Valley Community Development

Lexi Wright is the owner of High Five Books, an independent bookstore in Florence that joyfully connects kids, families, and educators with inclusive books that represent the world around them. Swipe to learn more about Lexi, the joys of running High Five Books, and how Valley supports the work they love!

Read the full interview on our homepage, at valleycdc.org

There is just one week left to register for this month's Small Business Fundamentals workshop! To save your spot, register through the link in our bio, or valleycdc.org/events

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.

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.

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.

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.