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Thanks to the great work of the local legislative delegation and the leadership of the Patrick/Murray Administration, Friends of the Homeless will receive an increase in the amount of money we receive through state contracts to provide some of our emergency shelter beds in FY12.  For years, Springfield has received the lowest contract rate in the state, despite having one of the highest poverty rates.   The minimum rate for state contracted shelter beds will now be $20. per night, which is a step toward parity.  It’s an improvement for sure, but our actual cost is closer to the state average reimbursement rate of $30. per night.  The difference is the resources that actually get people out of shelter and permanently housed.  FOH is anxious to fill the Resource Center with meaningful, progressive programming that will help our clients move beyond shelter, ending homelessness one person at a time and freeing up space for those new to homelessness.  Western Massachusetts relies on FOH to be here when adult men and women are in need.  We need you to bolster our voice in policy decisions.