In attendance: Ben Cook, Dial/SELF, Sam Cunningham, ServiceNet, Julia Ferolie, Dial/SELF, Lelia Jenkins, Dial/SELF, Andy Klatka, Eliot CHS, Michele Lafleur, 3 county CoC, Jay Levy, Eliot Services, Katie Miernecki, ServiceNet, Brooke Murphy, Three County CoC, Dan Musante, Dial/SELF, Theresa Nicholson, CHD, Kevin Noonan, Craig’s Doors, Lizzy Ortiz, Mercy Medical, Pamela Schwartz, Network, Chris Zabik, DMH
Point in Time Count Update (began Wed., 1/29) Michele and Jay provided a report on initial findings. Surveys have come in from a wide range of organizations and still more to come.
Initial unsheltered count:
Greenfield: 16-20 (still getting clear on a few individual – if in shelter or unsheltered)
Northampton: 17 total, 16 chronic, 2 veterans, 1 transgendered
Amherst: 10, all chronic, 7 men, 3 women
Hadley: 3, all chronic, 1 veterans, 2 women, 1 male
Pittsfield: 2
Belchertown: 1, chronic
Berkshires: 2 in Lee, 1 Great Barrington
This number is up from last year (34). Variables impacting increase could include: last year was bitterly cold, this year was seasonable; our outreach is getting better, i.e.,identifying more people as opposed to number of people actually increasing. But wait lists have grown across area (e.g., Construct has over 100 on their wait list).
Safe Havens housing needed! We discussed the critical need for more “Safe Havens” housing – 24/7 supportive services housing for chronically homeless individuals. HUD used to fund this type of housing but no longer does (so it cannot be easily paid for with CoC dollars – can pursue exception based on need); DMH has filled some gaps (funds 7 beds in Hampden County). A sub-group is working on outreach to our legislative delegation to get their support for more state funding in this area. Stay tuned for future updates.
Coordinated Entry Update: Brooke provided us information summarizing the data to date (click here), with a first round of “clean-up” of the by-names list (removing those who for a number of reasons no longer belong there), and a first round of documentation of “exits” from the list. As of now, the tentative finding is 131 adults and 28 youth are on the list. This is very much a work in progress – and great progress at that – THANK YOU, Brooke!
Shelter data template update and feedback: The group affirmed its commitment to collect the data using the template provided (click here, fyi). We agreed that we will not be able to assess its utility until some months of completion and compilation have occurred but the group wanted to stick with it. We also agreed that we don’t need to necessarily collect it for the month immediately prior to meeting, but shelters should just get the info to Michele as soon as convenient after a month has closed. Then Michele will compile and report out when sufficient input exists.
FY21 Budget and Legislative Update: Pamela reported that the Network is hosting series of meetings with legislators to discuss the Network’s budget and legislative priorities. These priorities are decided by the Network Steering Committee. Please contact Pamela if you are interested in learning more about dates and possible participation.
Network Career Services Resource Fair for Providers: All are welcome across the four counties to come learn more about career, job training and educational opportunities for people at risk of or experiencing homelessness. It is:Wed., March 2510 am – 12 noonNorthampton Community Arts Trust33 Hawley Street, NorthamptonRSVPs are appreciated but not required to Pamela at pschwartz@westernmasshousingfirst.org.
Career Services Resource Fair: Wed., March 25, 10 am – 12 noon, Northampton Community Arts Trust, 33 Hawley Street, Northampton. This Resource Fair is specifically for providers who want to learn more about job training, career opportunities and educational resources for people who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Please see the flyer here for more information.
SAVE THE DATE: Annual Resource Fair and Legislative Event: June 5 Our 4th annual Resource Fair is now scheduled for Friday, June 5, 9:30 am – noon, with a special 30 minute progress report and legislator acknowledgement from 10 am – 10:30 am, Kittredge Center, Room 301-303, Holyoke Community College. This will include infromation from every sector – housing, health care, child care, state agencies, etc. – for providers from across the four counties. Mark your calendars now and stay tuned for a more formal invitation!
Network Spring Training Calendar
Pamela summarized the upcoming Network Spring trainings. The list is as follows:
SSI/SSDI Benefits to Maximize Secure Housing
Thursday, April 16
9 am – 12 noon
Kittredge Center, Room 301-302
Holyoke Community College
Please register here.
Housing People with Sex Offense Histories: Using Facts instead of Fear to Serve Public Policy
Thursday, April 30
9 am – 12 noon
The Kittredge Center, Room 301-303
Holyoke Community College
Please register here.
How to Seal CORI Records and How to Appeal Housing Authority Denials
Thursday, May 7
9:30 am – 12 noon
Kittredge Center, Room 301-302
Holyoke Community College
Please register here.
Enhancing Our Work with LGBTQ+ Individuals in Housing Crisis
Berkshire County: Pittsfield
Monday, May 11
1-4 pm
Berkshire Athenaeum Public Library
1 Wendell Avenue, Pittsfield
Register here.
Hampden County: Holyoke
Tuesday, May 19
9 am – 12 noon
Kittredge Center, Room 301-303
Holyoke Community College
Register here.
Franklin County: Turners Falls
Wednesday, May 27
9 am – 12 noon
Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority
241 Millers Falls Road, Turners Falls
Register here.,
Next 3 county Individual Services meeting date: Monday, March 9, 1 pm – 2:30 pm, ServiceNet, 21 Olander Drive, Northampton
