We were 45 strong yesterday at the Western Division Housing Court. Thanks to Judge Fein and Judge Fields for making possible this important gathering of Housing Court staff, lawyers, and providers from across Hampden and Hampshire Counties.
We will build on this momentum and meet again next month. So please mark your calendars if you can:
Thursday, December 3
1 – 2 pm
Western Division Housing Court
37 Elm Street, Springfield
Between now and the next meeting, Judge Fields will be in touch with agencies on an individual basis to arrange more in-depth presentations to Housing Court staff regarding the services and resources available. We will also continue our discussions in smaller groups around how to best use our collective resources at the Housing Court to prevent homelessness.
Click here for the Resource Directory distributed at yesterday’s meeting. Please let me know if there are resources you would like to add to the directory, corrections or any other feedback to make this guide most useful (contact me at [email protected]). I want to hear! As revised and updated editions become available, you will receive notice from the blog.
If you would like to follow-up our discussion regarding landlord notice of possible tenant assistance, please provide the Court with a one-page summary of your agency’s resources that the Court will make available to landlords. The Network’s resource directory also can be made available.
Also please note that Housing Court collaboration meetings in Franklin and Berkshire Counties will continue this month:
Franklin County
Friday, November 13
1-2 pm
Juvenile Court Building
114 Main Street, Greenfield
Berkshire County
Wednesday, November 18
1-2 pm
Superior Court Building
76 East Street, Pittsfield
Thanks to all for making this collaboration possible. Your presence and participation make the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness true to its name and purpose. I can’t wait to see the difference we will make together.
— Pamela Schwartz, Regional Coordinator
