logo
Coalition for Homeless Individuals holds briefing at State House

Coalition for Homeless Individuals holds briefing at State House

Yahoo05-02-2025

BOSTON (WWLP) – The Coalition for Homeless Individuals held a briefing on Tuesday, highlighting the challenges facing homeless people in Massachusetts and identifying potential solutions.
Massachusetts is experiencing an 11% to 25% increase in homeless shelter demand for families and individuals, and with funding running dry for the emergency housing program, providers are advocating for the state to step in.
Holyoke building condemned due to code violations
One challenge these providers face is combating stereotypes about homelessness.
'We work with really beautiful individuals. They come in our doors, they want to be a part of their own solution,' said Aaryn Manning, the executive director of Project Place.
While homelessness in Massachusetts remains lower than the national average both for veterans and for civilian populations, providers are facing challenges stemming from the housed population. Most residents support ending homelessness, but many do not want a homeless shelter in their town.
'We face great NIMBYism, 'not in my backyard,' when we're trying to end homelessness,' said John Yazwinski, the President and CEO of Father Bill's and MainSpring.
One shelter director says we already have the tools we need to permanently end homelessness in Massachusetts, such as the shelter system, medical care organizations for homeless individuals, and job training programs.
'It works! This approach works! We don't need to figure out how to end homelessness. We need to resource it,' said President and CEO of St. Francis House of Karen LaFrazia.
The providers say the emergency shelter system is a crucial starting point to getting individuals and families the resources they need to work and live independently.
The coalition encouraged legislators at the briefing to fund homeless shelters and other resources in the upcoming 2026 budget.
WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Pittsfield seeking volunteers for Housatonic River cleanup
Pittsfield seeking volunteers for Housatonic River cleanup

Yahoo

time14 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Pittsfield seeking volunteers for Housatonic River cleanup

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Berkshire Environmental Action Team (BEAT) and the Housatonic Valley Association (HVA) are seeking volunteers for the annual Housatonic River cleanup. Easthampton Fire Department teams with Baystate Health for blood drive The cleanup will be held on Saturday, June 21, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. Interested volunteers are encouraged to meet at Wahconah Park to begin cleanup of the river's west branch. It is recommended for participants to wear old clothes and sneakers, a hat, waterproof boots or waders, and sunglasses, and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. BEAT and HVA will also be providing a limited number of waders for volunteers to borrow. Canoes will be on site to transport all trash and debris found at the banks and bottom of the river throughout the event. Organizers said that these cleanups have made a significant difference in the Housatonic River's health, finding a variety of unusual items in the water. Notable trash included shopping carts, televisions, mattresses, and even an empty ATM. BEAT and HVA said that the gradual decrease of trash in the river would not be possible without the help of volunteers each year. To register for the cleanup, visit Volunteers who register in advance will also be provided with a free lunch from a local restaurant following the event. More information can be found at WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Girl Scouts donate nearly 14,000 boxes of cookies at Barnes Air National Guard Base
Girl Scouts donate nearly 14,000 boxes of cookies at Barnes Air National Guard Base

Yahoo

time16 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Girl Scouts donate nearly 14,000 boxes of cookies at Barnes Air National Guard Base

WESTFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Nearly 14,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies are on their way to military personnel, thanks to a generous donation from the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) through their 'Project Care and Share' program. Mass. clean cement company hopes to win back $87M federal award On Monday, GSCWM delivered 1,166 cases of cookies to Barnes Aire National Guard Base and the United Service Organizations (USO), aiming to bring a taste of home and appreciation to service members currently deployed or on duty. The donation is part of the Girl Scouts' ongoing efforts to support the military community and instill civic engagement in young members. Five of the program's top cookie sellers were on site to assist with loading the cookies onto transport trucks. The donation not only supports the morale of military personnel but also teaches young Girl Scouts the importance of giving back and honoring those who serve. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Ludlow police officer saves fawn after separation from mother
Ludlow police officer saves fawn after separation from mother

Yahoo

timea day ago

  • Yahoo

Ludlow police officer saves fawn after separation from mother

LUDLOW, Mass. (WWLP) – A Ludlow police officer was able to rescue a fawn on Chapin Street overnight. Baby skunks rescued in Pittsfield: What should you do if you get 'skunked' The Ludlow Police Department states that an officer, during his overnight shift, came across a fawn lying in the road on Chapin Street. Once an Animal Control Officer (ACO) arrived, they determined that the fawn was only a few days old. The fawn's mother was spotted nearby, but was separated by a six-foot fence that the fawn could not cross. The officer was concerned that human contact might cause the mother to reject the fawn; however, the ACO told the officer that this is a common myth. The officer carefully used a blanket to pick up the fawn and reunite it with its mother. WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store