Veterans Committee Meeting Minutes
April 22, 2016
In attendance: Beth Barbra, Veterans Inc., Troy Brin, Veterans Inc., Donna Bryant, Springfield Partners, Chris Buendo, CDB Realty, Ben Cluff, MA DPH, Steve Connor, Veterans Services, Patrick DiGregorio, Veterans, Inc., Toni Dolan, Veterans Services, Walter Fludd, Springfield Partners, Katherine Person, Veterans Inc., Pamela Schwartz, Network, Kate Sweetster Owens, VA HUD VASH, Dani Thomas, DOR/CSE
Presentation by Dani Thomas, DOR Child Support Enforcement
Dani shared the work of the DOR Child Support Enforcement Unit as it pertains to veterans and their families. The DOR offers targeted services and assistance for veterans to help navigate the child support system in the face of military related demands. Please click here for more information about available support and click here for the Veterans Program Authorization for Release of Information. Contact Dani Thomas at thomasd@dor.state.ma.us or 413-452-1050 with questions or for more information.
Housing Opportunity in Hampden County:
Chris Buendo is a landlord interested in renting to veterans. He has several 1 and 2 bedroom apartments in Chicopee ready to rent. He can be reached at 431-525-3247 ext. 101 or chris@resultsbegin.com
Three County CoC Update:
Steve Connor reported that a veterans sub-group is meeting every 2 weeks to review its by-name list (roughly 40 people on it). They are working out kinks to the system now, especially regarding the upkeep with merging data from two different systems (Soldier On’s data in combination with the 3 County form developed by Andrea Miller). Andrea and Mike Hagmaier of Soldier On are working now on resolving how best to collect and maintain updates. They are also creating an “at-risk of homelessness “ list to assist with prevention efforts.
Hampden County Update:
The Hampden County providers present noted that they are not currently using a by-name list because the numbers are so low in Hampden County; they are zeroing in on the few unhoused veterans and making progress in housing them.
Announcements:
Ben Cluff noted that the new detox center in Greenfield will be opening in May.
Springfield Partners announced their upcoming Wellness to Work Veterans Health and Career Fair, Tuesday, 4/26, 10 am – 2:30 pm at Christ Church Cathedral, 35 Chestnut Street.
Next meeting: May 20, 9 am, Northampton Senior Center
