Amherst Community Connections

"Amherst Community Connections (ACC) plays a critically important and unique role in downtown Amherst as a ONE-STOP place where people with difficult - often chronic - housing, job and life skill problems get peer and professional support and referrals. Our town is fortunate to have Hwei-Ling Greeney, director of ACC, who has been working tirelessly for affordable housing in Amherst for many years. ACC is conveniently located in the downstairs of the Unitarian Universalist Society of Amherst, where Hwei-Ling and her staff hold weekly support groups following the free Wednesday morning community breakfast. ACC's role is increasingly important in Amherst because of the increase in homeless people on our streets. We must continue to provide all the financial and personal support we can to ACC, an organization that exemplifies the compassion and practical assistance needed in Amherst". - Pete Rogers, community member & supporter of ACC

At Amherst Community Connections (ACC), we help our homeless, at-risk homeless, and struggling neighbors, to improve their quality of life. We work to support and empower our homeless neighbors to make lasting, positive changes to their lives.

We believe in creating permanent housing solutions for homelessness. Beginning in February 2013, the Amherst Community Connections House (ACC House), with its eight rooms, provided housing along with consistent case management to nearly 30 homeless/ at-risk homeless residents. More than 90% of the 24 graduates now have employment, income or housing. The project has ended but ACC hopes to develop more programs like this in the future.

Today, ACC's newest project has been a pilot of the One-Stop Resource Center. The Resource Center is open Monday - Friday from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm. We offer case management and one-on-one support for individuals who need assistance with securing or maintaining housing, finding employment, and other needs. The pilot has been a huge success, serving an average of 15 people per day, and helping approximately 1 individual or family to secure or maintain housing each week. Donations from our Valley Gives campaign will go directly toward extending this program beyond the pilot stage.

ACC also conducts outreach with inmates at the Hampshire County Jail and House of Correction who have some connections with Amherst to help them avoid homelessness, re-integrate into the community and lead healthy, productive lives once more. In addition, every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon, an ACC staff member works in Jones Library's front room to connect people to local shelters, permanent housing, employment opportunities, government benefits and cash assistance programs. 

We respond to our local community's inquiries regarding legal aid providers, emergency services, soup kitchens, crisis centers, detox services among other services, meet and/or refer appropriate resources for them. We advocate for our neighbors in areas that can range from rental leases to debt/credit issues. We want to support and walk alongside you!

Amherst Community Connections cares about the people who live, work, eat, play and pass through Amherst. With your generous support, we will continue to help homeless / at-risk homeless individuals with their specific needs through our outreach, referrals, and One-Stop Resource Center.

Please support Amherst Community Connections by donating on Valley Gives Day, May 1st. Thank you!