Dear Supporters, Donors, and Local Community Members,

For nearly 30 years, Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals (FHCHI), also known as “The Friends”, has been committed to serving our community by providing housing, support, and hope to individuals experiencing homelessness. We’re proud of our legacy and deeply grateful for your support that has made our work possible.

Today, we’re thrilled to share some important news with you. Homelessness in Hampshire County continues to be an ongoing crisis, with shelters at mass capacity and rates of homelessness higher than ever. To help meet the needs of our community, our program is growing and expanding. To better reflect our vision of maximizing impact through community partnerships, we’re changing our name to Hampshire Support Alliance. While our name is changing, our mission remains steadfast: to serve the unhoused in Hampshire County, MA, and to work collaboratively to create a brighter future for all.

This change represents more than just a new name—it symbolizes our commitment to expanding our reach and strengthening our alliances with local organizations, stakeholders, volunteers, and donors like you. Our focus remains on permanent supportive housing and providing essential resources for individuals in need in Hampshire County, MA.

As Hampshire Support Alliance (HSA), we look forward to continuing our work with renewed energy and a broadened perspective. With your ongoing support, we are confident that we can make an even greater impact.

Thank you for being a part of our journey. We look forward to sharing more updates with you soon. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about our programs, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

With heartfelt thanks,

The Board of Directors at FHCHI/ Hampshire Support Alliance

April is National Volunteer Month, a time to celebrate the invaluable contributions of volunteers and interns who selflessly dedicate their time and efforts to support our mission at Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals (FHCHI). We are profoundly grateful for the unwavering support and commitment shown by each and every one of our volunteers and interns.
Our organization relies heavily on the dedication and passion of our volunteers. Whether it’s assisting with fundraising events, implementing crucial programs, combating food insecurity, or organizing and distributing essential clothing and boots, their contributions are instrumental in helping individuals experiencing homelessness in Hampshire County, MA.

We also want to extend our deepest gratitude to our esteemed board members for their tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to our cause. Their guidance, leadership, and strategic vision are indispensable in driving our organization forward and making a meaningful impact in our community.

Additionally, we would like to express our appreciation to our interns who play a vital role in supporting our nonprofit operations. From assisting with administrative tasks to spearheading community organizing initiatives and contributing to program development, their dedication and enthusiasm are invaluable assets to our organization.

As we honor National Volunteer Month, it’s crucial to recognize the foundation upon which FHCHI stands—a volunteer-led and run organization for thirty years. Our progress and impact are a testament to the dedication and resilience of the volunteers who have shaped us over the years.

Together, we continue to make a profound difference in the lives of individuals experiencing homelessness in Hampshire County. Thank you to all of our volunteers!

Bring your lawn chairs and join us for a festive musical celebration to benefit the Friends of Hampshire County Homeless. The concert lineup features The Green Street Brew, The Northampton High Northamptones; Smith College’s Celebrations Dance Company, Smith Chamber Singers, POCappella/Blackappella, Groove, Smiffenpoofs, Smithereens, Vibes, and Noteables; The Mount Holyoke Nice Shoes, and UMass S#arp Attitude.

Free, but donations encouraged. A raffle for gourmet candy and gift certificates will be held, including donations by the Downtown Northampton Association, Cornucopia, Firetype Chocolate, State Street Fruit, Grow Food Northampton, Familiars, Sweeties and Boho Chocolate.

All proceeds benefit the Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals’ fund for long-term housing.

Rain location: Sweeney Concert Hall, Sage Hall, Smith College.