COSA is pleased to invite you to our upcoming session, Intro to AI for Nonprofits, where we will explore how to transition artificial intelligence from a tech concept into a practical tool for our daily work. This session is designed to demystify how AI can support our missions - specifically by streamlining outreach, enhancing data analysis, and simplifying administrative tasks - while keeping our professional standards front and center. We will also prioritize a meaningful discussion on the ethical side of tech, covering essential topics like data privacy, bias, and responsible implementation. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity or simply want a clearer understanding of these emerging tools, we hope you’ll join us to learn how we can adopt AI thoughtfully and strategically to amplify our impact.

Tuesday, March 10th at 10am-11am on Zoom.

Guest Presenter: Rich Vaden, Digital Navigator, United Way Franklin & Hampshire Region

Join the Zoom meeting here:

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/84632068634?pwd=5UdkUdoF3tmS3yTzJ3k37bi8dhb5Pz.1

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Healey appoints Juana Matias as Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities

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Health Coverage At Risk - March 20th

Up to 300,000 Massachusetts residents could lose health insurance under new federal redetermination and work‑reporting rules. What does this mean for communities in Western Massachusetts? Join the Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts on March 20th for a discussion of the latest regional data, who may be most affected, and how state agencies and community healthcare providers are responding. Speakers will share insights on the potential impacts and what organizations can do to support residents facing coverage loss.

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Nonprofit Innovators Forum - April 6th

If you work, volunteer, or serve on the board of a small nonprofit—or are interested in exploring a career in the nonprofit sector—this free, one-day conference developed by Westfield State University will help you to gain practical tools for sustainable growth, connect with peers, and discover strategies to strengthen your organization’s long-term impact. Network with like-minded individuals, seasoned nonprofit professionals, and potential collaborators to expand your network and exchange valuable insights. Attend workshops on digital marketing, community assessments and volunteer recruitment.

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Coordinated Entry Assessment Tool Evaluation

You are invited to participate in a 90-minute listening session focused on evaluating the Coordinated Entry Assessment Tool. The perspective of Continuum of Care (CoC) partners is essential to understanding how the Assessment Tool is working in practice, i.e. what is effective, where challenges exist, and how it can better support fair access and prioritization for housing resources. Your feedback will help inform recommendations to strengthen the Coordinated Entry system’s efficiency and overall effectiveness across the region.

Air Quality and Transportation Showcase

Healthy Air Network is hosting two Air Quality & Transportation Showcases happening in Greenfield on March 31st and in Holyoke on April 7th. These open-house style events are an opportunity to connect, learn, and take action around air quality and transportation in our community. Folks can drop in at anytime, move at your own pace, visit different tables, and dive into the topics that matter to you! Kids are welcome — activities will be provided. We will also serve food and refreshments. Spanish translation services will be provided for both locations.

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Shortage of Affordable Homes

NLIHC released its annual report, The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes. The report finds that the lowest-income renters in the U.S. face a shortage of 7.2 million affordable and available rental homes. Just 35 affordable and available homes exist for every 100 extremely low-income renter households. This shortage of affordable and available housing leaves the lowest-income renters saddled with the highest rates of housing cost burdens among any income group. Eighty-seven percent of the lowest-income renter households are cost-burdened, spending more than 30% of their income on housing, and 74% face severe cost burdens, spending more than 50% of their income on housing costs.

Read more and download the report