Subscribe to RSSThe Storm's Real Impact
If you know me, you know the closest I get to camping is an economy hotel. I was a Girl ...
United Way Day of Caring
It's right there for everyone to see, a fresh coat of paint that makes a very old building proud to&...
Finding Common Ground
Two experiences this week remind me that we are all more alike, than not and you only have to look t...
Rescue Me Video
Announcements
Join us for The Soup Series Feb. 17, 2011
The successful luncheon program, The Soup Series, continues on February 17, 2011. Spend your lunch hour with Friends of the Homeless. Over a bowl of soup, you'll learn what's being done to end homelessness in our community and how you can...
Sponsorships Available for Journey In My Shoes 2012
Health New England continues to demonstrate its committment to the Springfield community and individuals experiencing homelessness. HNE is the leading the effort to support Friends of the Homeless, Inc. stepping out as the Journey Sponsor for t...
Volunteer Orientation Session in February
Friends of the Homeless, Inc. relies on the help of adult volunteers to serve three meals a day, seven days a week. We are also able to utilize individual's time and talents as other needs arise on our campus. For the safety and security ...
Thank You for a Magical Night of Giving
Thank you to The Holyoke Mall, the Holyoke Mall Merchants and to all of you who helped make Sunday evening, November 20th a truly "Magical Night of Giving." Friends of the Homeless, Inc. greatly appreciates the opportunity to partner with local...
Thanks for taking a look at our website!
a note from Bill Miller, Executive Director
The National Coalition to End Homelessness issued a report just this week showing that the numbers of people experiencing homelessness has decreased slightly across the country over the past two years. While that is good news, they also point out that many of the gains that have been made were funded through one time grants that were part of the stimulus funds issued by the Federal government about 3 years ago.
Our local experience mirrors much of what is in the report, including the successful use of stimulus funds to help reduce the numbers of people who are homeless. But, here in Springfield, we differ in one important factor. Nationally, the report indicates that the numbers of people living on the streets, in cars, abandoned buildings or other places not fit for human habitation, has increased. By all reports locally, the numbers of people living outdoors, in alleyways, or by the river, has decreased. That is a step in the right direction for Springfield and it represents the collaborative efforts of many organizations, business leaders and individual volunteers.
The challenge for us all, nationally and locally, is to somehow keep the focus and energy on creating solutions to this problem. The economy overall seems to be rebounding but there is still the challenge of matching people with jobs they are able to perform. For people with little income, finding housing they can afford and maintaining it leaves them at risk to fall into homelessness again. Housing First is part of the answer. It is ideally suited for those who are least able to work.
Our organization, in partnership with the community, developed a resource center that we hope is flexible enough to adapt to the changing needs of people who find themselves homeless. Emergency food and shelter is vital and we have that. Beyond that, however, we look to match people with what they need. It might just be a landlord contact. It might be a bus ticket to reach family in another locale. More often, it is something more complicated. But, more than 1,100 people came through our resource center this past year and have moved on. We consider each person who finds a home to be a success! Thank you for your support of these efforts!
To read the report from the National Coalition go to: www.endhomelessness.org