Over the last two weeks, dozens of Network partners joined with 19 of our western Massachusetts legislators across each county to advocate for the Network’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Priorities that will help prevent and end homelessness in our region. We also shared data for each county that reflects the rising numbers and the pressing demand for increased funding and policy action. (See data reports here for Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties).
Hampden County meets on Feb. 2
Big thanks to our legislators for their partnership and commitment: Senator Jo Comerford, Senator Adam Gomez, Senator Paul Mark, the offices of Senator Jake Oliveira and Senator John Velis, Representative John Barrett, Representative Natalie Blais, Representative Dan Carey, Representative Mindy Domb, Representative Patricia Duffy, Representative Michael Finn, Representative Carlos Gonzalez, Representative Kelly Pease, Representative Smitty Pignatelli, Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, Representative Aaron Saunders, Representative Susannah Whipps, the offices of Representative Angelo Puppolo and Representative Bud Williams.
Berkshire County met virtually on February 9 (apologies for missing that screenshot!) but all four County legislators and two dozen partners were there!
Big thanks to our Network partners from across all 4 counties – our housing and shelter providers, our grassroots groups working for housing justice, city and town leaders, our regional partners working in community colleges, food security, public health and workforce development. It is precisely this NETWORK of providers and advocates that makes this advocacy possible, and we are grateful to our legislators for using it to fuel their own push for what is needed.
And so much more lies ahead. We have our next opportunity to join with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Legislative Action Day on March 7 at the State House. Let’s join if we can!
