Massachusetts has an affordable housing crisis statewide. This is a major concern for many residents here in Everett to be able to afford to stay in their homes and still provide for their families. Last week, I attended the Housing Families Legislative Breakfast to learn more about what is needed at the state level to increase affordable housing and end homelessness.
I recognize this is a sad conversation when I talk to individuals who live in the community and want to buy a home. Many Everett renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing, which means they are housing cost burdened by federal standards. There’s a stark difference between what an average home is selling for and what people can attain.
We need to consider legislation that would create affordable housing.
This is a quality-of-life issue. How far are we going to go to present an opportunity for quality, affordable housing for our communities? I see it as an investment, not an expense. We need to focus on how to work smarter instead of harder on the problem. Our deeply subsidized housing is incredibly under supplied. For every 25 units that are in demand, there is one available. So, many are forced to be homeless or in substandard units.
The impact is real.
Last week, the Senate passed the H.4134: An Act Financing the Production and Preservation of Housing for Low and Moderate Income Residents, which is $1.7 billion housing bond, that the legislation will invest through the capital budget in affordable housing over five years, providing critical funding to produce, preserve, and modernize public and affordable housing in communities across the Commonwealth. The legislation, also, expands, and extends the Massachusetts Low Income Housing Tax Credit and the Community Investment Tax Credit and extends the Brownfields Tax Credit and the Housing Development Incentive Program. The main sponsors on both levels are sponsored by Representative Kevin Honan and Senator Linda Dorcena Forry.
We need more.
We need strong, new leadership, that will actually produce results and not just talk. I am proud to run for this seat because Everett needs a real leader who will take a stand for us, especially on our housing needs. The Democratic primary election date is Tuesday, September 4. I look forward to meeting and listening to you. Please call 617-835-8267 or email at [email protected] if you have further questions.
Gerly Adrien is a candidate for state representative.