Hunger and Homelessness

Di you know that…

$2.4 Billion –The Estimated Health Related Costs of Food Insecurity and Hunger in Massachusetts. What can we do? Find recommendations by Reading the new study recently issued by the Greater Boston Food Bank

HUD Reports that 8.3 Million Very Low Income Households Have Worst Case Housing Needs

HUD published on August 9 its Worst Case Housing Needs: 2017 Report to Congress, showing that 8.3 million unassisted very low income households in America spend more than half of their income on their housing, live in severely substandard housing, or both. The number of households experiencing this “worst case housing” has increased by 41% since 2007 and by 66% since 2001. The report attributed the growth in worst case housing needs to the continuing transition of households from homeownership to the rental market, competition for affordable rentals, and housing assistance that has not kept pace with the nation’s need. Very low income (VLI) households are those with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income (AMI).  HUD’s report finds that worst case housing needs “cut across all regions of the country and include all racial and ethnic groups, regardless of whether they live in cities, suburbs or rural areas.” The report shows that large numbers of households with worst case needs include families with children, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities. Read more…. ————————————————————————————————- Decades of progress on hunger are at a stake as President Trump and some in Congress propose to fundamentally alter and deeply cut the food stamp program. Read more….

Hunger and Homelessness

With the USA as the wealthiest country and Massachusetts as one of the 5 wealthiest states it makes no sense that nearly 10% of Massachusetts families are experiencing food insecurity. Nor does it make sense that over 549,000 people in the USA are homeless with 19,000 in Massachusetts alone. With a job loss, or a long and serious medical problem any of us could find ourselves without these basic human needs. It’s important that we do all we can to assist those in need and work to end hunger and homelessness. These organizations are good resources. Click their links to visit. Mass Coalition for the Homeless  Boston Healthcare for the Homeless Center for Budget and Policy Priorities Project Bread Greater Boston Food Bank Fair Foods