WESTFIELD–Without the help of the community, 10 young adults may still be homeless in Westfield.
Instead, the 10 prepare to move into 10 efficiency-style apartments that have been created by Domus, Inc., at 48 Broad St. The program, called “Our House,” has created the apartments out of the former American Red Cross building and due to the generosity of many people and groups in and around the city, Domus has been able to furnish each apartment and provide many other items and amenities for those moving in on Oct. 1.
“The whole thing has been a community effort,” Ann Lentini, executive director of Domus, said. “The churches have been instrumental, the individuals have been instrumental.”
A picture of one of the apartments.
Lentini said that aside from most furniture in the rooms–which was purchased through grant money from Oak Specialists in Belchertown–everything else has come from donations.
Some of what was donated included linens and bedding–which the Church of Atonement came and made the beds with–kitchen items such as pot holders, dish towels and mats from the First and Second Congregational Churches and then a myriad of bathroom supplies came from a group called the Tuesday Morning Club of Westfield.
A basket of items that were given to each resident.
Additionally, the Western Massachusetts Hospital donated dressers for each room, which were then refinished by an eagle scout, Alex Alfano, who received an eagle scout award for his work.
All of these items were gathered and left in the rooms of each new tenant. This was not all that was provided for them, though.
In the common area, books from The Bookstore and the Westfield Athenaeum line the shelves beside an upright piano donated by Western Massachusetts Hospital. Then, in the center of the room stands another wonderful gift–a large flat screen Panasonic television also given by the Western Massachusetts Hospital.
The common area, featuring the television and piano.
These gifts and items are all being used to help provide the 10 homeless young adults with a quality living environment, as many of them are in high school or college and had no where else to turn. Lentini said that all of the residents passed both CORI and SORI checks, which delve into the criminal backgrounds of those moving in.
“They just want a place that’s secure and viable,” Lentini said.
Lentini expects the program to provide the 10 individuals with a chance to prepare for life and have a good situation around them, and is more of a head start than a permanent solution.
“It’s not meant to be permanent,” she added. “Once they’re really ready we expect them to go.”
In addition to the gifts, the 10 future residents will also be provided with complimentary YMCA memberships where they can have access to everything they have to offer. Also, Stop and Shop of Westfield has started a food and school item drive in their nearby stores for the tenants and Westfield Bank will be providing checking and financial classes for them.
“It’s more than just a roof over their heads, it’s guidance and quality of life,” Lentini said.
For those interested, you may set up a tour of the apartments until Oct. 1, or if you would like to donate, contact Domus by email at [email protected], or by calling (413)568-4494.
