Lunch Buddies is a site-based program that meets once a week for 30 minutes during a child's lunch time. The program starts in Mid-October and concludes in Mid-June, all based at Jackson Street School in Northampton. Volunteers will be assigned to a child and have lunch with them on a weekly basis on Tuesdays at school. It is our hope that this mentoring relationship built between Lunch Buddies will foster the emotional growth and development of the participating children, providing a consistent friend and positive presence in their school day. We also know from experience that our volunteers benefit from these relationships as well.

Valley Community Development invites you to learn more about Amherst Community Homes, an affordable homeownership opportunity for income-eligible first-time homebuyers. These 30 new construction 2- and 3-bedroom homes in 15 duplexes are a great fit if you're thinking about buying your first home in the next few years. By attending the event on Wednesday, Oct. 2, you will learn about the homebuyer timeline, qualification guidelines, and other project information. To get more info on preparing and learning how to own for less than rent, sign up here!

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We couldn't do this without you. THANK YOU.

Safe Passage

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness

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Last week's favorite click

Valley Community Development gets $350K boost for Amherst housing

Local communities shift to green energy

The communities of Amherst, Northampton, and Pelham are coordinating during September to provide public information sessions about the November launch of the Valley Green Energy regional electricity program. Like all similar programs throughout the state, Valley Green Energy uses an automatic enrollment model. Residents and businesses are encouraged to attend an information session.

Increasing homeless voter engagement

"Every citizen, regardless of their housing situation, deserves a voice in shaping their community and country. Join this training series with Dr. Michael C. Threatt and Vanessa Tate Finney of the Low-Income Housing Coalition of Alabama (LIHCA) who will provide everything you need to know about empowering tenant rights and ensuring every vote counts."

Thanks to Western MA Network to End Homelessness for sharing this information!

Shelter Sunday on October 6th

After more than 30 years of separate yearly fundraising events, Amherst Shelter Sunday and Northampton Shelter Sunday have joined to form Hampshire County Shelter Sunday! This is an annual fundraiser to benefit four human service organizations working that provide services and resources to community members struggling with homelessness, hunger, and economic precarity

Full details

Do you know that BHN is one of the Boston Globe's Top Places To Work?

Find positions at all career levels with BHN.

TIHC celebrates Good Neighbor Day

Trauma Informed Hampshire County is organizing multiple events for Good Neighbor Day on September 28th. A Scavenger Hunt will take place at Forbes Library from 2-4pm, plus there will be a Walk and Talk at Grenville Park in Ware. You can Celebrate a Neighbor by sending in a tiny story about how a neighbor showed kindness or helped out in your community. It's the little kindnesses that create connection and help make this a great place to live.

Hot Chocolate Run registration opens Sep 18th

Go to hotchocolaterun.com on September 18th, register by September 24th, and you'll be entered into the special Safe Passage Hot Chocolate Run raffle! Remember, the early penguin gets the fish!

Nonprofit roundtable webinar

Mass Nonprofit Network offers this FREE webinar presented by Sentinel Group, that places the nonprofit sector at the forefront of today’s most important conversations. They’ll explore partnerships, research advancements, and leadership development strategies that are crucial for strengthening nonprofit organizations.

Info & register for Sept 26th