The weather this week was not quite what we anticipated, however, I personally celebrated that there was not much snow to shovel.
I started this week on a great note with the grand re-opening of the Community Closet at Westfield High School on Monday morning. An initiative originally started by students and teachers, this “closet” is a place where students in need can find clothes, school supplies, and even hygiene products completely free of cost. But over the years, the “closet” has grown to a full room that required renovations, which I was proud to support by securing a $5,000 earmark to help with these efforts. I would like to thank all of the students, faculty, and local community members who helped build such a greatly needed and compassionate program. If you are interested in donating school supplies or personal care items to the Community Closet, please drop off items at the main office between 7:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on any school day.
On Tuesday, I had the opportunity to connect with the members of the Western Massachusetts Housing Coalition to debrief from last month’s hearing of the Affordable Homes Act and to discuss the work ahead as this bill moves out of committee within the next few months. I truly appreciate the advocacy of this coalition, which consists of over 50 municipalities and organizations from across our region dedicated to advancing housing policies that address the needs of Western Massachusetts.
