Merrimack Valley Regional Network Meeting Minutes 2/25/13

Merrimack Valley Regional Network to End Homelessness

February 25, 2013 – Meeting Minutes

Greater Lawrence Community Action 305 Essex St Lawrence, MA

In attendance: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich (CTI), Sue Fink (City of Lawrence), Jim Barnes (City of Lawrence), Patty Bergin (CHC), Steve Wilkins (Commonwealth land Trust), Bob Gould (CAI), Connie Murphy (CAI), Melissa Glassman (Eliot CHS), Evelyn Friedman (GLCAC), Stephen O’Keefe (DPH/BSAS), Marissa Melendez (GLCAC), David McCloskey (LTLC), Ann Malavich (LTLC), Laura Tomaszcwk (DCF), Alexandra Saccardo (Daybreak)

Network Updates: 

Merrimack Valley Regional Network Meeting Minutes 1/14/13

Merrimack Valley Regional Network to End Homelessness

January 14, 2013 – Meeting Minutes

Community Teamwork 17 Kirk St. Lowell, MA

In attendance: Kristin Ross-Sitcawich (CTI), Sue Fink (City of Lawrence), Jim Barnes (City of Lawrence), Patty Bergin (CHC), Steve Wilkins (Commonwealth land Trust), Bob Gould (CAI), Connie Murphy (CAI), Roland Cartier (CTI), Melissa Glassman (Eliot CHS), Sandy Almonte (DTA), Evelyn Friedman (GLCAC), Susan Rourke (Billerica HOC)

DHCD Seeking Re-Housing Specialist Contractors

More information – click here

Rehousing Specialist Contractors

Duties:

During the course of Fiscal Year 2014, approximately 6,000 families receiving the HomeBASE Rental Assistance benefit will transition off the two-year program. In addition, approximately 85 families will be transitioning off a small, four-year program that provided rental assistance called Moving to Economic Opportunity (MEOP). The DHCD Rehousing Team will focus primarily on the transition from HomeBASE, but will also provide support to families and providers transitioning from the MEOP program as it will require similar activities.

Reduction to Unemployment Benefits on the Horizon

Here is a copy of the letter to be issued to those receiving Unemployment Benefits. These reductions will take place starting the week ending 5/4/2013.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING THE REDUCTION TO YOUR EUC WEEKLY UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS

Dear claimant:

You are receiving unemployment benefits as part of a federal program known as Emergency Unemployment Compensation (EUC).  In 2011, Congress passed a law known as the “sequester,” which calls for budget cuts to most federal programs. This new law took effect earlier this year.  Due to these federal budget cuts, the unemployment benefits that you are currently receiving will be reduced by 12.8% starting the week ending May 4, 2013. Massachusetts is required by federal law to implement this reduction.

Stand Down: Combating Barriers to Fair Housing for Veterans Conference

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs currently estimates that 67,000 veterans are

Lawrence 1st Homeless Providers Networking Gathering Invitation – 4/25/13

You are cordially invited to attend the 1^st Homeless Providers Networking Gathering

April 25^th from 2:00 to3:30pm

The host of this first event is:

Greater Lawrence Community Service Center (GLCAC)

21 Lawrence St. Lawrence, MA 01841 Ph: 978-681-4900

Agenda for the Gathering

I)  GLCAC will give a brief overview of their program and a tour of their facility;

II) Susan Dargon-Hart (liaison to dph/bureau of substance abuse services)  will discuss opportunities for support/consult/training around substance use and co-occurring disorders;

LTLC Winter (Protocol) Ceasing Operation 4/1/13

David McCloskey, Executive Director at Lowell Transitional Living Center has advised that the Winter (Protocol) Emergency Bed program will cease operations. The last evening that they will take guests into this program will be 3/31/13. Questions? Cal (978) 458-9888