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!  

eekappella 2023!

Posted on October 23, 2023
eekappella 2023: Saturday, October 28 at 3 pm, Historic Northampton (outside Shepherd Barn), 66 Bridge Street. 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.

BeneJam at Mount Holyoke College!

Posted on March 22, 2023
On March 25, 2023 at 7:30 pm in Mount Holyoke College’s Blanchard Great Room, the MHC Nice Shoes organized a college a cappella benefit for the Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals, featuring performances by the Nice Shoes, M&Cs and V8s; and Smith College Groove and Vibes. We are very grateful for their generosity. You can view the stream here: bit.ly/BeneJam23

It’s Cold and Damp

Posted on February 21, 2023
Damp streets and frigid nights are a recipe for frostbite. Friends of Hampshire County Homeless continues to partner with MANNA and Cathedral in the Night to provide boots, socks and winter coats to our patrons in need. We started the original program after noticing a number of individuals at the shelter in light or worn-out sneakers, when there was snow on the ground. To contribute, visit our donate page.

House Music A Cappella Jam

Posted on February 15, 2023
On February 25, 2023, the Smith College a cappella community joined with Smith Celebrations Dance Company, Smith Chamber Singers, and performers from Amherst College, UMass and Longmeadow High School for our annual House Music benefit. All of the money we received went to our collaborative project with Independent Housing Solutions. We’re still accepting donations on line (hint, hint). You can see the entire concert on YouTube.

31st Shelter Sunday

Posted on November 16, 2022
October 2, 2022 marked Northampton’s 31st annual Shelter Sunday—an effort which began as a drive to inspire every household in the Northampton area to contribute at least $1 to support essential service in the community. Today, Shelter Sunday is still raising crucial funds for three local agencies serving people who are serving those experiencing housing and food insecurity in Northampton and Easthampton: Hampshire Friends of the Homeless, Manna Community Kitchen, and ServiceNet. Thank you to everyone who contributed. Your support is very important to many people struggling to get by.

2022 Smith Vespers

Posted on November 16, 2022
Smith College’s much-anticipated Christmas Vespers program was held on Sunday, December 4th at 4:00 pm in John M. Greene Hall, on the campus of Smith College. An annual tradition at Smith, the Christmas Vespers performance tells the story of advent through hymns and other anthems, prayers, and scripture readings. The services will be led by Rev. Matilda Rose Cantwell, director of Religious and Spiritual Life, with readings by members of the Smith College senior class, staff, and faculty. The music portion of the program will feature the Smith College Chorus, Glee Club, Chamber Singers, Handbell Choir, and Orchestra, with a special appearance from the Campus School Choir. A free-will donation will be collected for the Hampshire County Interfaith Cot Shelter Program. It was streamed on Facebook, and remains available. We are very grateful for the continuing support of the Smith College Music Department and the Smith College Center for Religious and Spiritual Life.

Two-piano benefit performance!

Posted on November 16, 2022
Two-piano benefit! Mark your calendar on December 2 for a spectacular offering! Brenda Moore Miller and Meg Kelsey Wright will be presenting a two-piano recital of a program including Schumann, Mozart, Khatchaturian, Poulenc, Grieg, & Piazzolla, on Village Hill in Northampton. If you love classical piano this is not to be missed. A minimum donation of $25 is requested to support the Friends of Hampshire County Homeless. Come enjoy an evening of great music while giving support to homeless individuals in our local communities. Space is limited: please RSVP to: mkwpianostudio@gmail.com

‘Tis The Season… For Cold Feet!

Posted on December 21, 2021
With winter temperatures well below freezing, the Friends of Hampshire County Homeless will again be partnering with MANNA and Cathedral in the Night to present vouchers for boots, socks and winter coats to our patrons in need. We started the original program after noticing a number of individuals at the shelter in light or worn-out sneakers, when there was snow on the ground. To contribute, visit our donate page.