From the Republican:
Groundbreaking marks start of construction for $12.5 million homeless resource center on Worthington Street
Photo by Mark M. Murray / The Republican
By Peter Goonan
November 06, 2009, 11:36AM
SPRINGFIELD – Local and state officials and donors on Friday celebrated the start of construction of a $12.5 million homeless resource center on Worthington Street.
The project involves major renovations to the existing Friends of the Homeless shelter at 769 Worthington St., and construction of a new building.
The center will add 32 efficiency apartments, new kitchen and dining facilities, and an improved health care and dental clinic.
More than 100 people over-filled a large white tent at the groundbreaking ceremony.
Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, among several speakers, praised donations large and small, calling Springfield a “city of good people, a compassionate city.”
In addition, the construction project will improve accommodations for women, and provide space for life skill training, education and vocational counseling.
The project was made possible by a mix of local, state and federal funds, and privately raised contributions.
Friends of the Homeless is a private, nonprofit agency.
Capital campaign donors included: Baystate Health; Health New England; the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation; MassMutual Financial Group; Peter Pan Bus Lines: Community Foundation of Western Mass.; Brenna and Ronald Sadowsky and family; Mercy Medical Center; The Springfield Group –Northwestern Mutual Financial Network; Excel Dryer; Citizen Bank Foundation; the Berkshire Bank Foundation; and the United Bank Foundation.
Other funding groups included the Springfield Housing Authority, the Community Economic Development Assistance Corp., and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Pittsburgh.
