Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) announced that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) will be limited to heat emergencies only as the heat season begins November 1, 2025. CAPV's Fuel Assistance program continues to accept applications but currently has limited funds available for heat emergencies only. During this period, the organization will not be able to send approval letters or provide benefit award amounts to approved participants. Notification letters will only be sent for incomplete applications.

Federal program contract funds, known as HEAP (formerly LIHEAP), have not been issued due to the shutdown, and no funding has been authorized. Fuel Assistance programs around the country are unable to provide regular awards. Community Action’s Fuel Assistance program alone provides approximately $8 million dollars in heating assistance to Hampshire and Franklin County residents, keeping nearly 10,000 households safe and warm during the winter months. Those dollars enter our local economy through payments to largely local vendors.

Read the full release here

Community Action Fuel Assistance

Community Action Facebook Updates

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HCHC Hilltown Holiday Help needs some helping hands!

Join COSA for an insightful exchange with Lindsay Bennett-Jacobs, Director of Community Action RSVP.

Lindsay is bringing her expertise in volunteer matching for adults aged 55+ to share her ideas for finding, engaging, and working effectively with dedicated volunteers. We'll also dive into college community engagement programs. Learn how to connect with these valuable campus resources and tap into a dynamic pool of student energy and skills.

Whether you're looking to boost your older adult volunteer numbers or forge new college partnerships, this session will help your organization elevate your volunteer impact!

COSA zooms on Tuesday, November 18th @10am-11am.

Check out COSA Meets on November 18th

New site for CAC Franklin County & North Quabbin

Join the Children's Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin in celebrating the grand opening of their new office in Orange on Thursday, November 13th. This expansion means more local access to the vital, compassionate care needed to help children heal and thrive. Help support this essential step forward in their mission to disrupt the cycle of child abuse and exploitation.

Get all the details here

ServiceNet spotlights recovery programming

At one of ServiceNet's mental health recovery homes, residents find healing and connection in unexpected ways — through caring for chickens, goats, and a thriving greenhouse. These simple, everyday moments of care and responsibility make a profound difference in residents’ lives. Check out this 3-minute video about fresh ways to support mental health and recovery.

Got time for a 3-minute video?

Northampton DHHS clothing drive ends Nov 14th

Running through November 14th, the Northampton Department of Health & Human Services is calling on the community to help keep neighbors warm this winter. Donations are already coming in, but DHHS is putting out a renewed call to action as the need this year is greater than ever. Rising living costs and decreased benefits make it harder for many families to stay prepared for the cold. Your donations, whether gently worn or new, can make a meaningful difference in helping neighbors stay warm and safe this winter.

More info and list of drop off locations

Prospect Place

737 Bridge Road

Nov 17th @11am

Prospect Place opening celebration on Nov 17th

Please join Valley Community Development to celebrate the opening of their new apartment building, Prospect Place in Northampton. Prospect Place will bring 60 affordable rental units to the community. Speakers will include Secretary Augustus (Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities), Senator Comerford (Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester), Representative Sabadosa (First Hampshire), and Northampton's Mayor Sciarra. Tours will be available following the remarks and opening event.

Fair Housing Listening Session on Nov 17th

Secretary Ed Augustus and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), in partnership with Way Finders, is hosting the EOHLC Fair Housing Regional Listening Session for Hampden County on November 17th. More sessions are being scheduled. This series across the state will provide an opportunity for residents, advocates, and stakeholders to share their experiences, identify barriers to fair housing, and shape strategies to ensure that every community in the Commonwealth is inclusive and equitable. Thanks to Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness for highlighting this session!