An increasing number of Massachusetts residents are experiencing a housing affordability crisis. The ever-increasing burden of rent significantly impacts many aspects of people’s lives and communities, such as social determinants of health, access to transportation, and impact on climate change. Join MassBudget’s PolicyTALKS on June 9th for a conversation about the increasing burden of rent across the Commonwealth, the social and economic impacts of unaffordable housing, and what the state can do about it.

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Hampshire County Community Baby Shower on May 30th!

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Florence Bank awards $150,000 to nonprofits

40 organizations across the Pioneer Valley came together Tuesday night at Florence Bank’s annual Customers’ Choice Community Grants Program reception to network and accept a total of $150,000 in awards. Recipients praised Florence Bank not only for its generosity but also for providing a space to celebrate area nonprofits and their dedication to the community. “Our Customers’ Choice Community Grants program is very unique, as it gives a voice to our customers and their preferences on where we allocate the grants,” said President and CEO Matt Garrity. “We are proud to support the work they do for our communities.” Congrats to the Food Bank, Amherst Survival Center, Northampton Survival Center, Friends of Forbes Library, It Takes a Village, and all those awarded grants!

Read the article

Seeking Community Advisory Board vols

The City of Northampton is forming a Community Advisory Board (CAB) to give input and recommendations to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on issues affecting community health and wellbeing. Individuals with lived experience of challenges such as emotional distress, substance use, houselessness, and meeting basic needs are encouraged to apply. To submit your name for consideration, please click the link below to complete a quick application. All applicants will be contacted for a brief phone interview.

More info and application

Sec. Juana Matias joining Annual Meeting

The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness is thrilled to announce that Secretary Juana Matias of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will be joining the upcoming 10th Annual Gathering on Friday, May 29th at Holyoke Community College. Please click below for the updated meeting materials, including a list of participating state legislators, mayors, federal legislator representatives and more. Note: This meeting is at capacity for in-person attendance, but Zoom capacity is available. Please consider joining virtually to be part of the information and inspiration.

Updated meeting info

Zoom registration

Community Foundation announces recipients

Recently the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts made a decision to launch its Community Resilience Grant opportunity. CFWM, with the support of an anonymous donor, quickly moved to distribute a one-time $1,000,000 investment to provide urgent, flexible support to frontline community organizations. This initiative, intended to help nonprofits meet the moment and absorb the impact of these cuts, is grounded in a simple but powerful belief that organizations doing the vital work of providing essential services deserve to be fully resourced. Recipients include Amherst Survival Center, DIAL-SELF, It Takes a Village, Northampton Survival Center, and Safe Passage, among other local agencies.

Read article and recipient list here

Summer Clothing Drive thru June 5th

The City of Northampton Department of Health & Human Services (DHHS), Division of Community Care (DCC), is launching a Summer Clothing Drive to support community members experiencing financial hardship, housing instability, and other challenging life circumstances. The drive will run htru June 5th. Community members are encouraged to donate new or gently used items, including shirts, shorts, socks, raincoats, blankets, and sleeping bags. While all donations are appreciated, DHHS notes that men’s clothing is currently the greatest area of need. Click below to learn more and find a list of drop-off locations.

Learn more here

United Way annual event on June 11th

Hosted by the United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region and the Daily Hampshire Gazette, this community celebration and annual meeting event brings together community and business leaders from across the region to recognize the Person of the Year, Young Community Leader, and Kay Sheehan Community Spirit awardee. Speakers will also celebrate UWFH’s recent milestones and community achievements. All of that, plus a delicious lunch catered by Stone Soup Cafe. Be a part of the celebration!

All the June 11th info is here