IMPORTANT: The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has changed the application process for emergency rental assistance! Click here to learn more
January 31, 2022
David Rios - First-time Homebuyer
David Rios and his wife Jacqueline graciously caught up with Way Finders shortly after they closed on their first home: a 1909 four-bedroom house in Springfield.
January 31, 2022
She rents. She buys. She soars! FSS graduate and new homeowner Shakina Gladden
To avoid certain disappointments, parents have been known to keep a thing or two from their kids until the last minute—tentative plans for a playdate, an outing that calls for good weather—in case things fall through.
January 4, 2022
Yamaris Rivera - Holyoke Community Advocate
Yamaris Rivera, who works as a family engagement coordinator at the H.B. Lawrence School in Holyoke, has been involved with Way Finders and the Chestnut Community Alliance since 2016. Through this connection, she has gotten to know the community and its needs more closely, both of which have greatly benefited her work.
December 21, 2021
2021, Another Successful Toy Drive
It may seem counterintuitive, but for some kids, the thought of returning to school after the new year can be stressful. There are inevitably animated conversations swirling around (“What did you get?
December 20, 2021
“A part of something important”—spotlight on Library Commons resident Orlando Rivera
Orlando Rivera has a way with words. You may have heard him at the Library Commons ribbon cutting ceremony in Holyoke on October 22, 2021. In giving voice to how it feels to call Way Finders’ newest affordable property home, Orlando described his experience as a single father of two spirited young children: Struggling to secure a home. Enduring a pandemic. Facing upheavals to daily life—the closing of schools, the loss of after-school care. Playing board game upon board game, building fort after fort.
December 16, 2021
Historic ARPA bill recognizes, invests in critical housing needs
On December 13, after months of legislative discussion, Governor Baker signed House Bill 4269.
November 15, 2021
Sonia and Evelyn: A window into how the FSS Program helps participants realize their potential
When was the last time someone saw potential in you that you couldn’t see—or voice—on your own?
November 3, 2021
How Employment Support Made a Difference for Jonel Freeman
Every so often, when the stars align, we may cross paths with someone who shines just the right light—and helps us see the way forward. For Jonel Freeman, a 2014 graduate of the Westover Job Corp’s Advanced Culinary Arts program, this person is Way Finders Employment Specialist Madeline Martinez.
October 22, 2021
New affordable housing project ribbon cutting ceremony in Holyoke
City and state officials celebrated the completion of a new affordable housing project in Holyoke on Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
October 15, 2021
Bernadette Burke on her Latest Path to Homeownership: Savviness + Stability
There are so many steps on the path toward purchasing a home! Not to mention the fire hose of emotions and questions that come with. What are you looking for? What monthly payment feels right? How are credit reports pulled? Are you and your partner on the same page? How to lock in an interest rate?