Edwards Church Makes $50,000 Gift to Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals for Housing for Young Adults
NORTHAMPTON—Edwards Church has recently made a $50,000 gift to Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals (FHCHI) to renovate a single-family home on Hatfield Street into an apartment complex that will provide housing for homeless young adults ages 18 to 24.
Noting an increase in homelessness in the youth population in recent years, FHCHI has been planning the program for some time, actively raising funds for over two years to cover costs, and purchasing the house in March. The church offered its gift after learning that renovation costs will be roughly $200,000 more than anticipated. Additional funds are still needed.
Like many other faith communities and civic organizations, Edwards Church has long provided ongoing support for the Emergency Shelter and other FHCHI programs, and its leaders were moved by the nature of the need to make a substantial gift.
“Edwards Church has been a staunch ally of ours for years, in many ways, but with this gift they’ve gone above and beyond. It’s an inspiring example of care and commitment,” said Rick Hart, President of FHCHI.
Jeanne Kocsis, co-chair of the Edwards Church Christian Outreach Committee that suggested making the gift, said she is a regular volunteer for the MANNA soup kitchen and has observed that the population of clientele served is getting younger and younger. “We saw an opportunity to have an impact,” she said.
Jim Stokes-Buckles, co-chair with Kocsis, agreed with making this special gift and also noted that he has confidence in DIAL/SELF, the organization that will manage the new facility. “I manage group homes for adults, and DIAL/SELF’s holistic approach and impressive track record resonated with our committee and made our decision to recommend this to the whole church congregation even easier.”
Hart said, “Our assistance offers the potential to be life changing. This age group is at risk of long-term homelessness without assistance. Our ambitious plan to create housing with services could break that cycle and empower those who live at Hatfield Street.”
The project, as it evolves, will involve considerable effort and community involvement. Hart said it marks the organization’s third housing initiative. It has created housing in Florence for chronically homeless individuals and a house in downtown Northampton for individuals challenged by homelessness who are in recovery from substance abuse.
“This is more ambitious than the previous projects, but with generous help from the City’s Community Preservation Committee, private foundations, businesses, churches, and individuals, we’re on the verge of success,” Hart added.
Edwards Church is affiliated with the United Church of Christ and participates through volunteers and financial support in a range of social justice matters.
The Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals formed in the 1990s and has worked since then to provide winter shelter, housing and other services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
DIAL/SELF has been offering youth services in the Pioneer Valley since 1977.
The Friends of Hampshire County Homeless is still raising funds to complete the project. Donations can be made online at www.hamphomeless.org or via mail to: Friends of Hampshire County Homeless, P.O. Box 60398, Florence, MA, 01062.
For more information, email info@hamphomeless.org.
