Bitter overnight temperatures are expected to continue throughout the week:

Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness Shelters & Services HERE.

Please join COSA this month for a detailed presentation by Jennifer Dieringer, Managing Attorney at Community Legal Aid (CLA). Serving Hampshire, Franklin, Hampden, Berkshire, and Worcester Counties, CLA is the region’s leading non-profit provider of civil legal assistance for low-income and elderly residents.

In this session, you will learn about:

CLA's Mission: How CLA protects fundamental rights and challenges systemic poverty.
Legal Practice Areas: A breakdown of the specific case types CLA handles.
Accessing Care: Clear steps on how to refer clients or seek assistance.
Q&A: Dedicated time to address your questions.

We look forward to helping you better understand the legal resources available to our community. Stay warm and join us Tuesday, February 10th at 10am-11am on Zoom!

Check it out

Last week's favorite click

EOHLC Franklin/Hampshire County Fair Housing Listening Session Feb 5th

Has your organization renewed with COSA this year? Click here.

New ED at Amherst Survival Center

Following a rigorous and competitive search process, the Board of Directors has unanimously selected Carleen Basler as the next Executive Director of the Amherst Survival Center. Carleen was officially appointed on Monday, January 26, 2026, following a successful period of interim leadership. Carleen has served as Interim Executive Director since October 2025. Prior to that role, she served as Director of Programs beginning in 2019, overseeing the Center’s core services and strengthening programs that support food security, dignity, and stability for our neighbors.

Amherst Survival Center

NLIHC Our Homes, Our Votes campaign

National Low Income Housing Coalition’s Our Homes, Our Votes (OHOV) campaign is a nonpartisan initiative to boost voter turnout among low-income renters and elevate housing as an election issue. Starting on Feb 9th, OHOV will lead once-a-month webinars, featuring real-world examples, lessons directly from the field, and step-by-step guidance to help organizations strengthen their nonpartisan voter engagement efforts and ensure renters’ voices are heard.

Learn more and register for Feb 9th

Northampton DHHS presents at conference

Recently, the Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) highlighted its public health initiatives at the Local Health Department Academy of Science National Conference. The virtual, CDC-funded event brought together more than 700 people from local health departments across the country. DHHS was invited to present as a national example of innovative public health practice, along with its research partners at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Northampton was recognized for its leadership in improving local public health through strong partnerships and the smart use of data.

Remembering MJ Adams

This notice serves as a heartfelt tribute to MJ Adams, a cherished colleague. From her role in the early days of the Truth School to her work with the City of Greenfield, MJ’s influence was profound and permanent. MJ had a gift for enhancing every space she occupied, leaving behind a legacy of progress and compassion. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all those who had the privilege of working alongside her.

Obituary on Legacy.com

UWFH Ski United auction is live

Over the past 16 years, a tight knit community of SKI UNITED supporters have banded together for a cause, raising over $39,000 for our local United Way last year, and bringing the sixteen-year total to well over $250,000. The 16th annual SKI UNITED event will be held on Thursday, February 5th at Berkshire East in Charlemont.

Not ready to hit the slopes? In addition, there is an online auction with an amazing array of goods and services.

Check out the auction

MFHC seeks new Executive Director

MFHC’s Executive Director, Maureen St. Cyr, who has served in that role for the last three years, is stepping down in March to join the Civil Rights Division of the Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General. They are launching their search for Mass Fair Housing’s next leader and are excited to engage with community members and applicants to seek a visionary Executive Director to lead the organization in its mission to check housing discrimination and advocate for housing justice and civil rights in Western and Central Massachusetts.

Read more about the position