Helping the Homeless
November 29, 2011 at 11:18 PM
To watch ABC40/Fox6 Tricia Taskey's report follow this link: http://www.wggb.com/2011/11/29/fighting-homelessness-governor-patrick-visits-springfield/
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB) – Walking through Friends of the Homeless in Springfield Governor Deval Patrick see’s first hand how the facility is helping people down on their luck, like Daniella Rhodes.
”It’s good to know people in his position care, when you are evicted and lost a job,” said resident Daniella Rhodes.
That’s exactly what happened to Daniella.
She had a full time job working 40, sometime 50 hours a week.
”Then the job ended and I couldn’t pay the rent, so I came here I’m glad the shelter was here because I don’t know what I would have done,” added Daniella.
The Governor says that’s happening to more and more people these days.
”It’s a bigger problem now because the economy is such a challenge. We started the Home-base Program about ending homelessness by enabling people to move from the street to permanent housing but the demand is crushing,” explained Governor Patrick.
The Governor was honored Tuesday for his committment to The Friends of the Homeless Facility with this framed picture signed by many of the residents.
”It’s important to call this a facility instead of a shelter, it helps people get information and help they need, it saves money and more to the point it saves lives,” added Governor Patrick.
Daniella says it saved her’s.
“I never thought I would be homeless, I never thought I would need a shelter. I remember hearing about this place when it was being built, I never thought I would be a resident,” said Daniella.
She feels certain the help she’s getting at the facility will get her back on her feet and living independently once again.
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.