October is going to be good

Last week's favorite click

Trauma-Informed Hampshire County convo w-MA Child Advocate

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Valley Community Development is co-sponsoring CHAPA’s Annual Regional Meeting for Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties, and you’re invited! This meeting is free and open to anyone interested. Each year, CHAPA brings together partners working across housing development to share a brief presentation about their work, then engage in conversation about community housing needs and opportunities, and discuss where CHAPA should prioritize its advocacy in the coming year. This year’s Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties meeting will be held on Zoom on Thursday, October 22nd.

Winter shelter funding opportunity

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) has issued its Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for winter shelter and warming center capacity. Find the NOFA and supporting documents here on Commbuys. The announcement also includes information about the Bidder's Conference on Wednesday, October 7th. Questions may be submitted in advance. Proposals are due on Friday, October 16th. Thanks to Western MA Network to End Homelessness for sharing this vital information!

More info on WMNEH blog

TechSoup shares nonprofit high yield savings

The Devote high yield savings account helps nonprofits grow their savings. With up to 2.25 percent APY, next day liquidity, and FDIC insurance coverage up to $50 million, organizations can keep funds secure and accessible with a fee-free account. This account is designed specifically for nonprofits, giving them a simple way to strengthen financial stability and maximize the impact of their cash reserves. This account is build to support nonprofit financial needs and reporting compliance requirements.

Learn more about this at TechSoup

Guidance for nonpartisan engagement

As the 2026 midterms approach, many nonprofits are fielding new questions about how this election will unfold and the roles nonprofits can play in nonpartisan civic engagement. The webinar will provide a roadmap on activities nonprofits can pursue to support civic engagement while remaining nonpartisan. The National Council of Nonprofits will walk through what's changing (and what isn't) in the policy landscape and resources contained in the 2026 Voter Engagement Guide. They'll close by hearing from nonprofit leaders about how they're putting these strategies to work in their own communities.

DHHS announces opioid settlement grants

This past spring, the City of Northampton Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) launched its inaugural Opioid Settlement Fund Mini-Grants Program, making $120,000 in municipal opioid settlement funding available to local organizations and community-based initiatives serving those directly impacted by opioid use and addiction. While supporting innovation and flexibility, the funding opportunity sought to support community-based efforts that prevent opioid misuse, reduce overdose risk, expand access to treatment, and support recovery for residents of Northampton, as well as those who receive services in the City. Recipients include a Northampton Survival Center-Northampton Recovery Center partnership.

Get all the details here

October Team Comerford office hours

Senator Jo Comerford and her team seek to be as accessible as possible to constituents living in the 25 cities and towns of the Hampshire, Franklin, Worcester district.

Director of Constituent Services Jessie Cooley will be holding remote office hours via Zoom (call-in option available) on Tuesday, October 13th. Each remote office hours appointment is scheduled to last 20 minutes. Bring any issues you are facing involving a state agency, any questions you have for our team, or any input you have about legislation that has been filed.

Book time online Oct 13th