Beth Archer - Third Street Alliance

Our program featured Beth Archer who gave us an update on what is happening at the Third Street Alliance for Women and Children. 2024 proved to be a busy year as the nights of service rose from 10,000 to 14,000. Some offices have been relocated to other addresses to make room for more services. The typical client in need of shelter is 19-22 years old with two children.

A new pilot program has been introduced to address workforce development. The organization has partnered with Crayola, Victaulic and other corporations who advise on what to teach the residents. Finding job opportunities that offer a living wage can be a real challenge. The Learning Center’s classes cater to students aged 6 months to 13 years. Early childhood teachers are in short supply. Few people are pursuing these jobs because the work is difficult and the pay rates are low. Third Street has partnered with Northampton Community College in an attempt to create their own teacher workforce. The NCC students get real life experience working at the Learning Center.

Many of the child residents have backgrounds that are full of trauma. The staff need extra training to deal with these students. The organization’s diversion and prevention services work to allow families to stay in their existing homes. Once a family reaches the shelter , the lack of affordable housing makes it difficult to get families out. The Alliance works with a network of landlords to keep track of stable housing opportunities. Families are usually housed within 90 days of arriving at the Shelter. Third Street pays the rent for the first six months. This allows the family to adjust and put away a few dollars. A portion of the Alliance’s funding comes from federal tax dollars. The uncertainty in Washington suggests those funds could be cut off at any moment. A short term freeze already occurred earlier this year. The Third Street leadership have been developing plans for such an event.