FY’09 Priority Issue: Expand homelessness prevention programs for low income families and individuals
WAMS is a member of an ad hoc, statewide coalition of housing organizations whose goal is to secure a $5 million line item in the state budget for early intervention targeted at recipients of cash assistance programs from the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA).
As homelessness and housing insecurity continue to grow in the state, and shelters continue to operate at full capacity, there is a critical need to expand homeless prevention efforts. Establishing a new prevention line item under the direct control of DTA would enable it to target prevention resources to its own consumers and other families and individuals entering through the doors of the state’s shelter system. According to a recent DTA report, nearly 70% of families in Emergency Assistance shelter receive cash assistance from DTA, and a significant number of individuals in the singles shelter system also rely on DTA assistance. This program would provide needed tools for DTA staff and affiliates to quickly and effectively assess and address the housing needs of these families and individuals. Prevention resources could be targeted to households earlier in their housing crisis, allowing for more efficient and less costly interventions.
Interested in Learning More About Housing Policy and Advocacy? |
WAMS works at a local and state level to develop new tools for affordable and workforce housing. Please call Bob Bachelder at 508-832-3937 or e-mail wamsucc@bigplanet.com to learn about other WAMS efforts.
For excellent overviews of housing issues and legislative priorities, please consult the websites of the following agencies with whom WAMS partners.
Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance at www.cmhaonline.org.
The Citizens Housing and Planning Association at www.chapa.org
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless at www.mahomeless.org
For More Information About WAMS, UCC |
Minister for Mission and Service
The Rev. Robert Bachelder, Minister & President
128 Central Street
Auburn, Massachusetts 01501
Telephone: 508-832-3937
Email: minister@wamsucc.org
