End to homelessness possible but not with this administration

"'Deeply illogical': this man's life work could end homelessness – and Trump is doing all he can to stop it "

After four decades of research and over a
decade of federal support, Housing First’s
Sam Tsemberis is ‘back to being an outlaw’ in the US

"Now in his fourth decade of spreading the word across most of the world’s continents about “Housing First”, an approach to helping homeless people that has convinced governments and non-profits alike to see housing as a human right, Sam Tsemberis experienced a first.

He was censored by the US government.

In the 1990s, Tsemberis began developing a simple idea: people living on the street want, and should have, safe housing with no strings attached. When you add accessible mental health and addiction services and caring, consistent case management, most stay housed. His research would bear out the idea, showing that Housing First results in at least 85% of people staying housed 12 or 24 months later, depending on the study. These are higher rates than any other approach that’s been studied.

The idea was and still is not easy to implement because it depends on all the components being present: the apartments, the services and the committed case workers. It also requires believing that unhoused people “deserve” a place to live – a belief abhorrent to the Trump administration and most Maga conservatives."

Continue reading the article with this 'shared' link -

https://www.theguardian.com/society/ng-interactive/2026/feb/12/sam-tsemberis-homelessness?CMP=share_btn_url 

Mass Coalition for the Homeless' Legislative Action Day - March 5. Registration is now open !!!

‼REGISTRATION IS LIVE: https://tinyurl.com/lad2026rsvp

Please join advocates, legislators, individuals with lived experience, providers, and allies at the Massachusetts State House for the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless' Legislative Action Day on Thursday, March 5th.

Registration will begin at 9:30 AM, and the formal agenda will run 10:00 AM –12:00 PM.

Mass Coalition for the Homeless' Legislative
Action Day - March 5. Registration is now open !!!

In the afternoon, participants will meet with legislative offices. The event will be hosted by State Representative Jim O'Day.

Learn more about the Coalition's 2025-2026 bill priorities, fiscal year 2027 (FY27) budget priorities, and how you can take action to advance housing stability, homelessness prevention, equity, and human rights.

We hope to see you there!

Shared from ->   https://www.instagram.com/p/DTN7R8pj8k2/

Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans

Part of the Hope for Heroes Campaign

Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans

DROP OFF LOCATION: 

COSTELLO REALTY

12 KING STREET, FRANKLIN, MA 02038 

DONATION BIN ON FRONT PORCH 

COLLECTING ITEMS THROUGH NOVEWBER 10

ITEMS NEEDED:

• $10 Gift Cards — CVS, Target, Walgreen's, Slop & Shop, Walmart
• New Bedding — Twin Blankets and Sheets
• New Towels
• Non-perishable Food Items
• Hygiene Items — Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Body Shaving Cream, Razors, Feminine Hygiene Products
• New L-XL Clothing — Winter Hats, Men' s Underwear, Men's/Woman's Gloves, Socks, Sweatshirts, Sweatpants

Thanks To Yanks: 2025 Donation Drive for Homeless Veterans

Hannah talks about her drive to tutor students in foster care via TriTogether (audio)

FM #1528 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1528 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Hannah Sieber, Founder and Director of TriTogeher, to provide tutoring to students in foster care. We had our conversation virtually via the Zoom platform on Thursday, September 25, 2025. 

Discussion items: 

• Hannah’s background and development of TriTogether

• The learning triangle: student effort, fundamentals, and strategies

• Tutoring session delivered virtually via Zoom

• Spreading awareness of this key service

• Looking for additional Massachusetts students who would benefit

• Looking for additional tutors, who can be anywhere

• Starting fundraising efforts to enhance the tutoring delivery

• Free webinars with key speakers working in this arena

www.tritogether.org

The conversation runs about 30 minutes. Let’s listen in 

Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1528-hannah-sieber-tritogeher-09-25-25/

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Hannah Sieber, Founder and Director, TriTogether Corp

Email -> mailto:hannah@tritogether.org  

Website -> www.tritogether.org 

Webinar series -> https://www.tritogether.org/learntogether 

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We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach out. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (video)

Invisible People ➤ Imagine Everyone With a Home (@invisiblepeople) posted Tue, Jan 07, 2025:

"Kensington, Philadelphia: known for its struggles, exploited by content creators, but rarely understood. Behind the stigma lies a public health crisis—and people who deserve dignity. 

Watch this doc & see the lifesaving work of Savage Sisters Recovery. https://t.co/hyUc43WB2W"

Direct video link -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3WhK8sTT43s

Shared from -> https://x.com/invisiblepeople/status/1876842642501202139

"The only way to keep rents low for everyone is to add more housing" (video)

“The evidence is clear: building a lot of new housing at all income levels keeps prices down—and reduces homelessness. This great new video by @jj_under will likely be the first thing I send people getting interested in the housing crisis.” 

https://x.com/mnolangray/status/1873785670755639367 

"building a lot of new housing at all income levels keeps prices down—and reduces homelessness"

“If we don't build housing to meet demand, it's not like people just magically disappear. The demand doesn't go away. Instead high income residents turn to older units and bid up the price. The only way to keep rents low for everyone is to add more housing. Only abundant housing supply relieves market rent.” 

Direct link to quote in video ->  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQW4W1_SJmc&t=1273s 

Start to watch the full video here -> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQW4W1_SJmc 

And who is Justine Underhill?

“When I graduated from college many people asked me, "What in the world are you going to do with a degree in economics, theater and math?" Well I can now proudly say I found the perfect combination for my studies-- I do my own investigative research (involving econ and math!) to tell stories that are off the beaten path. And I have definitely found a use for all of these skills as a writer, storyteller and journalist.”

Shared from Justine's LinkedIn page -> https://www.linkedin.com/in/justineu/

Remington Middle School students conduct "Socksgiving Drive" for Heading Home

In a heartwarming display of compassion and community spirit, students from Remington Middle School organized a wildly successful SocksGiving Drive during November. 

"Socksgiving Drive" for Heading Home

Students collected and donated more than 1,400 pairs of socks to Heading Home, one of the state’s leading providers of shelter and services for homeless families with children.

 

“This clothing will go a long way in helping so many families forced to rely on help,” said Heading Home COO Heather Martin, a Franklin resident. “We’re grateful the school chose our organization. There’s an added sense of pride knowing that these are students in my town rallying to make such a compassionate and caring gesture.”

 

Students turned their enthusiasm and dedication for cause into a tangible act of kindness, making a meaningful difference in the lives of those in need.

donated more than 1,400 pairs of socks to Heading Home

Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

via Kim at New England Chapel:

Pathway to a Better Life is the temporary pop-up shelter that can operate up to 55 days a year at Saint Mary of the Assumption Church, 17 Winter Street, Milford, MA 01757. 

We have been operating in the winter months since 2019. We are looking to recruit volunteers to staff the pop-up shelter so we can open the doors when the temperature is less than 22F. 

Since we are an emergency pop up shelter, we are inspected annually by Police, Fire, and Health Departments of the town of Milford. 

Dates of our training are in the attached image. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at neccares@nechapel.org.  

Thanks for your help!

Pathway to a Better Life looking for volunteers to help staff this winter

Heading Home Welcomes Heather Martin as its New Chief Operating Officer

Heading Home, the Boston area's largest provider of services for homeless families with children, has announced the appointment of Heather Martin as its new Chief Operating Officer. Heather Martin brings over 20 years of extensive experience in nonprofit management, strategy, and operations to her role. She has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, strategic planning, and financial stewardship within mission-driven organizations.

 

Heading Home

"Through her experience managing both local and national nonprofits, Heather has demonstrated the importance of balancing growth strategy with cost efficiency, which is essential for navigating the next stage of mission delivery for our organization," said Danielle Ferrier, CEO of Heading Home. "She has already stepped seamlessly into her role managing a staff here that has grown to more than 200 people, and that served more than 8,000 people last year."

 

Prior to joining Heading Home, Heather served as Vice President of Operations at March of Dimes, where she led enterprise operations, including financial planning, budgeting, facilities management, and event logistics. 

She also spent 18 years as Chief Finance and Operations Officer at 18Doors/InterfaithFamily.com, Inc. There, she spearheaded strategic planning initiatives, led digital transformation efforts, and navigated organizational leadership transitions. Heather oversaw HR, IT, finance, and administrative functions while driving sustainable growth through effective resource allocation and financial management.

 

Heather holds an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University, where she honed her expertise in organizational leadership and operational strategy. She is deeply committed to leveraging her skills to support Heading Home's mission of ending homelessness through innovative, community-focused solutions.

 

ABOUT HEADING HOME 

Heading Home is a leading provider of housing and support services in the Boston area for homeless and formerly homeless families and individuals. Heading Home supported more than 8,000 people in the past year across more than 30 communities across the Greater Boston area, including the City of Boston. Now in its 50th year, and one of the few area shelter providers serving both populations, the nonprofit organization offers emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing, along with supportive services around economic mobility & workforce development that include life-skills development; career coaching; financial education; agency-matched savings opportunities and assistance in obtaining basic benefits, child care and transportation. 

 

To learn more about its mission to end homelessness in Greater Boston by providing a supported pathway to self-sufficiency, visit HeadingHomeInc.org. 

InvisiblePeople.TV: "With Rent Increases Outpacing Wages, More Families Are Falling into Homelessness"

"22.4 million households are crushed by rent burden, and homelessness is rising fast. Learn how corporate greed and housing shortages are driving the crisis—and how we can fight back."

Skyrocketing rent burden across the U.S. is driving more working individuals into homelessness, highlighting the urgent need for affordable housing and policy reforms to prevent further economic devastation.

"Nationwide rent burden has hit an all-time high, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Learn how skyrocketing housing costs are fueling homelessness—and what you can do to protect yourself and your community before it’s too late.

“You have a full-time job. Where do you sleep?”

“I still sleep on the streets,” said Charlie, a homeless man engaged in an eye-opening interview with Invisible People.

“It doesn’t matter if you have two full-time jobs. It’s hard,” Charlie continued, acknowledging the need to pay for other things besides rent, such as food and transportation."

Continue reading the article online ->  

https://invisiblepeople.tv/the-crushing-weight-of-rent-how-americas-housing-crisis-fuels-homelessness/?

Board of Health approves new agreement, hears of coat drive, supports Norwood Hospital (audio)

FM #1309 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1309 the series. 

This session of the radio show shares the Town of Franklin Board of Health Meeting held on Wednesday, Nov 6, 2024. The meeting agenda listed it being conducted via Google meet and with no location shown, it was assumed to be virtual. However, the Board and Health Dept members apparently were present together. 

Quick Recap:

• Vote on IMA for the Public Health Excellence for Shared Services Grant, discussion that the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) previously used is being replaced State documentation (IMA) with an advisory board, C Liberty is asking board to approve, confident of it being good to go, Town Administrator and others have concurred in changes. So moved, pass 3-0 via roll

• Blood pressure kits being set up for Library of Things as part of American Heart Assoc program, coordinating support, including an Ask the Nurse evening monthly for folks to confirm the basics. First library in MA to do this, coordinate with Senior Ctr nurse also

• Community coat drive, homelessness advertorial for Nov. Milford has been doing a drive the past 20 years. Partnering with FUMC, drop off at Y, Church, or fire station. Coat giveaway on Dec 14th, From 10 AM to 2 PM 

• Inspector out doing one at this time so not participating in this session Nurse update: did get more COVID test kits at Senior Ctr. Only 2 flu cases this far, it hits differently every season. Central Park terrace part of regular activities. Exhibit at Senior Expo. Kids flu clinic held, left over vaccines used via house visits 

• Norwood hospital support memo discussed, to be drafted and then signed by Board members individually

Motion to adjourn, second passes via 3-0

The meeting runs about 22 minutes. Let’s listen to the Board of Health meeting Nov 6, 2024. Audio link -> https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1310-chalkboard-chat-11-04-24/

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The Board of Health agenda can be found ->

https://www.franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif10036/f/agendas/11-6-24.pdf 

My notes collected in a Twitter thread PDF ->

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-45Dt7pUp8ebdcsV5UUopzVxEgOTiPkk/view?usp=drive_link 

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial.  

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know 

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/ or www.franklin.news/

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town of Franklin Board of Health meeting agenda for scheduled session Nov 6 at 5 PM (virtual)

We cover a variety of health topics in conversation with our Health Director Cathleen Liberty (audio)

FM #1290 = This is the Franklin Matters radio show, number 1290 in the series. 

This session of the radio show shares my conversation with Town of Franklin (MA) Health Director Cathleen Liberty. We had our conversation in the Franklin TV & Radio Studio on Wednesday, October 9, 2024.

The recording runs about 33 minutes, so let’s listen to my conversation with Cathleen. Audio link ->  https://franklin-ma-matters.captivate.fm/episode/fm-1290-town-of-franklin-health-director-cathleen-liberty-10-09-24/

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Health Dept page  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department

Metacomet Health page -> https://www.metacometpha.org/

Health Dept Homeless Resource page -> 

https://sites.google.com/view/homeless-resources-services/home 

Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) -> https://www.fda.gov/food/hazard-analysis-critical-control-point-haccp/haccp-principles-application-guidelines#execsum

CDC page on raw dough  https://www.cdc.gov/food-safety/foods/no-raw-dough.html

Mass College of Pharmacy & health Science   https://www.mcphs.edu/

Sign up for Health alerts via Regroup -> https://franklintown.regroup.com/signup 

The Topic podcast ->  https://www.franklinma.gov/health-department/pages/topic-podcast-links

--------------

We are now producing this in collaboration with Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio (wfpr.fm ) or 102.9 on the Franklin area radio dial. 

This podcast is my public service effort for Franklin but we can't do it alone. We can always use your help.

 

How can you help?

• If you can use the information that you find here, please tell your friends and neighbors

• If you don't like something here, please let me know

• And if you have interest in reporting on meetings or events, please reach. We’ll share and show you what and how we do what we do

Through this feedback loop we can continue to make improvements. I thank you for listening.

 

For additional information, please visit Franklinmatters.org/  or www.franklin.news 

If you have questions or comments you can reach me directly at shersteve @ gmail dot com

The music for the intro and exit was provided by Michael Clark and the group "East of Shirley". The piece is titled "Ernesto, manana"  c. Michael Clark & Tintype Tunes, 2008 and used with their permission.

I hope you enjoy!

------------------

You can also subscribe and listen to Franklin Matters audio on iTunes or your favorite podcast app; search in "podcasts" for "Franklin Matters"

Town of Franklin: Hope for the Homeless in our Community