“I am finding more seniors living in their cars. We are in Massachusetts. We have great schools. We are supposed to be leading edge. How is this happening?” asks Sheri Miller-Bedau, a city health inspector in Attleboro. Rising housing costs, a shortage of affordable homes, and an aging population have made adults 50+ and older the fastest-growing age group experiencing homelessness. Read more: (fb)

MHSA was honored to be invited to speak before the Joint Committee on Housing about supportive housing and solutions to homelessness. Joyce Tavon, MHSA’s CEO, emphasized two key recommendations in her remarks: add and preserve supportive housing across Massachusetts. As called for in the Governor’s statewide housing plan, Massachusetts must add 10,000 units of supportive housing by 2035 to meet the needs of individuals who are disabled and experiencing chronic or high-need homelessness. At the same time, as we face unprecedented threats to federal funding for housing and support services, we must preserve our current inventory of supportive housing to ensure individuals remain stably housed. (fb)