In attendance: Jill Fijal, Chicopee Public Schools, Yajaira Luna, HCS Head Start, Yeisie Mateo, DCF, Donna Nadeau, DHCD, Lizzy Ortiz, Mercy Medical, Brett Rogers, HCS Headstart, Pamela Schwartz, Network
February Data Review from DHCD: Please click here for data. We agreed it would be useful to add a data point on how many people were diverted (i.e., took HomeBASE at the front door). It would also be useful to do a state by state comparison.
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.
Annual Housing and Homelessness Resource Fair – June 5 – Just a reminder about it as we remain hopeful we will be reuniting then!
Next meeting date: Tuesday, May 12, 9:30-11 am, either by Zoom or Frost Building 309, HCC, stay tuned.
