In attendance: Charlyn Arnell, Eliot CHS – Homeless Services, Steve Connor, Veterans Services, Eleanor Dodson, ServiceNet, Erin Forbush, ServiceNet, Lisa Goldsmith, DIAL/SELF, Peg Keller, City of Northampton, Katie Miernecki, ServiceNet, Patty McDonnell, SMOC, Nikki Riello, Hilltown CDC, Brendan Plante, Eliot CHS-Homeless Services, Pamela Schwartz, Network, Mike Trembley, ServiceNet, Josh Wren, ServiceNet
Coordinated Entry Update: Few housing matches being made due to limited openings (Pittsfield location is the one exception). Awaiting new HUD funding cycle to pick up ServiceNet’s PSH units (people are being re-housed as needed and about 30 of their units will eventually continue to be PSH units at below-market rents without subsidy).
Lumber Yard affordable housing in Northampton: They are taking applications, deadline is Jan. 17 with lottery happening in February. Most apartments are 2 BRs (more family friendly).
SMOC housing update:
Three County CoC Update: Community Action Pioneer Valley was voted to be the new lead agency for the Three County CoC. Very exciting development for the region. Hilltown CDC was thanked for their 6 years of leadership. Lisa Goldsmith and Brad Gordon as CoC co-chairs were also thanked for shepherding this transition process.
Report out on Regional Homelessness event of 11/16: Pamela provided an update on the regional event at GCC on Nov. 16 that included state legislators, mayors, housing authorities, sheriff departments, hospitals, career centers and dozens of Network partners across every sector. Gerry McCafferty produced an excellent report on homelessness in the region which can be found here. There was engaged discussion on concrete strategies to enlist to reduce homelessness, including encouraging housing authorities to apply for about-to-be-released Section 811 Mainstream vouchers that could house chronically homeless individuals and families. Pamela and other Network partners will continue to follow-up on this and other strategies to encourage continued collaboration.
Network training updates: The Network just hosted a successful training on 12/6 for 75 people on EA/HomeBASE programs. DHCD trainers Alvina Brevard and Amy Mullen did an excellent job and powerpoint presentations are available here. Upcoming trainings include “how to think like a system” on Dec. 17; “how to run an awesome shelter” on Dec. 18, and “trauma informed care” and “progressive engagement and diversion,” both half days on Jan. 31. There are a few spots available for the shelter training and you can SIGN UP HERE. Pamela will send out a separate notice reminding folks to register for the 1/31 trainings.
Northampton Housing First meeting: Peg Keller announced that she will be hosting a meeting on Jan. 29, 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm, to focus on how the City creates true “housing first” housing, that is low barrier housing. It will also focus on how to meet the demand for women’s shelter.
Next meeting date: 1/14, 1 pm, 296 Nonotuck St.
