Hunger/Homeless Commission

Hunger and Homeless Commission Agenda February 7, 2024 Time Topic 12:00pm Dan O’Connor, Acting Chairperson, Welcome/Introduction of Speakers James Dyment, Chairperson of the Non-Profit Alliance of Greater Lowell (NPA), will be providing a briefing on the purpose of the NPA and how it supports and provides resources to non-profit member agencies in the Greater Lowell Area. Christopher Glenn Hayes, Housing and Economic Development Manager, Northern Middlesex Council of Governments (NMCOG), will be discussing NMCOG's housing development and planning efforts. Chris will also be announcing NMCOG's upcoming Kick- Off Summit for At Home in Greater Lowell. The Summit is NMCOG's next step in the conversation about addressing homelessness and housing in the Greater Lowell. Pat Baker, Mass Law Reform Institute (MLRI), will be providing an update on the Governor's 9c cuts to the FY24 budget and Governor's proposed budget (House 2) for 2025. Issues impacting goals of addressing food insecurity and poverty in MA/Lowell to be covered include: freezes DTA cash benefits (TAFDC & EAEDC) to Oct 2022 levels and cuts the clothing allowance; failure to extend state-funded SNAP for immigrants; not providing funding to DHE for college campuses to address food insecurity among low-income students. Sam Salem, Program Manager of Mass Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA), will speak about Home & Healthy for Good (HHG). 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 mfitzatrick@lowellma.gov