Brainstorm

Brainstormed Mayor meeting – to deliver to Steering Committee for further consideration.
Currently, mayors who have RSVP’d yes: Holyoke, Northampton, Chicopee, Springfield, Greenfield, Easthampton, Amherst and tentatively Westfield and West Springfield; still waiting to hear back from Pittsfield, North Adams. Agawam sent regrets.

Current thought: Focus on affordable housing challenge. Former Mayor Clare Higgins volunteered to provide history of this effort and why it’s important. All agreed great to have her.

Connect with Dave Christopolis who has agreed to chair housing production working group of Network. He is on board of state CDC. He is also part of regional non-profit housing developer group (organized by HAP). He will be
connector. I will discuss with Dave presenting at meeting.

Advocacy piece: bringing mayors into lobbying around state funding around family homelessness. Need someone to give overview of situation (Jane willing).

Draft timing for mayor meeting:
Welcome and Introductions (Lynne) – 5 min
Network overview (Pamela) – 5 min
History of effort, role of cities/towns, affordable housing as focus (Clare Higgins) – 20 min
Network follow-up on affordable housing production (Dave Christoplis) – 5 min
Family homelessness overview (spokesperson to be determined) - 10 minutes
Discussion – 15 minutes
Wrap-up – advocacy (immediate on supportive housing bill? confirm status) (Pamela, Lynne) – 5 minutes

Follow-up on family pilot project – Family Services deferred to LC to pursue this idea – too full-up with current management. Jane agreed to raise the concept with Holyoke DTA advisory board – meeting next week. Will report back.

Next meeting of community engagement committee: Monday, 2/6, 9 am, Senior Center (will confirm location).

Patrick-Murray Administrations Announces 21% Decrease in Veteran Homelessness

Pamela Schwartz — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 13:41:33 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 5, 2012

PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES
21% DECREASE IN VETERAN HOMELESSNESS
Commonwealth launches innovative pilot with federal VA
to help end veteran homelessness

BOSTON – Thursday, January 5, 2012 â€“ The Patrick Murray Administration today joined officials from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the U.S. Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness to announce a new report showing homelessness among veterans in Massachusetts has dropped 21 percent since January 2011, nearly twice the rate of reduction nationally. The Administration today also launched a new federally funded pilot program that will serve 50 chronically homeless veterans in the Boston Metro area.

“We are ending homelessness among veterans,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Today, thanks to the leadership of Lieutenant Governor Murray, our Department of Veterans’ Services and our federal partners, we are seeing significant progress. But we must keep going to ensure that the men and women who have served our country in uniform have access to all the benefits their service has earned them.”

“By working across agencies and in partnership with many advocates and service providers, Massachusetts continues to make great strides in providing resources for our military servicemen and women,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, chair of the Governor’s Advisory Council on Veterans’ Services and chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness. “We welcome this great news, but there is plenty more work to be done. Our Administration will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to help individuals and families, including our veteran population, transition to affordable and stable housing.”

Massachusetts Department of Veterans Services (DVS) Secretary Coleman Nee delivered the announcement today with VA officials at the New England Center for Homeless Veterans. The findings come from the 2011 supplement to the Annual Homeless Assessment Report, which was prepared by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Officials from the VA credited innovative programming, a committed network of providers and Massachusetts’ strong benefits system for veterans as contributing factors to the Commonwealth far exceeding the national rate of decline in veteran homeless.

The Patrick-Murray Administration’s new pilot program will supplement these efforts by offering comprehensive, peer-to-peer services to 50 chronically homeless veterans receiving HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers in the Boston area. The Statewide Housing Advocacy for Reintegration and Prevention (SHARP) initiative, to be administered by DVS, will offer peer support, mental health services, psychiatric evaluation and linkages to emergency shelter to veterans recently placed in supportive housing at a veteran-centric facility. The team will also identify and enroll new homeless veterans in the HUD-VASH program.

Through a $323,000 grant from the VA, the initiative will rely on an existing network of veteran service providers dedicated to supporting homeless veterans. Using these new funds, DVS has contracted for four peer support specialists, one substance abuse counselor and one psychiatrist to provide care coordination services. The Commonwealth has also established working agreements with the Soldiers’ Home in Chelsea, HopeFound, the Lynn Housing Authority, the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, the Pine Street Inn, St. Francis House and Veterans’ Northeast Outreach Center in Haverhill to identify veterans and work with DVS to move the veterans toward supportive housing.

The SHARP program is a collaborative effort between the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services; the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs; VA New England Health Care System (Network 1); the National Center for Homelessness Among Veterans; the VA Health Center in Bedford; the VA Quality Enhancement Research Initiative; the University of Massachusetts Medical School; and the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Since 2009, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and HUD have worked with more than 4,000 community agencies across the country to successfully house 33,597 veterans in permanent, supportive housing with dedicated case managers and access to high-quality VA health care. In Massachusetts, DVS works with the VA and more than 30 contracted providers to offer emergency beds, transitional beds and permanent beds on VA campuses and elsewhere. The Commonwealth also applied for and was awarded 1,035 HUD-VASH vouchers between 2008 and 2011. The VASH program combines Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance for homeless veterans with case management and clinical services provided by the VA, which offers these services for participating veterans at VA Medical Centers and community-based clinics. Massachusetts anticipates an additional 225 vouchers in FY12.

“We’ve got a sacred duty to keep faith with those who have worn the uniform of our country. There’s nothing more fundamental than making sure they a roof over their heads and the services they need so that the bravest Americans who have given so much aren’t sleeping on the streets of Massachusetts,” said Senator John Kerry. “The Patrick-Murray Administration has been ambitious in combating homelessness among veterans and I believe that effort is showing results we can build upon.”

“The announcement of the new pilot program to battle chronic veteran homelessness in Boston is welcome news,” said Senator Scott Brown. “Our heroes should never be denied the housing, social or medical assistance they need to get back on track. We owe our veterans in Massachusetts and across the nation these kind of comprehensive, community-based programs that help them move forward in life and eventually secure and maintain meaningful employment.”

“Our veterans deserve the very best services that we can offer,” said Congressman Stephen F. Lynch. “I commend Governor Patrick for making our veterans and their families a priority. With programs like the SHARP initiative, Massachusetts continues its commitment to our veterans, ensuring they receive the services and support they need.”

“This initiative reflects Massachusetts’ unparalleled commitment to supporting veterans,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Dr. JudyAnn Bigby. “The peer-to-peer approach has been extremely effective in other veterans’ initiatives, and this new partnership will help support veterans transitioning back into civilian life. We appreciate the strong support and generous funding that the VA has provided to Massachusetts to support this important work.”

“Massachusetts leads the nation in providing benefits and services to our veterans and their families,” said Secretary Nee. “By coordinating the resources of federal, state, local and not-for-profit entities working with veterans, we have been able to serve more people, establish better outcomes and maximize public dollars to their fullest potential. Fully utilizing all existing resources as well as employing new methods, such as peer-to-peer outreach and Housing First initiatives, will help us dramatically reduce the number of homeless veterans in Massachusetts in the year ahead.”

“We are extremely grateful for our partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Veterans’ Services and so many other expert community and federal organizations,” said Craig Coldwell, MD, Director of Mental Health Services at the VA New England Healthcare System. “Ending and preventing homelessness among Veterans requires full collaboration. Together we are dramatically advancing our systems of social support and health care to deserving veterans and their families.”

“The progress in Massachusetts exemplifies how increased investments combined with a smarter, collaborative, and more targeted approach is the critical path to ending homelessness,” said Barbara Poppe, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness. “The significant progress made is attributable to the tremendous partnership between the state of Massachusetts, the VA, HUD and key stakeholders. This type of partnership is exactly what President Obama envisioned upon receiving Opening Doors.”

“The New England Center for Homeless Veterans is honored to host today’s kickoff and be part of the SHARP Team,” said Andrew McCawley, President and Chief Executive Officer of the New England Center for Homeless Veterans. “The leadership of Massachusetts’ Department of Veterans Services in conjunction with Federal agencies has made this a reality. The Program demonstrates how collaboration and innovative support services can meet the needs of Veterans.”

Ending homelessness, particularly among veterans, is a top priority of the Patrick-Murray Administration. Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray have instituted a number of policy changes, new collaborations and strategies to accomplish this mission. DVS funds more than 30 shelter and transitional housing non-profit organizations, providing housing services to eligible veterans ranging from Emergency Homeless Shelters, group residences, to Single Room Occupancy quarters. In addition, the Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness is leading a five-year strategic plan to end homelessness in the Commonwealth by 2013. Chaired by Lieutenant Governor Murray, the Council established a veterans’ subcommittee designed to address the specific needs of homeless veterans in Massachusetts.

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