June 9, 2005
The Honorable Brian Joyce
Chair, Joint Committee on Housing
State House, Room 413-A
Boston, MA 02133
The Honorable Kevin Honan
Chair, Joint Committee on Housing
State House, Room 38
Boston, MA 02133
Dear Senator Joyce and Representative Honan:
The United Disability Housing Partnership is a cross-disability coalition of housing organizations dedicated to preserving and expanding housing opportunities for persons with disabilities. United Housing has more than 40 member organizations from across Massachusetts, representing over 150,000 individuals.
United Housing respectfully submits the following testimony in support of legislation intended to preserve affordable housing in Massachusetts. We urge you to favorably report H. 3213, S. 822, and S. 803, bills that would allow cities and towns to preserve affordable housing units in their municipalities.
As you know, Massachusetts has some of the highest housing costs in the United States, making it difficult for low income individuals and families to afford housing in the Commonwealth. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a full-time worker would have to earn $20.93 per hour in order to afford a two-bedroom apartment in Massachusetts at fair market rent.
The problem is even more severe for disabled persons. Disproportionately low income, individuals with disabilities often rely almost exclusively on SSI. Allowing 30% of their income for rent, the average SSI recipient can afford no more than $208 in rent, while the fair market rent for a one bedroom apartment is $912.
These figures make it clear that units are at risk in ensuing years. For those currently occupying these units, the loss of their housing will make them homeless or be force them into inappropriate and inadequate housing situations.
It is imperative that the General Court act quickly and allow municipalities in Massachusetts to preserve affordable housing within their cities and towns.
If you have any questions, please contact Matt Noyes at 617-927-0088 x26 or at mnoyes
ahc.org.
Sincerely,
The Undersigned Members of United Disability Housing Partnership
cc: Members, House of Representatives