In attendance: Hillary Cronin, VA, Brooke Eddy, ROCA, Anthia, Elliott, BHN, Waleska Estrada, NEFWC, Danielle Hartner, CHD, Fran LeMay, ServiceNet, Jane Lindfors, DTA-DV unit, Ramona Matos, Square One, Lesley McCoy, ROCA, Jose Montalvo, Clean Slate, Donna Nadeau DHCD, Monique Osboourne, YWCA, Lizzy Ortiz, Mercy Medical Center, Dorothy Prieto, Community Action Head Start, Brett Rogers, HCS Headstart, Pamela Schwartz, Network, Janette Vigo, Way Finders, Lauren Voyer, Way Finders, Amanda Watson, Franklin County HRA
DHCD Staffing Update: Undersecretary Janelle Chan resigned to accept a new non-governmental position. Jennifer Maddox is the Interim Undersecretary.
Family homelessness data review: Click here for latest summary from DHCD. We discussed revitalizing our monthly data review and returning to our old template. Pamela will be in touch with DHCD to follow-up for future months.
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 Family Services Committee Meeting date: Tuesday, March 10, 11 am – 12:30 pm, Frost 309, HCC
