NORTHAMPTON — This year’s Shelter Sunday fundraiser to benefit local homeless services organizations was not confined to a single day, so those who have not yet donated to the Oct. 2 drive still have a chance to participate.
Beneficiaries of the 31st annual effort include Grove Street Inn, the Interfaith Emergency Shelter and Manna Community Kitchen. Organizers including ServiceNet set a goal of raising $66,000 — 10% more than the 2021 total — to be evenly distributed between the three programs, supporting emergency shelters and free community meals.
“Caring for the homeless and hungry is not a solo venture. This vital work to support those struggling with homelessness could not be done without the collaboration of the Shelter Sunday Coalition and the community’s ongoing and generous support,” Jay Sacchetti, vice president of sheltering and housing at ServiceNet, said in a statement. “What is important about Shelter Sunday is not just that it is an annual event dedicated to raising funds to support essential programs, but it also seeks to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and create lasting and meaningful change.”
In the past, Shelter Sunday was a door-to-door canvassing effort that took place over the course of a single day, and collection areas were set up in public places. Originally, the goal was to inspire each family in the Northampton area to donate $1.
Now, residents of Northampton and Easthampton receive flyers in the mail. Donations can be made by mail or online at any time “up until the end of this year and beyond,” said Amy Diehl, a ServiceNet spokesperson. The website is NorthamptonShelterSunday.org.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Diehl said, the drive became all virtual and mail-in, and organizers “raised more than we had before.”
The deadline to apply for American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds through the city’s $4 million community-led initiative plan is now 10 days away.
According to city guidelines, funded projects must respond to a negative health or economic impact and “aid the community in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, including supporting recovery, reconnecting community, and building resilience.”
One-time competitive grants are available to individuals, groups, 501(c) nonprofits, small businesses and organizations that are based in Northampton or whose proposed project will serve Northampton. A small business is defined as having fewer than 100 employees in all locations combined and earning annual revenue of less than $1 million.
Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 14. Separate applications are available for projects that seek less than $10,000 and those seeking $10,000 or more.
“We’re trying to make sure that everybody knows these funds are available,” Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said. “I encourage anyone who has an idea that addresses the different categories … to check out the website” at northamptonma.gov/ARPA.
Awards will be announced in December and fund distribution will begin early next year.
“It feels great that we’re at this point in the process,” Sciarra said.
The city is required to commit its $21.7 million in federal pandemic relief by the end of 2024 and spend it all by the end of 2026. Besides the $4 million for community projects, the money is earmarked for the restoration of lost government revenue, utility infrastructure projects, and promoting economic growth.
Northampton has maintained its AAA bond rating, the highest possible, with a stable outlook on its economy and extremely strong indicators that it can meet its financial obligations, according to Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings.
In a statement celebrating the latest S&P rating, which has remained at AAA since May 2016, Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said sound fiscal management is paying dividends for taxpayers.
“I am deeply grateful to share that once again, the city has maintained the highest possible bond rating as a continued vote of confidence in our financial performance and oversight,” Sciarra said in a statement. “Our fiscal stability planning program continues to return real financial rewards in the form of favorable terms for the residents of Northampton.”
In making its determination, S&P noted a “growing tax base, very strong financial management environment, and consistent financial results as positive credit factors,” according to the mayor’s office.
Shortly after the bond rating was affirmed, the financial services company Piper Sandler & Co. purchased the city’s $4.6 million, 10-year general obligation bond issue at an average interest rate of 2.615%. Proceeds from the bonds will be used to fund capital projects in the city.
Brian Steele can be reached at bsteele@gazettenet.com.