Housing Headlines

BOSTON --- The City of Boston announced this week it is setting aside $5 million in federal CARES Act funding for its COVID-19 rental assistance program, bringing the total amount of funds for the program to $8 million. Launched in April, 1,600 initially applied and more than $680,000 has been awarded to 210 households to help cover rents in April and May.

BOSTON --- The executive director of one of the state's most influential non-profit housing organizations has issued a strong statement following the death of George Floyd and national demonstrations against racism. "We are outraged by the continuous harassment of black and brown people as they bird watch, go for a run, or shop in a store - harassed as they go about their daily lives," said Rachel Heller, CEO of the Citizens' Housing and Planning Association. "(These murders) are the direct result of intentional and systemic decisions rooted in racism and classism. For CHAPA, this means pushing even harder to make sure all people have the opportunity for a safe, healthy, and affordable home in any community they choose."

BOSTON --- In a statement released to her community on June 3, Madison Park Executive Director Leslie Reid acknowledged the pain caused by the recent deaths of George Floyd, Breanna Taylor Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade and countless others. She called for togetherness to "persist because our dignity will prove to be unshaken, even in the face of the most recent and brutal injustices. We are strong. We are resilient. We will continue to persevere in forcing the systems that oppress us toward change. We are uncompromising when we scream, 'Not one more.' ”

BOSTON --- Instead of a single organizational reaction, the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance asked its staff to share their thoughts as its collective statement to the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis and countless other acts of racist violence in this nation.

BOSTON --- In the wake of the recent murders of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery, the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations reiterates its commitment to racial equity and advocating for policies that would reduce wealth and income inequality.

BOSTON --- Mattapan residents have voiced concerns about receiving insufficient notice about a meeting held to discuss plans to build 367 units at Boston State Hospital. Local groups are asking to be included in further discussions, especially concerning commitments to hiring people of color during construction. The development team - Toll Brothers and a local team headed by local developer Kirk Sykes - have been meeting with the state and have the backing of the Boston State Hospital Advisory Committee, created by the state in 1985 to ensure residents have a say in the state hospital's redevelopment.