HLC Secretary Matias, Our State Legislators, Our Mayors, Our Community: Together to Meet the Challenge
On Friday, May 29, the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness held its 10th Annual Gathering on The Power of Partnerships: Working to Protect and to Push.
We demonstrated that power in full force: over 125 people in the room at Holyoke Community College; nearly 50 people with us virtually. Joined by our elected and appointed state and local leaders. Led by our community.
You can capture the content and the sentiment in a number of ways. Here are a few key links:
- The presentation on 2026 Western MA homelessness and what we need to do now
- The video of the program (to zero in on the powerful words of State Representative Homar Gómez go to 47:15, Easthampton resident Mona Shadi 41:30 or go here for the written version, and Springfield resident Champ Godbolt 58:20 or here for his written words)
- The video message from U.S. Senator Ed Markey
And the media coverage kept our message going:
- WWLP Channel 22 News – Western Mass Leaders Push Housing Action Amid Rent Surge
- Western Mass News – Western Mass Advocates Demand State Action on Homelessness Emergency
- Springfield Republican: Number of [individual] Homeless People Stay Steady as Federal Threats Loom
- Daily Hampshire Gazette: Western Mass Housing Advocates say 46% shelter decline masks barriers for families
The work continues, as does our commitment and determination, with so much gratitude for the power of our partnerships.
 Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias and our region’s elected leaders and their representatives |
 Secretary Matias speaks to the Network |
