Governor Patrick Honored by Friends of the Homeless
November 29, 2011 at 10:59 PM
SPRINGFIELD, MA (WSHM) -
The holidays are a season of giving and helping those in need get back on their feet.
Tuesday Gov. Deval Patrick was honored at the Friends of the Homeless Resource Center for his help in getting the facility up and running.
"This is about helping people get on their feet and staying on their feet. And, in the long run that's going to save everybody money and more to the point save lives," said Governor Patrick.
Friends of the Homeless operates the largest emergency shelter for adults in Western Mass.
And, in the governor's fight to end homelessness his administration has donated more than $10 million towards making this new facility possible.
"Springfield has a very high poverty rate so the service center is well utilized we'll see about 1,200 people this year," said the executive director of the Friends of the Homeless Facility, Bill Miller.
And with so many people turning to the organization for help, many are making important strides at the center to help them get back on their feet.
"I'm a permanent resident however I came a long way you know I used to be a resident of this shelter and through my outreach work and councilors here it's up to the person themselves," said Tampatha Early.
"I haven't had an I.D. in years and will have an I.D. Friday. And, I'm using health care for the homeless. They've helped me out with that," said Melissa Davis.
And for those who are currently struggling with homelessness the facility offers 24-hour help.
"We believe that people who are homeless are homeless all day long we want them to have the opportunity to get back on their feet so we have the overnight emergency services but we also have daytime services available," said Miller.
Copyright 2011 WSHM. All rights reserved.
To watch video follow this link: http://www.cbs3springfield.com/story/16148986/governor-patrick-honored-by-friends-of-the-homeless-facility
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.