Heading Home Advisory Council (HHAC) Educational Event

On February 26, 2008 the Heading Home Advisory Council (HHAC) hosted an educational event “The Plan to End Homelessness in Massachusetts” at Le Merdien Hotel in Cambridge. The guests in attendance enjoyed a lively discussion about the recommendations made by the Massachusetts Legislative Commission to End Homelessness and Shelter’s role as an organization whose mission is to end homelessness. Featured speakers included Lt. Governor Tim Murray, who will oversee the Interagency Council charged with implementing the commission’s recommendations, Rep. Byron Rushing, whose legislation created the commission, Heading Home’s Executive Director Tom Lorello, and Phillip Mangano, Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness.

Phill Gross, the chair of the HHAC called the release of the Commission’s recommendations “one of the most exciting developments in the movement to end homelessness to occur in decades.” He added that many of Heading Home’s supporters were anxious to hear about the administrations plans for implementation. “The plan represents a great start but we know the devil can be in the details” Gross added.

Perhaps the most noteworthy aspect of the Commission’s report is the recommendation that the state begin to gradually decrease the capacity of the emergency shelter system to coincide with the development of increased housing capacity. “That makes this a serious plan to end homelessness,” remarked Gross.

During his remarks the Lt. Governor outlined the plans for developing programs aimed at preventing homelessness, as well as those for increasing the stock of affordable housing in the Commonwealth. Rep. Rushing addressed the legislature’s role in overseeing the process, evaluating results and authorizing funds. Phillip Mangano, a Massachusetts Advocate who now serves as the Executive Director of the U.S. Interagency Council on Homelessness, provided the national perspective.

The audience included many prominent members of the real estate industry who want to be a part of the solution, and who have a significant perspective to bring. “We hope the event stimulated creative thinking and perhaps some fruitful partnerships that will help make the plan a reality” said Gross.