Letter: CHP Supports MCLA Homeless Shelter

To the Editor:

CHP Berkshires [Community Health Programs] wishes to express its support for repurposing a dormitory at MCLA into a residence for homeless families. This is a commendable and progressive initiative in our Northern Berkshire community.

There are reasonable questions about what support services would be available to residents of Berkshire Towers. CHP Berkshires and its mobile health team already care for residents of a Pittsfield shelter, and we are prepared to provide medical care for Berkshire Towers residents as well, if this plan comes to fruition. CHP North Adams Family Medical and Dental is open to all patients, and our practice staff is uniquely committed to caring for underserved patients. And we are confident that other nonprofits in our area will step up as partners in this important effort to help meet the needs of families.

CHP Berkshires serves patients who are well off, and patients who have little. For those with little, housing insecurity and homelessness are key stressors for families, especially those with children. We are prepared to step up to provide health care at Berkshire Towers.

Michelle Derr
Senior vice president of family services, CHP Berkshires

Dawn Kohanski
Associate medical director, CHP Berkshires

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