Funding will support local efforts to develop and preserve affordable housing
Washington, D.C. -- United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives Richard E. Neal (D-MA-01), Joseph P. Kennedy III (D-MA-04), Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA-08), William Keating (D-MA-09), Katherine Clark (D-MA-05), Lori Trahan (D-MA-03), and Ayanna Pressley (D-MA-07) today announced that NeighborWorks America, an organization that provides resources on affordable housing options for low-income and first-time homebuyers, has awarded $4,231,000 in federal grants to the 12 members of the national NeighborWorks network across the Commonwealth.
"These NeighborWorks America awards are terrific news and will strengthen our neighborhoods and give everyone in America a fighting chance to build a future by ensuring that a safe and affordable home is within reach," Senator Warren said. "Thanks to this funding, our outstanding Massachusetts NeighborWorks members will be able to further assist families and first-time homebuyers across the Commonwealth."
"Affordable housing is a key rung on the ladder to economic opportunity. Every family should have access to a safe, clean and healthy home, and these federal grants will help renew hope, improve neighborhoods, and strengthen local economies throughout Massachusetts," Senator Markey said.
"Organizations like Way Finders here in Springfield aid our collective goal of combating the homelessness crisis by providing support to residents through housing, real estate, and employment and community assistance services," said Congressman Neal. "The funding from the NeighborWorks Network will allow Way Finders to continue serving the people of Hampden and Hampshire counties. They have a long history of success and I am glad to continue supporting their mission."
"This country has a housing crisis that bankrupts working families and denies low-income Americans the opportunity to build wealth. With this infusion of critical funds for NeighborWorks in our Commonwealth, we can continue our fight to increase access to affordable housing, but this must only be one step in addressing this crisis," Congressman Kennedy said.
"Neighborworks America is instrumental in helping underserved communities develop across Massachusetts," said Congressman Lynch. "By providing the necessary resources and counseling, they give hard-working Americans the skills and opportunity to achieve their financial or career goals. I am pleased to see Massachusetts receive this grant and I look forward to seeing Neighborworks America's ongoing efforts continue to change lives."
"With affordable housing becoming an increasing problem across my district, funding to NeighborWorks organizations will provide a great resource for potential homebuyers and renters, including veterans, low-wage earners and individuals with special needs," said Congressman Keating. "Safe, affordable housing is the very cornerstone of strong, vibrant communities."
"I'm incredibly grateful for this NeighborWorks grant that will help Cambridge and communities across the Commonwealth develop and preserve affordable housing," said Congresswoman Clark. "The housing crisis facing Greater Boston has a ripple effect on our economy. It forces parents to travel farther to work, keeps families from being able to afford other basic necessities, and prevents businesses from retaining talent. By investing in affordable housing, we are helping to keep our neighborhoods open to everyone and reducing inequalities in our economy."
"In the United States, every person deserves to have a roof over their head in a safe neighborhood and a job that pays a living wage. This basic value has been a cornerstone of the American Dream since our nation's founding. I am proud to announce this important grant funding to organizations in our community that directly work to make that value a reality. Public-private partnerships like the ones supported by the NeighborWorks network are vital to developing our communities. I would like to congratulate everyone involved in securing these funds, and will continue to make sure the federal government invests in programs that lift up our hardworking families across Massachusetts," said Congresswoman Trahan.
Members of the national NeighborWorks network in Massachusetts receiving the award include:
Senator Warren is the author of one of the most ambitious plans proposed in the last fifty years to combat the affordable housing crisis. She partnered with Rep. Cedric Richmond (D-La.), along with Senator Markey, Congresswoman Pressley, and Congressman Kennedy, to introduce the American Housing and Economic Mobility Act, which would produce or preserve more than 3 million new housing units over the next decade, bring down rents for low-income and middle-class families by 10%, and take the first step to address the effects of decades of housing discrimination on communities of color.
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