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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

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.

Saturday, February 17 at 7 PM
Helen Hills Hills Chapel, 123 Elm St, Northampton
See event on Facebook

Women’s college a cappella groups come together to help homeless youth of the Pioneer Valley. Featuring Smith Blackappella, Smith Groove, the Smith Noteables, the Smiffenpoofs, the Smith Smithereens, the Smith College Vibes, the Amherst College Sabrinas and the Mount Holyoke Victory Eights.

All proceeds benefit a Friends of the Homeless – DIAL/SELF program to provide supportive affordable housing for unaccompanied youth, ages 18-24.

Tickets: $10 general (students by donation), available at the door, online (see above) and at State Street Fruit in Northampton, and Cooper’s Corner in Florence.