Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
@westernmasshousingfirst.org
The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness (WMNEH) creates collaborative solutions across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties to prevent and end homelessness through a Housing First approach that centers racial equity.
Prior to yesterday’s court hearing challenging HUD’s terms for this year’s Continuum of Care (CoC) funding competition, HUD withdrew the FY25 CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Click the link for details. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
HUD Withdraws Funding Notice One Hour Prior to Federal Court Hearing
<p>Immediately prior to yesterday’s court hearing challenging HUD’s terms for this year’s Continuum of Care (CoC) funding competition, HUD withdrew the FY25 CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). ...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
December 9, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Prior to yesterday’s court hearing challenging HUD’s terms for this year’s Continuum of Care (CoC) funding competition, HUD withdrew the FY25 CoC Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). Click the link for details. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Another lawsuit has been filed , seeking a stop to HUD's "unlawful and unreasonable restrictions that seek to shift funding away from proven solutions to homelessness." Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Second Lawsuit Filed to Challenge HUD’s Actions
<p>We reported in our previous blog post on the MA Attorney General joining 20 other states in a lawsuit against HUD challenging HUD’s restrictions on CoC funding. Yesterday, a second lawsuit was file...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
December 3, 2025 at 9:47 PM
Another lawsuit has been filed , seeking a stop to HUD's "unlawful and unreasonable restrictions that seek to shift funding away from proven solutions to homelessness." Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Click the link for an expanded list of winter emergency shelter locations for individuals in western Massachusetts. #wintershelter #endhomelessness
Winter Shelter Directory Updated
Expanded winter emergency shelter for individuals is newly available as of today, with thanks to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for it
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
December 3, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Click the link for an expanded list of winter emergency shelter locations for individuals in western Massachusetts. #wintershelter #endhomelessness
New restrictions place unlawful conditions on access to funding. Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
MA Attorney General Joins Lawsuit to Stop HUD’s Threat to Housing for Thousands
<p>As stated in the MA AG’s press release: “Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and a coalition of 20 other states today [11/25/25] filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Housin...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
December 2, 2025 at 5:45 PM
New restrictions place unlawful conditions on access to funding. Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
We must act: stop HUD from enacting policies that will threaten housing for hundreds of thousands; and urge Congress to pass spending bills that will reject cuts and protect housing programs. Click the link for more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Quick Actions for Critical Impact: Protect Housing for 170,000 People Nationwide and More
<p>We have a lot coming at us while we do the pressing work of every day. Thanks to our state partner Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance and our several national […]</p>
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
November 18, 2025 at 9:20 PM
We must act: stop HUD from enacting policies that will threaten housing for hundreds of thousands; and urge Congress to pass spending bills that will reject cuts and protect housing programs. Click the link for more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Click the link for an update from the Massachusetts Housing Shelter Alliance (MHSA). #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
HUD Policy Changes Will Drastically Cut Funding for Supportive Housing in Massachusetts
<p>An update from the Massachusetts Housing Shelter Alliance (MHSA): Last week the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released the 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition Notice o...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Click the link for an update from the Massachusetts Housing Shelter Alliance (MHSA). #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Be Heard: State Legislative Hearings on Top Priorities. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Be Heard: State Legislative Hearings on Top Priorities
<p>We have two hearings that deserve our attention: Tuesday, November 18, 1 pm on protecting families facing homelessness: The Joint Committee on Families, Children and Persons with Disabilities will ...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
November 17, 2025 at 7:21 PM
Be Heard: State Legislative Hearings on Top Priorities. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Click the link for a sign-on letter from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to add your voice to protecting housing and homelessness programs through this shutdown and more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Contact Your Congresspeople Today!
<p>First, please see this organizational sign-on letter from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to add your voice to protecting housing and homelessness programs through this shutdown. Secondly...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
November 10, 2025 at 9:45 PM
Click the link for a sign-on letter from the National Low Income Housing Coalition to add your voice to protecting housing and homelessness programs through this shutdown and more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Please join MHSA and experts via Zoom on 11/5 to learn about proposed federal cuts to supportive housing—cuts that could lead to more than 170,000 people nationwide losing their housing. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Join MHSA’s Mobilization Call: Wednesday, November 5, 4-5 pm
<p>Thanks to the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) for providing this critical organizing opportunity: Please join MHSA and national and local experts on Zoom on November 5 to learn ab...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
October 29, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Please join MHSA and experts via Zoom on 11/5 to learn about proposed federal cuts to supportive housing—cuts that could lead to more than 170,000 people nationwide losing their housing. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is proposing major policy changes that would undo decades of bipartisan progress & increase homelessness nationwide. Click the link to learn more and take action! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Action Alert on HUD Threat to Supportive Housing
<p>Please join in this action alert organized by the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA): The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is proposing major policy changes tha...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
October 22, 2025 at 4:42 PM
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is proposing major policy changes that would undo decades of bipartisan progress & increase homelessness nationwide. Click the link to learn more and take action! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Urge your congresspeople to intervene and ensure HUD keeps its past commitments and not allow the use of unfair and problematic criteria to make decisions for homelessness funding. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Keep Pushing: Contact Your Congresspeople Now!
<p>Please take 2 minutes to watch the latest message (see below) from Ann Oliva, CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Call or email your congresspeople next (we are so grateful […]</p>
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
October 8, 2025 at 2:50 PM
Urge your congresspeople to intervene and ensure HUD keeps its past commitments and not allow the use of unfair and problematic criteria to make decisions for homelessness funding. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
ACT NOW: Hold HUD Accountable and Protect CoC Program Funding. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
HUD Threatens to Slash Housing; Federal Government Shutdown
<p>First, if you have only one minute, go here and sign on. Next, according to an article reported in Politico yesterday, HUD is planning to impose deep cuts to CoC funding. As summarized […]</p>
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
October 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
ACT NOW: Hold HUD Accountable and Protect CoC Program Funding. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
The campaign to get rent control on the November 2026 ballot starts NOW! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
Join the Rent Control Campaign Kick Off this Saturday, September 13!
The campaign to get rent control on the November 2026 ballot starts NOW! We need to collect 75,000 signatures statewide by December 3rd.
Come join Sp
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
September 10, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The campaign to get rent control on the November 2026 ballot starts NOW! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
Click the link to learn more about how HUD is putting housing funds at risk and how to take action! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
HUD Puts Housing Funds at Risk
Last week, HUD unexpectedly reissued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Permanent Supportive Housing.
The notice raised deep concerns about HUD's di
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
September 10, 2025 at 7:08 PM
Click the link to learn more about how HUD is putting housing funds at risk and how to take action! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
The report captures the exorbitant rent increases in the region—35% between 2021 and 2024 and 40% in Hampden County. Click the link to read more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
NEW: Western MA Housing Study Shows Continuing Massive Affordable Housing Gap
The UMass Donahue Institute, in partnership with Way Finders, recently released its new study of housing in western MA: Building Homes. Building Futures.
Th
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
September 5, 2025 at 11:00 PM
The report captures the exorbitant rent increases in the region—35% between 2021 and 2024 and 40% in Hampden County. Click the link to read more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
It’s time for our next push to pass the Real Estate Transfer Fee for Affordable Housing. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
Real Estate Transfer Fee for Affordable Housing: Legislative Hearing September 9
It's time for our next push to pass the Real Estate Transfer Fee for Affordable Housing! The Joint Committee on Revenue is convening a hearing on this bill
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
September 5, 2025 at 9:00 PM
It’s time for our next push to pass the Real Estate Transfer Fee for Affordable Housing. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
Earlier this week, the Attorney General’s Office certified the rent control ballot question for the 2026 ballot—it’s a GO! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
Rent Control Campaign is ON!
Great news! Earlier this week, the Attorney General's Office certified the rent control ballot question for the 2026 ballot—it's a GO!
We need to collect
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
September 5, 2025 at 6:31 PM
Earlier this week, the Attorney General’s Office certified the rent control ballot question for the 2026 ballot—it’s a GO! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
The rent control ballot petition is currently under review (and must be approved) by the MA Attorney General’s Office. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Rent Control Heading for the Ballot!
<p>Western MA is coming together—thanks to Homes for All MA and Springfield No One Leaves—to learn about the rent control ballot initiative on: Wednesday, August 276 pm on ZoomRegister Here […]</p>
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
August 26, 2025 at 11:40 AM
The rent control ballot petition is currently under review (and must be approved) by the MA Attorney General’s Office. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Click the link to learn more about a strategic and community-based approach of “non-cooperation” for our country to resist Trump’s policies and protect our democracy. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Join the One Million Rising Campaign
<p>As the Trump Administration continues to assault the fundamental human rights of people experiencing homelessness and virtually every other vulnerable population, the national One Million Rising Ca...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
August 18, 2025 at 2:29 PM
Click the link to learn more about a strategic and community-based approach of “non-cooperation” for our country to resist Trump’s policies and protect our democracy. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
The National Alliance to End Homelessness invites us to participate in their Virtual Capitol Hill Day on Wednesday, September 17. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Fighting Back: Actions You Can Take
<p>Ann Oliva, the CEO of the National Alliance to End Homelessness, offers this quick analysis of Trump’s takeover of Washington, DC by federal law enforcement: “It was thinly veiled as a “public […]<...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
August 18, 2025 at 2:28 PM
The National Alliance to End Homelessness invites us to participate in their Virtual Capitol Hill Day on Wednesday, September 17. Click the link to learn more! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
It’s not too late to submit your own testimony regarding rent control and more! Click the link for details. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Rent Control and More: the Network’s Testimony Here; Submit Yours!
<p>Thanks to all who showed up at the legislative hearing on the rent control bill yesterday! A full bus from Springfield – shout-out to Springfield No One Leaves! – joined […]</p>
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
July 30, 2025 at 8:38 PM
It’s not too late to submit your own testimony regarding rent control and more! Click the link for details. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
"This Executive Order and the proposed changes in policy and funding will likely destabilize many vulnerable households in Massachusetts..." Click the link below to learn more and be sure to subscribe for the latest updates! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
Trump’s Dehumanization in his Executive Order on Homelessness
<p>Last week, the Trump Administration issued an Executive Order titled Ending Crime and Disorder on America’s Streets. The Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance captures the crux of the order’s...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
July 30, 2025 at 8:36 PM
"This Executive Order and the proposed changes in policy and funding will likely destabilize many vulnerable households in Massachusetts..." Click the link below to learn more and be sure to subscribe for the latest updates! #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
Submit your testimony today (July 22) and tomorrow (July 23) to stop criminalization and support key housing bills! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
Today and Tomorrow! Submit your testimony to stop criminalization and support key housing bills
<p>TODAY: Hearing on Ending Criminalization of Homelessness Today, July 22, 1 pm, the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Governments will be hearing testimony on H.2261, An Act ending the ...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
July 22, 2025 at 6:19 PM
Submit your testimony today (July 22) and tomorrow (July 23) to stop criminalization and support key housing bills! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
If you support anyone without stable housing on July 20th, please make a plan to complete Summer PIT Count surveys between Monday 7/21 through Saturday 7/26! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/continuum-of...
Three County CoC Summer Point in Time Count – July 20 – Surveys 7/21-7/26
<p>The Three County Continuum of Care – for Hampshire, Franklin and Berkshire Counties – is conducting a Summer Point in Time Count on the night of Sunday, July 20. If you support […]</p>
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
July 18, 2025 at 3:10 PM
If you support anyone without stable housing on July 20th, please make a plan to complete Summer PIT Count surveys between Monday 7/21 through Saturday 7/26! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/continuum-of...
We have three state legislative hearings on deck over these next two weeks that offer us an opportunity to be heard on critical bills! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...
A Big Two Weeks on Our Priority Bills!
<p>We have three state legislative hearings on deck over these next two weeks that offer us an opportunity to be heard on critical bills! In chronological order: End Criminalization of […]</p>
www.westernmasshousingfirst.org
July 18, 2025 at 3:07 PM
We have three state legislative hearings on deck over these next two weeks that offer us an opportunity to be heard on critical bills! Click the link to learn more. #endhomelessness #affordablehousing www.westernmasshousingfirst.org/advocacy/202...