This program focuses on strategies to assist families experiencing homelessness in accessing and retaining shelter, short-term housing, and services from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Trainers provide an overview of the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and services program, including current restrictions on access to EA shelter. The training also includes advocacy tips regarding the range of issues facing families at-risk or experiencing homelessness as they seek access to EA shelter and the HomeBASE program. The training includes an overview of the system, the application process, denials, terminations, shelter placements, and program requirements. This training is for legal services advocates, lawyers in private practice, social and health services workers, and community activists who want to learn about the nuts-and-bolts of the EA system and the HomeBASE program. Training materials include the Emergency Assistance Advocacy Guide: A Guide to Emergency Shelter and Rehousing Services for Homeless Families with Children in Massachusetts.
Course Content
9:30 am - 9:40 am
Welcome and Introduction
Andrea M. Park, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
9:40 am - 9:45 am
General Information about the Emergency Assistance Shelter System and Resources for Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness
Andrea M. Park, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Kelly Turley,
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Lynn
9:45 am - 10:50 am
How to Apply for Shelter
Eligibility • Disqualifying factors • Application process and tips for applying • Placements • Test your knowledge: Scenario and discussion
Elizabeth Alfred, Esq.,
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
Adam Hoole,
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
Kelly Turley,
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Lynn
10:50 am - 11:00 pm
Break
11:00 am - 11:45 am
Introduction to Noncompliances and Terminations
Noncompliances and terminations • Appeals basics • Test your knowledge: Scenario and disucssion
Elizabeth Alfred, Esq.,
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
Adam Hoole,
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
Lunch (on your own)
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm
Language Access
Iris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
12:45 pm - 1:05 pm
HomeBASE Basics
Test your knowledge: Scenario and discussion
Elizabeth Alfred, Esq.,
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
1:05 pm - 1:30 pm
RAFT and Other Resources
Andrea M. Park, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Kelly Turley,
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Lynn
1:30 pm - 1:45 pm
Legislative Victories and Advocacy
Iris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Andrea M. Park, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Kelly Turley,
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Lynn
1:45 pm - 2:30 pm
Questions, Discussion, and Closing
Panel
Please Note
This webcast is delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal.
There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only.
They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.
Speakers
FacultyElizabeth Alfred, Esq.,
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
Iris E. Coloma-Gaines, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Adam Hoole,
Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston
Andrea M. Park, Esq.,
MLRI, Boston
Kelly Turley,
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
, Lynn
