Hearing on COVID Housing Equity

Be heard at a virtual public hearing on the COVID-19 Housing Equity bill. Learn more and speak out about, eviction protection for Franklin and Hampshire County residents and the federal eviction moratorium rules that leave critical gaps, putting vulnerable tenants at risk.

Thursday, Aug 12 @ 1PM DETAILS

A two-fer! Tied for fave click: Amherst Assoc Dir of Comm Learning

Tied for fave click: Urban.org SNAP map and the cost of a meal

Social/Emotional Learning

The field of social and emotional learning (SEL) is rapidly expanding. Building children's SEL skills has taken on even more urgency in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wallace Foundation has released its guide to SEL programming that allows educators to review data on various initiatives and includes info for equitable and trauma-informed SEL.

2021 Wallace Foundation SEL Report HERE

COSA invites its members to nominate a direct service worker or a volunteer for our annual awards. The awards are presented to honor someone who works or volunteers in Hampshire County for an area human services provider and/or a local community program.

What is a Direct Service Worker?

Direct service is about hands-on involvement. A direct service worker interacts personally with clients at a local agency. A direct service provider's mission is to assist clients with their unmet needs, such as food, shelter, clothing, mental/behavioral health, family services, or medical care. During the pandemic, some of these direct services may have been provided remotely due to health restrictions.

If you know someone who has demonstrated exemplary achievement and commitment to helping our neighbors in need, please complete a nomination form. Our selection committee will follow up with a phone call to learn additional details. NOMINATION FORM IS HERE.

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MassLive: UMass will require masks indoors

WAMC: Food Bank of Western MA launches fund drive to build new facilites

Boston Herald: Nonprofits slam legislature for delaying tax breaks for donations

Resources for Landlords and Renters: The Administration for Children and Families (ACF) is partnering with the U.S. Department of Treasury to promote emergency rental assistance available through the American Rescue Plan Act. Many families need housing assistance to maintain stability, especially during times of uncertainty. The rental assistance will help cover rent, utilities, and other housing costs to keep residents in their homes.

Encourage renters and landlords to take advantage of the relief available to them. Find information on rental assistance across states and counties through the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) website. The CFPB website also offers resources in English and Spanish to help renters and landlords access additional financial assistance related to housing costs. Mass.gov online rental assistance is HERE.