Cumberland Homelessness & Housing Support Association

06/11/2026

CHHSA would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the Collaborative Community Food Network at Maggie's Place Cumberland for donating seedlings that our guests enjoyed planted, and will nurture and eventually enjoy eating. Maggie's Place Cumberland

05/14/2026

CHHSA is deeply saddened by the hate for a community partner organization being shared online. It is deeply troubling to see someone attacked for doing the kind of work that makes our communities healthier, safer, and more compassionate. Corey has dedicated herself to ensuring that people have access to care, information, and support without judgment. That work matters.

The Sexual Health Centre provides essential services and creates a space where people are treated with dignity, respect, and kindness. For many people, these services are not simply helpful; they are life-changing and life saving.

Hate is often loud, but it does not represent the values of our communities.

Today, I’m asking colleagues and community organizations, and anyone who believes in inclusion to help flood social media with messages of support. A few words of kindness can go a long way in reminding Corey and the entire team at the Sexual Health Centre that they are valued, appreciated, and supported.

Corey, thank you for continuing to show up for others, even when it is difficult. Your work matters, and there are far more people standing with you than against you.

We appreciate you. ❤️

04/17/2026

An anonymous donor kindly provided donuts and coffee today, demonstrating a genuine concern in our well-being and appreciation for all that we do! Thank you ♥️

04/15/2026

Community Notice

Our hearts are with everyone affected by the recent tragedy in our neighborhood. This has been an incredibly difficult time, and we extend our deepest condolences to all who are grieving. Moments like these remind us just how deeply loss is felt across a community.

We are aware of a gathering being shared on social media that references the shelter. To clarify, this event has not been organized, sanctioned, or approved by the Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association (CHHSA). We kindly request that any memorial activities take place at an alternate location, out of respect for our guests, staff, and the sensitive nature of the situation we are continuing to navigate.

CHHSA remains committed to providing a safe, supportive, and stable environment for those we serve. As we work through the impact this tragedy has had on our community and neighborhood, we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Thank you for your compassion and respect during this difficult time.

- Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association

04/15/2026

We appreciate and love our community partners. ♥️

The YMCA of Cumberland’s Community Development department works directly with CHHSA (Cumberland Homelessness and Housing Support Association) every day. We support one another to help people find and keep housing; we support in times of need and share food and other resources. We work as a team because this is what moves the needle on homelessness.

CHHSA exists because there was a need in our community that was becoming more and more visible. Homelessness has always existed in Cumberland County and Amherst, but through the COVID-19 pandemic, more people were pushed out of their homes and onto the streets. Family relationships broke down, jobs were lost, and the cost of living hasn’t stopped increasing. CHHSA was started by a group of compassionate people coming together who wanted to help. The success of CHHSA and the YMCA Community Development office relies on collaboration, compassion, and community support.

We stand by our community partner and reiterate the good that it provides in this community. We are only as well as the least well people, and without the vital services at CHHSA and the YMCA, there would be hundreds of people without anywhere to turn. The YMCA values respect, responsibility, caring, honesty and inclusiveness, which applies to all community members, not just those who have the privilege of a safe, affordable home. We are all in this together and only love, kindness, and compassion can help us see it through.

04/14/2026

We are aware of a serious incident that occurred this evening outside of CHHSA. Our immediate concern is for the safety and wellbeing of all individuals involved, including our guests, staff, and the broader community.

We are working closely with Amherst Police Department. Staff and guests of CHHSA were not involved in the incident, however are deeply impacted by the proximity to our shelter. We will do our best to keep our community informed as appropriate.
At this time, we are still gathering information and will not speculate on details.

We are deeply grateful to first responders for their swift action, and we are ensuring supports are in place for those impacted.

We appreciate your thoughts and concerns.
Sarah Flemming – Acting Chair CHHSA

04/08/2026

We had a guest that likes to clean up around our community (including the brook)so we thought we should buy him the appropriate gear. He was so happy to receive these that we had to share his smile!

04/04/2026

We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to the owners of Greco Pizza Amherst for the incredible generosity shown to our staff and guests.

They provided a full turkey dinner, and it truly meant so much to everyone here. Acts of kindness like this go a long way in bringing comfort, a sense of community, and a reminder that people care.

We are so grateful for your continued support of CHHSA and the people we serve. ❤️

04/02/2026

We have bread again!! Drop by 10 Prince Arthur st or the food pantrys and grab yours. Thank you Wonderbrands!

03/30/2026

We would like to send a big thank you to Amherst Greco for donating pizza for our guests.
Your kindness and support are truly appreciated!
Thank you for thinking of our community 💙