Thank you to the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) for this “spotlight” that went out to thousands of MHSA supporters across the state, and above all for this honor. Personally, I feel very honored indeed; and on behalf of the Network, I feel MOST honored to be part of this mission with incredible people and organizations determined to make a difference. EVERYONE is invited to join in this celebration. And no matter what, all of us who are there will be sharing in this with all of you who are here. You all make it happen, every single day. Go Western Mass!
Join us!
Thursday, May 5, 2022
6:00-9:00 p.m.
Polar Park, Worcester
Honoree Spotlight
Pamela Schwartz and the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
Recipients of the Cornerstone Award
MHSA is proud to recognize Pamela Schwartz and the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness for organizing Western Massachusetts in a collective effort to address homelessness, and for being the driving force in creating regional solidarity behind innovative best practices in meeting the needs of those experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis. The Cornerstone Award is given to people or businesses who have demonstrated a longstanding commitment to addressing homelessness.
Pamela Schwartz has served as Director of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness since 2009. Pamela began her career as a legal services lawyer representing low-income tenants and then moved into policy work with the Tax Equity Alliance of Massachusetts (now Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center), Massachusetts Department of Public Health, and the National Priorities Project. She also has worked as an organizer on a number of ballot and electoral campaigns and served in elected office as a Northampton City Councilor (2009-2013). Pamela is a graduate of Barnard College (1985) and New York University School of Law (1988). She lives in Northampton with her husband, Joel Feldman, and has three grown children, Isaiah, Gabriel and Talia.
The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness (“Network”) coordinates over 200 partners and state and local leaders across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties to prevent and end homelessness with a Housing First approach that centers on racial equity. Since 2009, the Network has steadily grown to provide a powerful vehicle for bringing the western region’s housing needs to state and federal decision makers, promoting equitable distribution of resources and policies that address root causes of homelessness. Through its cross-sector collaboration and now 650 person action alert list, the Network continues to advance its mission in partnership with state and national coalitions working for housing justice.
