Friends of the Homeless in Springfield on verge on state funding increase for beds, services
July 11, 2011 at 6:40 PM
Peter Goonan, The Republican
SPRINGFIELD – Friends of the Homeless, which has been lobbying for an increase in state funds for its emergency shelter beds and related services, is a signature away from some relief.
The state budget, recently passed by both the House and Senate, calls for a new, minimum payment of $20 per bed per night for shelters in Massachusetts. The rate will trigger an increase in state funds for the lowest-paid organizations, including Friends of the Homeless, officials said.
The budget awaits a signature of approval from Gov. Deval L. Patrick.
The $20 rate will generate approximately $270,000 in new revenue for the Friends of the Homeless Resource Center on Worthington Street, partially offsetting a projected deficit of more than $400,000, said Executive Director William J. Miller.
“It doesn’t eliminate it (the shortfall), but it certainly is a step in the right direction,” Miller said.
Currently, Friends of the Homeless is paid at a reimbursement rate of $12.97 per night for 85 beds, and at a rate of $17.02 per night for 48 beds, according to a recent list of rates provided by Friends of the Homeless.
The rate increase “is a huge step in the direction of creating more equity statewide in providing services to the homeless,” Miller said.
To read complete article, follow the link to Peter Goonan's article in The Republican: http://www.masslive.com/news/index.ssf/2011/07/friends_of_the_homeless_on_ver.html
Kathy Tobin
After almost thirty years covering the news for television affiliates in Western Massachusetts, Kathy joined Friends of the Homeless in the fall of 2009 to help raise money and the profile of the organization to fulfill its mission. As Director of Development, Kathy is available to help you understand the work we are doing and how you might contribute to end homelessness in our community.