In attendance: Steve Connor, Veterans Services, Roselee Del Valle, Cutchins Programs, Erin Forbush, ServiceNet, Chris Hughes, ServiceNet, Andy Klatka, Eliot CHS, Michele LaFleur, CAPV, Jay Levy, Eliot CHS, Katie Miernecki, ServiceNet, Brooke Murphy, CAPV, Kevin Noonan, Craig’s Doors, Pamela Schwartz, Network, Chirs Zabik, DMH
CoC update: as of 3/9: total 185 people on by-names list; 147 adult; 32 youth.
Great progress on housing in Millers Falls. Almost completely full. Beautiful units.
2020 Point in Time Count – Updated Numbers
Total in Emergency Shelter: 284 (102 in Hampshire County, 114 in Berkshire, 47 in Franklin)
Transitional housing – 160
83 unsheltered – Berkshire: 27 Hampshire: 34 Franklin: 22
(Note: Last year: 33 or 34 unsheltered – big increase)
16 families in Greenfield 18 families in Berkshires (114 people)
Legislative/Budget Update: Pamela reported on the legislative meetings happening across the region to advocate for the Network’s legislative priorities and FY21 budget priorities. Most recently, on March 6, over 20 Network partners convened with legislators in both Springfield and Pittsfield. Hampshire County legislators and partners met on Feb. 24. Franklin County is scheduled for March 27 but will be postponed or go virtual. Be sure to sign up for the Network blog to stay in the loop on our priority bills and the budget.
Safe Havens Advocacy: A phone meeting is taking place on Friday, 3/13, with Senator Comerford and DMH to discuss the need for more Safe Havens housing in Hampshire and Franklin County (this is no barrier, fully supported transitional housing). A working group has been crafting a proposal. We will keep you posted.
Annual Housing and Homelessness Resource Fair – June 5 – Assuming we are able to gather by then, we reviewed the possible list of invitees for information providers. Pamela will reach out to the elder services agencies, including: Highland Valley Elder Services, LifePath, Greater Springfield Elder Services, Western MA ElderCare
Next meeting date: Monday, May 18 1 pm, by Zoom unless we are cleared to meet by then!
