About Metro Housing|Boston
Advocacy and Public Policy
Metro Housing|Boston’s advocacy efforts focus on improving access to programs that advance our mission with a specific focus on state and federal legislation that has the greatest impact on the low and moderate-income families and individuals we serve. Our priorities this year are:
- Protecting and expanding federal support for the Housing Choice Voucher program
- Enhancing Massachusetts’ support for homelessness prevention efforts, particularly Massachusetts’ Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
- Supporting municipal, state, and federal efforts to increase the development of housing for people with the lowest incomes through local Community Preservation Act projects, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program, and the federal Housing Trust Fund
Since its very beginning, Metro Housing has strongly believed that all sectors must work together to effectively address the issues that prevent access to affordable housing. We educate decision-makers about these issues through policy reports, testimony, and in-person meetings to advance our ability to serve the residents of our region.
August 18, 2020
Testimony to Boston City Council: Need for COVID funding
June 22, 2020
Demand for RAFT and Housing Services Increases Dramatically
April 13, 2020
March 26, 2020
Statement: Response to MA Legislative Action Regarding Housing and COVID-19
January 2019
Metro Housing Budget Priorities for FY21 (with Regional Housing Network)
July 30, 2019
Testimony to Joint Committee on Housing regarding MRVP Codification
July 16, 2019
Testimony to Joint Committee on the Judiciary Hearing on Right to Counsel Legislation
May 14, 2019
Testimony Regarding “An Act to Promote Housing Choices” (H. 3507)
(Click image below to view entire testimony. Chris Norris testimony begins at 30:40)
April 30, 2019
Testimony to Housing Committee on Housing Service Coordinator (H. 1279)
March 7, 2019
Statement on An Act to Promote Housing Choices
January 2019
Metro Housing Legislative Priorities for 2019-20
August 7, 2018
Metro Housing|Boston Testimony to Boston City Council Committee on Housing and Community Development
May 1, 2018
Metro Housing Forum: Foundations for the Future/State & Federal Affordable Housing Programs – Welcome from Congresswoman Katherine Clark
March 16, 2018
Metro Housing|Boston’s Testimony FY 2019 Budget Hearing for Joint Committee on Ways and Means
February 13, 2018
Metro Housing|Boston’s Testimony Supporting “An Act Financing the Production and Preservation of Housing for Low and Moderate Income Residents” (H. 4134) Housing Production Hearing and Housing Did You Know 051419
For more information, please contact Steven Farrell at (617) 425-6673 or steven.farrell@metrohousingboston.org.
Partnerships and coalitions
In addition to government entities, Metro Housing|Boston works collaboratively with a range of advocacy organizations, services and housing providers, and our tenants to identify program strengths and needs. Below are some projects we have worked on with our advocacy partners.
This paper presents many of the factors that contribute to family instability; identifies the gaps in programs meant to serve low-income families; documents the role of federal and state rental subsidy programs; and demonstrates the interconnected roles of rental assistance, childcare, and employment assistance in increasing family incomes.
Recommendations to reduce family homelessness in Massachusetts (Executive Summary)
This white paper is a collaborative effort on behalf of Metro Housing|Boston and the other nine members of the Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts to analyze the current problem and offer solutions for an effective reduction in family homelessness. Released February 2014.
How You Can Help
Help us help families by spreading the word about Metro Housing|Boston’s solutions to problems with access to affordable housing.
- Share our Facebook and Twitter messages with your friends.
- Register to vote! Elected officials listen when they know their constituents are concerned.