News updates: what’s happening with homelessness in Western Massachusetts
How should Massachusetts fund its emergency shelter system? Lawmakers vouch for regional equity, 24/7 shelters
THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE—As the state eyes a new funding system for homeless shelters, Western Massachusetts lawmakers have said they want funding to be equitable across regions, available for non-congregate sites and sufficient to keep shelters open 24/7 and year-round.
Legislators, advocates urge state to improve shelter system for homeless
DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE—As the second winter in a global pandemic approaches, advocates in Western Massachusetts are fighting to ensure some of the lessons learned last year on sheltering systems for homeless populations live on.
Advocates urge the state to improve its shelter system
THE RECORDER—As the second winter in a global pandemic approaches, advocates in Western Massachusetts are fighting to ensure some of the lessons learned last year on sheltering systems for homeless populations live on.
State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa endorsing the work of WMNEH
Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa recently retweeted the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health endorsing the message put forth by WMNEH Executive Director Pamela Schwartz.
State lawmakers consider expanding housing options for homeless residents
Right now, homeless people in the state of Massachusetts are offered beds at congregate care settings, or shelters, where they have to live with dozens of other people. Lawmakers this session want to switch to a housing plan that promotes long term stability.
Berkshires lawmakers, mayors, groups urge Legislature to pass housing protections
THE BERKSHIRE EAGLE—The entire Berkshire County delegation to the statehouse, the mayors of North Adams and Pittsfield, and several local groups have joined a call for the Legislature to protect struggling tenants and homeowners while making it easier for mom and pop landlords to access the rent they are owed.
Advocates, lawmakers urge action on housing equity bill
DAILY HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE, NORTHAMPTON — A large number of western Massachusetts elected officials and institutions are backing a bill in the State House that would shore up some of the gaps in the federal eviction moratorium — a move they say is critical to protect thousands of area residents and homeowners from the threat of […]
Thousands of people remain at risk of losing their homes
WAMC NORTHEAST PUBLIC RADIO—Despite the newly extended federal eviction moratorium, thousands of people remain at risk of losing their homes while over $800 million in federal rental assistance dollars remain available in Massachusetts, said Pamela Schwartz, director of the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness. The bill, which pauses evictions and foreclosures during the COVID-19 […]
