Residents of state-owned housing units complain of neglect, demand more funding
BOSTON — Hundreds of activists added their voices to those of state legislators calling for action on the housing crisis facing Massachusetts, as they gathered Thursday on the Statehouse steps to demand the governor double funds allocated to the state-owned public housing complexes in her proposed budget.
The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization, a coalition of some 300 faith-based and community groups, is leading the effort to boost the line item in Gov. Maura Healey's proposed FY 2024 budget, advocating for an increase from $92 million to $184 million. The document is under review by the state Legislature.
What do housing advocates want?
“We have four asks,” said Dr. Charles Homer, a Brookline town meeting member, and a spokesman for the coalition.
A greater investment in the 43,000 units of state-owned public housing, home to 70,000 residents. Activists are demanding Healey increase her budget line item from $92 million to $184 million. The group is also proposing the governor approve an $8.5 billion bond to repair and update the existing housing units.
More funding for housing that is affordable to residents through the approval of a locally enacted real estate transfer fee. The tax, ranging from 0.5% to 2%, would be assessed on high-value real estate transactions; the rate would be determined by communities and managed at a local level.
Housing vouchers, and valid state identification cards, for residents returning to society from a period of incarceration.
Continue specifying that zoning and housing mandates for MBTA communities identified in guidelines issued by former Gov. Charlie Baker must be met.
More:AG: Holden may risk lawsuits if it does not comply with mandatory MBTA zoning law
'Living conditions are atrocious'
Homer described the budget allocation for the state’s housing complexes as “level-funding,” pointing out that the $98 million currently allocated to the complexes is roughly equivalent to the $50 million allocated in 2005, given inflation and rising costs.
“Living conditions are atrocious,” Homer said.
Bishnu Tamang, a resident of one of the Brookline complexes, agreed with Homer’s assessment. She cited problems with asbestos, flooring issues, leaks from the ceilings, cockroaches and mice.
“Home should be a safe place, where all can live in safety,” Tamang said. She mentioned that she had a conversation with Healey in August, prior to her election and that Healey had promised to keep her story in mind.
“So it was a surprise to me when the budget came out and the line item for public housing was the same as last year, $92 million. Based on our August conversation, I hope this was a mistake,” Tamang said.
Arlene Hill, also a resident of state-owned public housing, said she finally felt safe in her life when she could close and lock her door.
“Being able to lock my door in my apartment without anybody telling me what to do saved my life,” Hill said. She believes Healey is the woman who will fix housing.
Rev. Lydia Shiu, of Reservoir Church in Cambridge, exhorted legislative leaders to take up the fight for housing in Massachusetts. The state, she said, cannot afford to lose the existing 43,000 units through neglect. Framingham, she said, cannot afford to lose its 800 units, Natick its 400 units or Quincy its 900 units.
She questioned why, in “our great nation, with a powerful economy,” are people struggling with homelessness, struggling to pay rent, struggling with home ownership.
“This is not a housing crisis, it’s a human crisis,” Shiu said. “Everyone deserves a home; it’s a basic human right.”
This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Advocates call for more money for state-owned housing in Mass.
