Yesterday, the Massachusetts Alliance for Supportive Housing (MASH) Announced Funding to Help Create More than 360 Units of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) across the Commonwealth, including 66 new units in Western Massachusetts!
With shelters at capacity and unsheltered homelessness on the rise, this funding reflects the innovation necessary to begin to meet the pressing need. Thanks to the Legislature’s commitment of funds to the MASH partners – Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley and Corporation for Supportive Housing – and this streamlined model of coordinated housing and support services, we now have new housing resources arriving to our communities.
Thanks to our state legislators for making this possible, and thanks to our partners for making it all happen. Congratulations to us all!
See the Western MA projects below:
Renaissance Development, Springfield
The award of $2,000,000 will go towards the renovation of a former furniture warehouse to create 35 new units, 21 of which will be dedicated for PSH for individuals experiencing homelessness. Mental Health Association will provide an array of supportive services.
Independent Housing Solutions, Inc., Northampton
This award of $650,000 will be utilized to acquire a property that will be developed into 16 units of PSH for individuals with complicated medical needs who are experiencing homelessness.
Berkshire Housing Development Corporation, Pittsfield
In partnership with a local church, Berkshire Housing Development Corporation will leverage $1,250,000 in MASH Grant Funds to convert a church classroom space into nine units dedicated to PSH for unaccompanied individuals experiencing homelessness. The new units will be developed alongside another 44 PSH units, and will share in coordinated services.
Louison House, North Adams
The award of $1,000,0000 will help Louison House fast-track the renovation of a historic building in downtown North Adams that will offer six low-threshold PSH units for young adults who are experiencing homelessness, including those with children, and will be targeted toward individuals with existing barriers to securing housing.
Justice 4 Housing, Springfield
Justice 4 Housing has been awarded $50,000 from MASH to inform the development of 15-20 units that will be used for PSH for women experiencing homelessness. This project is intended for
women with disabilities, elderly women, and women who have been discriminated against due to
incarceration, disability, or mental health, or women who have been labeled sex workers.
