Opioid Task Force

Together, we can tackle the serious problem of heroin and prescription drug addiction in Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region of Massachusetts.

Housing

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What’s New with RAFT and ERAP? 2022 Updates and Changes in the Emergency Housing Programs

Join us on Thursday, January 27, 2022, from 2 PM – 3 PM, as we learn more about the changes in the Rental Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) and the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) Programs as of January 1, 2022. One can register for this event, here.

Featuring Amanda Watson, the Director of Housing Consumer Education Center for the Franklin County Regional Housing & Redevelopment Authority.

Per the Commonwealth of Massachusetts website, “…the RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies caused by loss of income, increase in expenses, or both. Funding can be used for a variety of needs, including rent or mortgage arrears, security deposits, or other expenses to help households obtain or maintain stable housing. Households with incomes up to 50% of Area Median Income (AMI)*, or 60% of AMI for people who are at risk of homelessness because of domestic violence, are eligible for assistance.”

“The …Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) leverages new federal funding for eligible low-income tenants who are in need of financial assistance. “

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CORI Sealing & Housing: Know Your Rights

Join Alyssa Golden, Staff Attorney, with Community Legal Aid to learn of one’s legal rights when seeking housing when a CORI is also involved. Also, learn how one’s CORI can be sealed as a result of a new state-funded effort in our region geared towards those with a history of incarceration and/or substance misuse.
This is part of the Opioid Task Force’s ongoing series on examining housing resources, gaps, and opportunities in the region and how this issue can intersect with substance use disorders.

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Virtual: Homelessness in Franklin County & the North Quabbin during COVID-19: Resources & Supports

Join us as we learn more about the available resources and supports for individuals who are homeless in our rural region, which has been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Register for this event here!

Featured speakers:

  • Rose Facto, Program Manager, Wells Street Shelter at ServiceNet
  • Kristin Smith, Program Director and Manager of the Greenfield Warming Center at Clinical & Support Options (CSO)
  • Keleigh Pereira, Program Director, Three County Continuum of Care at Community Action Pioneer Valley

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Virtual: Evictions in 2021 in Franklin County and the North Quabbin: A Status Report

Join us as we learn more about the status of evictions in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region and available resources to help individuals stay in their homes.

Register for this free event here!

Featured speakers:

  • Pamela Schwartz, Director, Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness
  • Scott Parker, Director of Civil Process, Franklin County Sheriff’s Office
  • Jennifer Dieringer, Managing Attorney, Community Legal Aid
  • Mary Klaes, Greenfield Court Service Center Manager, Franklin County Justice Center

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COVID-19 and Housing: Status of Evictions in Franklin County/North Quabbin and Available Legal Resources

Join us as OTF’s COVID-19 Zoom Call Series continues in November.
This call will focus on the status of evictions in our rural region since the COVID-19 Eviction Moratorium was lifted and review the available legal services to help those at risk of losing their housing.
Featuring:
  • Christopher J. Donelan, Franklin County Sheriff and Co-Chair of the Opioid Task Force
  • Jennifer Dieringer, Managing Attorney, Community Legal Aid
  • Mary Klaes, Greenfield Court Service Center Manager, Franklin County Justice Center
Register here!