The Hidden Homeless in Massachusetts
Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance Executive Director Leah Bradley answers questions on the homelessness crisis in our state that continues to affect so many in our service region.
Leah Bradley, Executive Director,
Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance
- Who is experiencing homelessness?
The face of homelessness has shifted significantly in the last several years due to the housing crisis in Massachusetts. While those with extremely low incomes and those with a disabling condition with minimum family supports continue to experience homelessness, we are also seeing more working families who do not earn enough to pay the rising rents and other rising costs. Most recently, we are seeing more and more seniors on fixed incomes who are becoming homeless because they cannot afford the increasing rents. In Central Massachusetts, we are finding seniors sleeping in their cars. Many have chronic health conditions that are exacerbated with homelessness.
- Why is homelessness increasing so much in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is currently experiencing a housing crisis due to a shortage of housing. Median rents are at an all-time high and vacancy rates for housing are at an all-time low. These two factors combined, place Massachusetts at high risk of increasing homelessness.
According to the US Census Bureau, 53% of households in Worcester County are rent burdened, meaning they pay more than 30% of their income on rent alone. Because of high interest rates and high home prices, many renters who would be able to move into homeownership—therefore freeing up rental units for those unable to afford homeownership—are now unable to buy a home. This puts a crunch on the rental housing market.
In a tight rental market, those most vulnerable have the highest likelihood of not finding a unit, resulting in homelessness. This includes low-income residents, those with a disability or a child with a disability and seniors on a fixed income. The lack of housing also has an impact on the economy. Those leaving Massachusetts are those who would historically be in the workforce; those in their 30s and 40s who are middle income. This is resulting in many industries having difficulty finding employees.
The root cause of the housing crisis is the lack of available housing. Communities need to support housing that is being built and promote affordable housing. Many developments experience resistance that can result in a reduction in the number of units or the housing simply is not being built. All communities need to have a plan to increase all housing with affordable housing being built at a higher rate than we are currently building. In addition, Massachusetts has recently passed the Affordable Homes Act, which provides both funding and policy changes to facilitate building housing. Families with a household member with a disabling condition need a subsidy to sustain housing long-term. This also means we need property owners who will rent to those with a subsidy. Addressing homelessness takes a community response with all residents working to ensure all our residents are able to afford rent.
“It’s not easy being homeless. I felt ashamed. But when you get around good people who want to help, you start to see that you are not worthless and there is nothing to be ashamed of. My advice to others (experiencing homelessness) is to hang in there and things will get better.”
A 51-year-old homeless man who eventually sought help and is now housed.
Below is a list of resources to assist the homeless and homeless advocates:
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