This week, the Western region submitted applications in response to the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services’ RFR to “Establish Local Consortiums to Provide Services to those Facing Acute Housing Instability.”
The Western MA Network, the Hampden County and Three County CoC closely collaborated to submit two applications, one from the City of Springfield (on behalf of the Hampden County CoC) and the other from Community Action! (in conjunction with the Three County CoC). This decision was based on an in-depth analysis of how best to meet the requirements of a coordinated entry system. The geographical and demographic expanse of the region requires two separate but well-connected systems to achieve the goal of “no wrong door” and most immediately achieve housing stability.
As a testimony to this collaboration, each applicant attached over 70 support letters, half of which were jointly addressed to both applicants. From 15 Western MA state legislators spanning all four counties, to state agencies, businesses, hospitals, foundations and dozens of housing and other support service providers, our Western MA community echoed the strength of our shared mission and the truth of what it will take to realize it. The Network is proud to provide the regional connector to the vision we all created.
This process alone is cause for celebration. We just got that much closer to ensuring a path to stable housing for the people of Western Massachusetts.
Congratulations to us all!
