Marianne LaBarge City Councilor | Ward 6 | Northampton, MA

WARD 6

         CITY COUNCILOR

MARIANNE LABARGE
Text Box: For Immediate Release- August 30, 2024 City of Northampton Thanks CAPV, Welcomes New Nonprofit Partner for Resilience Hub Development NORTHAMPTON—Building upon the solid foundation developed with its partnership with Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV), today the City of Northampton is pleased to announce that Clinical & Support Options (CSO) will join as its new nonprofit partner for the continued development of the Northampton Resilience Hub. The new partnership represents a natural shift in focus as the project prepares for its fundraising efforts, which are essential before entering the construction phases. CSO’s expertise in direct service provision, particularly in housing and assistance for unhoused people, will be a crucial asset in these efforts. Community Action Pioneer Valley has been a cornerstone in the Resilience Hub's early development since 2020. Under the leadership of Executive Director Clare Higgins and Resilience Hub Director Gilad Meron, CAPV stepped in at a critical moment when no other organization could. They leveraged the work of Jones-Whitsett Architects, brought together dozens of organizations and stakeholders, and envisioned what this essential resource could look like for our community. CAPV will continue to be among the participating partners critical to the one-stop service aggregation model at the heart of the Resilience Hub concept. Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra expressed deep gratitude: “I want to extend heartfelt thanks to Clare Higgins, Gilad Meron, and the entire CAPV team for their dedication and leadership. Their efforts, especially in setting up the interim Resilience Hub with Manna Community Kitchen at St. John’s Episcopal Church and facilitating collaboration among key service providers, have been instrumental in laying a strong foundation for the Resilience Hub. We look forward to continuing to work with CAPV as one of the key community partners in the Resilience Hub.” During CAPV’s tenure, the organization was vital in piloting coordinated services, conducting harm reduction training, and securing grants that supported early efforts. Their support during the pandemic, including staffing the temporary food pantry at Jackson Street School, allowed the city to focus on emergency housing solutions, further highlighting their adaptability and commitment to Northampton’s most vulnerable residents. As the project moves into its next phase, CSO will focus on the necessary fundraising and programmatic development work before construction begins. By partnering with CSO at this juncture, the city hopes to access additional state resources and prevent overlap between the Hub and the new services center that CSO is building in Northampton's industrial park. “CSO is excited to build upon the groundwork laid by Community Action Pioneer Valley,” said Karin Jeffers, Executive Director of CSO. “We look forward to working with CAPV, Manna Community Kitchen, Tapestry, and other partners to continue this vital project.” Once the Resilience Hub is constructed, the City of Northampton will formally procure a permanent partner to manage its services. This next step will ensure that the Hub meets the long-term needs of Northampton’s most vulnerable populations while contributing to the city's vitality. Clare Higgins, Executive Director of CAPV, added, “We’re proud to have been part of the Resilience Hub’s early development. I am grateful that CAPV had the opportunity to participate, and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the City of Northampton.” The Northampton Resilience Hub remains a top priority, with strong support from social service providers and local leaders, as it continues to address the city’s human needs and economic challenges. For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 413-587-1249 or mayor@northamptonma.gov