March 22, 2023
On Thursday, March 16, 17 parishioners from United Parish joined more than 300 interfaith partners and legislators for a political action on the steps of the Massachusetts State House, as part of the Greater Boston Interfaith Organization’s (GBIO) push for:
• $8.5 billion for the decades of deferred maintenance of some 43,000 public housing units,
• doubling the annual budget for public housing operations, from $82 million to $184 million,
• new sources of funding for truly affordable housing for low-income folks (including for returning citizens), and
• local passage of the MBTA Communities Act to remove zoning barriers to more housing construction near transit.
Our own Mark J. spoke passionately about his difficulty with housing as a returning citizen (formerly incarcerated). Neighbor Arlene H. spoke about how the Brookline Housing Authority saved her from a long period of homelessness and yet, housing like hers, all over Massachusetts, is miserably under-maintained. Micah D. played guitar with the band. We followed up with initial info meetings with our legislators.
There will be more actions and advocacy in the months ahead. Stay tuned to how you can take part. Every voice counts! Many thanks to David R, Carolyn M and our GBIO core team for their coordination and support.
Click here to watch the full March 16th Action Video.
Click here for links to the press reports about the action.
United Parish participants and supporters at the Action
Anne A, Lexi B, Beverly & John B, Terry B, Micah & Susan D, Kent F, Thomas H, Livia I, Mark J, Barbara L, Mike M, Miriane & Sabrina P, David R, Greta S, Bob S, Karina T, and Donna T
You can listen to Kent’s March 9 Morning Prayer talk at Harvard’s Memorial Church about the affordable housing campaign here.
