September 21, 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 Chairman Joyce and Chairman Honan:
United Disability Housing Partnership is a cross-disability coalition of more than 40 organizations from across Massachusetts, dedicated to expanding housing opportunities for persons with disabilities. United Housing member organizations represent more than 200,000 individuals statewide.
We understand that the Joint Committee on Housing is considering legislation regarding the sale of surplus state properties, particularly former state schools and state hospitals. The members of United Housing feel strongly that a portion of the proceeds from such sales should be designated to fund the creation and preservation of housing units that allow individuals with disabilities to be integrated into the wider community.
Historically, people with severe disabilities have lived isolated and restricted lives. However, a recent survey by the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC), as well as data from other organizations, shows that the majority of persons with disabilities would prefer and are able to live in independent, integrated settings rather than in institutions.
United Housing supports the use of funds from the sale of surplus land to finance community-based housing specifically targeted toward individuals with disabilities. By integrating disability housing into the community, the Commonwealth will be able to avoid unnecessarily segregating and isolating persons with disabilities.
As you know, Massachusetts has some of the highest housing costs in the United States. These high costs make it extremely difficult for persons with disabilities to find adequate housing. Disproportionately low income, many disabled individuals rely almost exclusively on SSI, which has a payment level that is grossly insufficient to allow an individual to rent housing at a fair market rent level in any community in Massachusetts. This financial barrier prevents many disabled persons from realizing their goal of personal independence.
By utilizing a portion of the revenue realized from the sale of surplus state properties, the legislature will be able to effectively serve a vulnerable population of our Commonwealth’s citizens and allow them to choose a lifestyle that is better suited to their needs and desires than the restrictive setting of an institution.
Members of United Housing are eager to work with the Joint Committee on Housing on this important issue. 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