News & Upcoming Events
THE CoC has re-opened our search for an Intake and Referral Specialist.
37.5 hrs/wk, $19.33-$20.50 hr. This role will support the Three County Continuum of Care’s Coordinated Entry (CE) and homelessness response systems by coordinating the referral process for individuals and families seeking housing and shelter assistance through Coordinated Entry managing referrals to partner agencies and other resources, training partner agencies, and supporting the management of system of access for vulnerable populations. This position will also help individuals and families successfully utilize housing resources, aid in housing search and landlord engagement and will lead communication with the administering agency for housing assistance payments & financial assistance including initiatives like Emergency Housing Vouchers.
Visit the Western Mass Network to End Homelessness blog to learn about upcoming advocacy needs!
Annual Three County CoC Funding Competition Completed!
The Three County CoC (MA507), in response to the HUD Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), has completed the (FY) 2021 Continuum of Care local Competition for renewal and new projects, and Noncompetitive Award of Youth Homeless Demonstration Program Renewal and Replacement Grants. Projects have been ranked by the CoC's Ranking and Evaluation Committee and approved by the CoC Board.
Total Amount in Housing and Service Projects that will be Submitted for HUD Approval:
Renewal Projects: $1,807,664
New Projects: $285,903
CoC Planning Dollars: $85,155
YHDP Projects: $1,000,675
Rejected: $0
TOTAL CoC Request: $3,179,397
View the Full Project Listing here & the Final CoC Application for MA 507 here.
The full CoC response (including the CoC application and the project listing above) is due to HUD on 11/16/2021, but the Collaborative Applicant will submit this on Monday, November 15th, to HUD, if at all possible. Any comments should be emailed to Keleigh Pereira @ kpereira@communityaction.us.
Below is the final list of Ranked Projects (there were not complete applications rejected), and the YHDP Awards, below that.
Statewide Homeless Youth Awareness Campaign
"HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT"
In November 2021, the MA Commission on Unaccompanied and Homeless Youth is launching an awareness campaign, “Hiding in Plain Sight,” to encourage youth and young adults without a safe or reliable place to stay to self-identify when they need help and connect to existing and reliable resources designed to support them.
The purpose of the Awareness and Connection Campaign is two-fold:
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to connect YYA who could benefit from support with resources; and
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to raise awareness and support for programs that work to prevent and end youth homelessness in
Massachusetts
Youth and young adults (up to 25 years of age) in the 3 County region who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of housing instability, should call the Youth Service Provider in their area that offers YYA emergency housing options and supports:
Hampshire & Franklin Counties:
DIAL/SELF Youth and Community Services
A youth in crisis or in need of shelter in Franklin or Hampshire County or the North Quabbin region can call the 24/7 line to schedule an intake and access emergency resources
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Phone: 413-774-7054 x8 for emergencies, x4 for non-emergency services
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Hours: 24/7
Northern Berkshire County (Adams, North Adams, Florida, Cheshire, Savoy, Clarksburg, & Williamstown)
A young adult in crisis or in need of shelter can call Louison House during business hours to schedule an intake and access emergency resources
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Phone: 413-663-6323 Ext. 5 or 6
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Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-3:30pm
Berkshire County (except Northern cities/towns)
Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority
A youth in crisis or in need of shelter can call during office hours
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Phone: 413-443-7138 x239; 413-443-7138 x218 (back up phone number)
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Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-4pm
Racial Equity
Since February 2020, the Three County Continuum of Care has engaged in a series of activities specifically focused on centering racial equity in our homelessness response. In collaboration with Racial Equity Partners, we have:
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Analyzed our data through a racial equity lens (to see racial disparities data by County, visit our local data section.)
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Provided antiracism training for providers working in the homelessness system
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Engaged community partners to develop strategies to address racial inequities in our homelessness response
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Developed a Racial Equity Action Plan to guide our work
You can find the public facing 2021 Three County CoC Racial Equity Action Plan here.
The Three County CoC, along with the Western Mass Network to End Homelessness, is dedicated to undoing structural racism and support Legislative priorities that address policies needed to increase equitable measures for people of color in the intersection of race and homelessness as well as upstream budget and bills that support funding to increase support for our most vulnerable populations. Here are the 2021 budget priorities & bill priorities, supported by the CoC.
In the Media
Service agencies gear up for sub-freezing temps, Mary Byrne, The Recorder 1.11.22
My Turn - Help Needed for Homeless folks on a cold winter night, Amy Clarke - The Recorder 1.10.22
Northampton Resilience HUB in the news!, Daily Hampshire Gazette, 12.29.21
The Bill for My Homelessness Was $54,00, New York Times, 12.29.21
Community Action Reaching Out on Youth Homelessness, Mary Byrne, The Recorder 12.24.21
Federal Emergency Housing Vouchers Still coming to Berkshire County, Meg Britton-Mehlish, The Berkshire Eagle 9/8/21
Advocates struggle to find homes for tenants with new emergency vouchers in Northampton area, Brian Steele, Daily Hampshire Gazette, 8/18/21
Extension of eviction protections necessary before deadline, housing advocates say, Danny Jin, The Berkshire Eagle, 6/7/21
Activists seek to extend June 15 eviction moratorium, Max Marcus, Daily Hampshire Gazette, 6/4/21
