The 2025 Baystate Franklin Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment highlights a growing concern: homelessness in Franklin County and the North Quabbin region. This issue is rising among all age groups due to limited affordable housing options. The report emphasizes the need for more resources, such as detox beds at Baystate Franklin and expanded support for those struggling with addiction.
Franklin is not alone in facing these challenges. A recent assessment shows that the overall number of homeless individuals has increased—from 591 in 2020 to 961 in 2024 across Franklin, Hampshire, and Berkshire counties. In Franklin County alone, 252 people were found without adequate shelter in 2024.
According to Ann Darling, who wrote the assessment, homelessness is a “structural problem” deeply rooted in economic factors largely beyond individual control. Changes in state policies towards family shelters and cuts to support services are largely to blame, leading to an increase in homelessness. The report identifies an urgent need for around 3,000 affordable housing units. Supportive housing options are also lacking, particularly for individuals transitioning from detox or addiction treatment.
Public health officials, like Phoebe Walker from the Franklin Regional Council of Governments, report that key themes emerged from focus groups: lack of healthcare access, transportation issues, and mental health needs are common barriers faced by vulnerable populations. These findings point toward a systemic issue that requires comprehensive solutions.
To combat these challenges, the report suggests several action items. These include reinstating detox facilities in Greenfield, expanding addiction services, and training healthcare providers in wound care. It also recommends enhancing outreach efforts to those experiencing homelessness and ensuring that staff are trauma-informed and trained in harm reduction techniques.
Engaging individuals who have lived through homelessness is also crucial. Their insights can guide the creation of more effective support systems. Implementing the Three County Continuum of Care’s Coordinated Entry system can help streamline access to housing and services when patients enter care facilities.
For more details, you can explore the full assessment at tinyurl.com/bdbfbryd. This collaborative effort is part of a broader examination of public health needs in the region, addressing issues that go beyond individual experiences to tackle systemic inequalities.
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