Hunger/Homeless Commission

Hunger and Homeless Commission Agenda December 6, 2023 Time Topic 12:00pm Dan O’Connor, Acting Chairperson, Welcome/Introduction of Speakers SPECIAL GUEST SPEAKER: Cristina Aguilera Sandoval, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office for Refugees, and Immigrants (ORI) ORI supports services that meet the cultural and linguistic needs of refugees and immigrants through a network of service providers in Massachusetts. ORI programs and services include: • Refugee Cash Assistance (RCA) • Refugee Case Management (RCM) • Refugee Employment Services (RES) • Refugee Health Assessment Program (RHAP) • Refugee Social Services (RSS) • Refugee Medical Assistance (RMA) • Unaccompanied Refugee Minors Program (URMP) Caroline Rowe, Managing Director, International Institute of New England's (IINE), Lowell Office will provide information on IINE supports and services provided to refugees and immigrants in the Greater Lowell area. Sara Carven, the Department of Transitional Assistance's (DTA) Ombuds Office Director will provide information on the purpose of DTA's Ombuds Office and how it can assist with client benefit/service issues. Kerrie D'Entremont, Executive Director, Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA) will provide information on the Substance Use Disorder Summit and a status update on the "Together for the Holidays" initiative. Julie Lemire, Associate Director of Shelter Operations, House of Hope, will be providing a briefing on the Hope Chest, House of Hope's nonprofit social enterprise retail store that sells affordable new and gently used children's clothing. Patricia Hiort, Matthew25, will be providing information on outreach and supports to aid the City's unhoused with essentials. Time permitting the meeting will include additional updates and notices from service provider agencies. 1:30pm Dan O’Connor, Acting Chairperson, Adjourn NOTE: HHC MEETINGS ARE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. Please feel free to invite others to this meeting. For questions about this meeting or the Commission contact Dan O'Connor ddggoc@comcast.net or Maura Fitzpatrick mfitzpatrick@lowellma.gov