Overall, the State’s Fiscal Year 2022 budget (July, 2021 – June 30, 2022) makes significant investments in housing and homelessness programs. To compare the outcomes with the Network priorities (in concert with our statewide partners), please see this chart.
Specifically for our western region, the budget contains a $1 million increase in Safe Havens funding with an understanding that $422,000 will be allocated to fund 7 new Safe Havens beds in Hampshire and Franklin Counties. Safe Havens supports the most challenged chronically homeless individuals in a 24/7 supported environment to help stabilize them for permanent housing. Westfield is the only other Safe Havens site in Western Massachusetts (with 7 beds). While we know we need more beds across all counties, this new investment is an exciting advance towards meeting this need.
The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness itself also received funding to continue its work.
A huge thanks to our Western Massachusetts legislators for championing the housing needs for our communities and their constituents.
