Valley Community Development

06/01/2026

Last Friday, Valley joined elected officials and community leaders at the Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness Annual Gathering to call for action on the growing housing crisis and rising homelessness affecting communities across the region.

With access to the state's shelter system becoming increasingly restricted and rents on a steady rise since 2022, more families are at risk of facing homelessness due to an inability to afford rent or losing their homes due to foreclosure. The gathering highlighted the urgent need for updated state policies and city regulations that expand development and access to affordable housing, and strategies to prevent homelessness before it occurs.

Images courtesy of Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness. Pictured are Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias and our region’s elected officials.

05/28/2026

Valley Community Development is among the 2026 recipients of funding through the Chapter 206 Grant program administered by the Division of Banks!

The Chapter 206 program supports Regional Foreclosure Education Centers and Consumer Counseling Agencies that provide critical services to residents, including first-time homeownership counseling and foreclosure education and prevention. These services help individuals and families navigate the housing system, build financial stability, and protect homeownership.

For the nineteenth consecutive year, this statewide initiative has invested in organizations that demonstrate strong work plans and deep commitment to their communities. A total of 24 grantees were awarded funding this year, reflecting continued support for housing stability efforts across the Commonwealth.

Valley CDC’s ongoing work in housing counseling and community support continues to play an important role in helping local residents achieve and sustain stable, affordable housing.

05/27/2026

Join us Wednesday, June 10, for our upcoming Small Business Fundamentals workshop!

Designed for aspiring entrepreneurs and current business owners alike, this free virtual session will cover key strategies and foundational tools for building and managing a successful small business.

📅 Wednesday, June 10, 2026
⏰ 12:00 - 1:15 PM
💻 Virtual workshop on Zoom

Register for next month's workshop through the link in our bio.

05/26/2026

Affordable Homeownership Opportunity in Springfield 🏡

Way Finders is now accepting lottery applications for two newly built 3-bedroom, 2-bath homes in Springfield for income-qualified buyers. These homes are brand-new, energy-efficient, and move-in ready!

📅 Application deadline: July 22, 2026 at 4:30 PM

Please share with anyone who may be interested! Learn more and apply at wayfinders.org/springfieldhomes

05/25/2026

Our office will be closed today, May 25th, in observation of Memorial Day. We will be open again tomorrow, May 26th, for our usual operating hours of 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM.

05/22/2026

Is bookkeeping one more business challenge on an already full plate?

Through practical guidance, hands-on support, and accessible tools, Valley’s Bookkeeping Program helps Small Business owners create financial processes that are manageable and tailored to their business. The program is offered at no charge!

Learn more through the link in our bio, or at valleycdc.org/bookeeping-program/

05/20/2026

Valley was pleased to present the Ins and Outs of the Home Modification Loan Program today at the Holland Senior Center.

Valley’s own Donna Cabana spoke with community members about the HMLP program, which funds home accessibility improvements through a 0% deferred loan of up to $50,000.

If you’re curious about eligibility requirements or the application process, we encourage you to visit our HMLP page at https://www.valleycdc.org/homeownership/hmlp/

05/20/2026

05/19/2026

Mark your calendars! Wednesday, June 24th, is our final segment of Marketing Momentum: The Three‑Channel Rule.

This workshop is designed for established small businesses looking to increase visibility and strengthen customer engagement with greater consistency and less effort. Learn how to focus your efforts on the right channels to reach your target audience effectively!

📅 Wednesday, June 24, 2026
⏰ 12:00 - 1:15 PM
💻 Virtual workshop on Zoom

Register through the link in our bio!

05/18/2026

Last Friday, Valley was honored to attend the 8th Western Massachusetts Economic Ecosystem Summit in Holyoke.

The summit sparked important conversations about developing the systems that form the backbone of our communities across Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin, and Berkshire counties. Topics ranged from the arts and renewable energy to manufacturing, food systems, and public health.