Politics & Government

State House Forum on Community Housing on Oct. 17

Officials will provide an update on efforts to end homelessness through community housing, according to Somerville State Sen. Patricia Jehlen's office.

The following is from the office of State Sen. Patricia Jehlen:

On October 17th from 4pm-5pm in the Gardner Auditorium at the State House there will be a public information and listening session regarding the implementation of An Act Relative to Community Housing and Services. At this session, Undersecretary Aaron Gornstein and Assistant Secretary Marilyn Anderson Chase will provide background on the effort to date and an overview of key components that will be included in the interagency MOU mandated by the legislation. After that presentation, attendees will have an opportunity to offer feedback and guidance on this initiative.

This law, which was passed last year, will lead to the development of up to 1,000 units of Supportive Housing in Massachusetts over the next few years.   Supportive Housing – defined as affordable housing linked with supportive services designed to help tenants with modest incomes maintain housing stability and maximize their independence – is a national best practice to end homelessness and is critical to enabling persons with disabilities and seniors with service needs to live independently in the community.

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“It is absolutely critical that Massachusetts residents of all ages, incomes and abilities have choices when it comes to securing an affordable home,” said Senator Patricia Jehlen, the sponsor of the legislation. “This initiative will expand opportunities for people that have too few options to live in an affordable home near friends and family today.”

Contact Laila Bernstein to identify if you have a need for an ASL interpreter or a CART reporter by October 11th. If you are unable to attend and would like to submit input about the implementation of this legislation, please send your feedback to Laila.Bernstein@state.ma.us by October 17th at 5pm.

Find out what's happening in Somervillewith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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