New Data on Family Homelessness in Massachusetts

Last week Episcopal City Mission hosted The Paul and Phyllis Fireman Charitable Foundation's luncheon to announce the release of "Ending Family Homelessness in Massachusetts," the result of recently commissioned research and strategic thinking from nationally-recognized expert, Dr. Dennis Culhane. ECM was proud to be part of this exciting event and to continue to partner with the Fireman Foundation in their campaign to end family homelessness in Massachusetts.

The report lays out ways in which the state’s Emergency Assistance (EA) program could be reformed to help stretch public resources and serve more families. To view the Executive Summary and full report, "Ending Family Homelessness in Massachusetts," Click Here.

The report states that by encouraging key shifts in thinking and practice, and by implementing principles to guide reform, important family homelessness programs will better support innovative service providers so they can focus on prevention, rapid re-housing, and stabilization.

To learn more about the work to end homelessness visit the following websites:

Massachusetts Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness

or

One Family, Inc.

Support CORI Reform!!

Rally & Lobby Day
May 6 - 12:00 PM
Massachusetts State House

AGENDA

12:00pm - Rally on the State House Steps

1:00pm - Visit Legislative Offices

2:00pm - Debrief and Next Steps - Room B1

CORI, the state's criminal background check system, keeps residents from accessing jobs and housing. CORI Reform was passed last November by the Senate, but is still awaiting a vote in the House. CORI reform will increase taxpaying residents, reduce joblessness and help reduce crime. Demand CORI reform now!

The Commonwealth CORI Coalition (a statewide coalition of over 110 organizations, dedicated to passing comprehensive CORI reform in 2010) is calling on all supporters of CORI reform to join us at the State House for a Rally and Lobby Day. Speaker DeLeo has made commitments to bring CORI to a vote this session. Now that the House is done with the budget, we have a window of opportunity to pass CORI reform in May.

If you can't attend please CALL your Representative THIS WEEK to support CORI Reform

To find who your Rep is, go to www.wheredoivotema.com or call 1-800-462-VOTE (8683) and enter your address.

CALL IN DIRECTIONS:

• Step 1: Call the State House operator at 617-722-2000 and ask to be connected to your Representative
• Step 2: Ask to leave a message for your Representative
• Step 3: "Hello, my name is _________. I'm a resident in your district. My address is ________. I'm calling to ask Representative _________ to help pass CORI reform. I would like Representative _________ to write a letter or talk to Speaker DeLeo to ensure that CORI reform receives a vote in the month of May."
• Step 4: Thank the aide for their time. Email info@bostonworkersalliance.org to let them know you called. Spread the word to your friends and family!

Thank you for helping to advance CORI reform