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From YouTube: Greater Boston Interfaith Organization Housing Event
Description
The Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO) hosted a gathering at Temple Israel, with over 1,000 members from around Massachusetts, advocating for affordable housing. Mayor Wu joined faith leaders, politicians, and community members in pushing for housing reform.
A
A
B
A
few
Logistics
here
at
the
outset
number
one
we
will
have
our
roll
call
in
a
few
minutes.
So
if
you
are
one
of
the
Roll
Call
presenters,
please
make
sure
you're
lined
up
against
the
wall
or
lined
up
here
ready
to
come
to
the
microphones.
This
is
your
time
to
line
up,
so
we
can
keep
things
moving
on.
Second,
and
this
is
for
everybody,
you
have
some
papers
in
your
seat.
You've
got
an
agenda.
You
have
got
our
platform
which
we've
been
circulating
for
months
and
you
have
a
very
important
card.
B
C
D
Good
evening
gbio
and
extended
family,
it
is
my
honor
to
welcome
you
to
Temple
Israel
of
Boston.
You
might
have
seen
when
you
came
in
this
evening.
Words
on
our
wall.
That
God
spoke
to
the
prophet
Isaiah.
My
house
shall
be
a
house
of
prayer
for
all
people
and
we
pray
you
find
belonging
fulfillment
and
peace.
Within
These
Walls
tonight
in
the
very
next
verse
God
declares
I
will
gather
still
more
to
those
already
gathered.
We
are
many
and
we
are
growing
still
As
We
join
tonight
to
power
up
I.
B
B
You
know
what
that
is:
it's
the
sound
of
people
coming
together
in
the
same
space,
a
great
rattling
with
a
common
spirit.
Many
of
our
faith
Traditions
recognize
a
prophet
named
Ezekiel
and
he
had
a
dream
about
that
kind
of
sound.
He
lived
long
ago
during
a
time
of
Exile
and
separation,
and
the
question
of
the
age
was
whether
his
people
would
ever
Thrive
again.
B
B
So
what
does
this
sound?
It's
the
Gathering
of
57
gbio
institutions
with
our
own
sacred
mix
of
religions,
towns,
neighborhoods,
genders
ethnicities.
It's
the
foot
bone
connecting
with
the
ankle
bone
and
the
Arlington
bone
connecting
with
the
Brookline
bone.
It's
the
South
Boston
bone
connecting
with
the
Roxbury
bone.
It's
us
gbio.
C
C
B
B
I've
heard
this
sound
before
I
heard
it
20
years
ago,
at
BC
high,
when
we
gathered
to
consecrate
a
new
100
million
dollar,
affordable
housing,
trust
fund,
I
heard
it
at
the
State
House
in
2006,
when
we
gathered
to
anoint
Universal
Health
Care,
our
health
care
I
heard
it
a
few
years
ago
when
we
finally
got
meaningful,
Criminal
Justice
Reform
over
the
Finish
Line.
We
know
this
power.
We
know
this
sound
and
given
the
constraints
of
these
last
few
years,
these
pandemic
years,
there
is
a
special
sweet
resonance
to
that
sound
tonight.
B
B
C
B
I'm
gonna
buy
us
30
seconds.
Okay,
there
we
go
we're
going
to
cash
that
in
and
take
it
to
the
bank.
I
hear
a
mighty
Rumble
out
there
and
it's
a
beautiful,
sound
like
I,
said
before.
If
nothing
else
happens,
Beyond
this
reconvening
of
gbio.
It
is
worthy
of
praise,
but
it's
about
to
get
even
better
beyond
our
own
member
institutions,
our
congregations.
We
have
allies
in
this
room.
There
are
other
bones
in
the
house
amen.
C
B
Connecting
to
the
faith
bone
now
hear
the
voice
of
the
lord.
We
are
now
going
to
do
our
roll
call
whereby
we
remind
ourselves
and
show
the
world
that,
when
we
make
commitments
to
show
up
show
up,
some
of
our
Jewish
leaders
have
brought
their
shofars
our
own
holy
horns.
So
if
they
are
ready,
I'm
going
to
ask
them
to
sound
the
shofars
and
let
the
roll
call
begin.
E
F
G
J
G
G
I
M
A
A
F
A
C
O
O
A
B
A
As
we
get
started,
here's
our
timekeepers
again
Ann
and
Lillian
I
would
especially
like
to
point
them
out
to
all
the
speakers
so
that
we're
on
track
we're
organized
okay.
Thank
you.
We're
gonna
go
through
each
of
our
issues.
Do
you
have
a
handout
in
your
seat?
Yes,
take
a
look
at
them.
The
gboa
housing
Justice
campaign
asked
an
overview
as
we
go
through
the
night.
This
is
our
vision
and
there
are
specific
actions,
so
you
can
follow
along
with
the
slides
as
well.
A
We
started
working
on
the
housing
Justice
campaign
at
the
beginning
of
the
year
kicked
off
the
steps
of
the
state
house
with
300
of
us
on
March
16th.
Since
then,
we've
had
more
action
met.
Dozens
of
legislators
organized
hundreds
of
calls
from
our
congregation
to
our
legislators,
met
with
Governor
Maura
Healy
we've
been
making
noise
and
making
connections,
and
so
here
are
some
updates
on
where
we
stand
with
gbio
housing,
Justice
campaigns.
So
far,
thank
you
to
the
legislators
for
passing
the
MBTA
communities.
The
ACT
gbi.
A
Gbio
is
organizing
locally
to
ensure
that
local
cities
and
towns
fully
implement
the
MBTA
communities
act.
This
is
critical
to
dismantling
historical,
racist
and
exclusionary
zoning
practices
and
ushering
more
inclusive
multi-family
housing
I
want
to
do
a
shout
out
to
Lexington
who've,
been
doing
a
great
job
organizing
and
made
a
significant
product.
A
We
support
a
Statewide
enabling
legislation
for
a
local
option
to
collect
real
estate
transfer
fee
to
increase
the
funding
for
affordable
housing.
These
funds
can
be
used
for
Capital
needs
for
new,
affordable
housing
projects,
preservation
of
existing,
affordable
housing
properties,
mortgage
down,
payments
to
support,
first-time
home
buyers
and
Rental
subsidies
for
low-income
households.
You'll
hear
some
of
these
stories
of
how
real
estate
transfer
fees
will
make
a
great
impact
in
our
communities
next
re-entry
housing.
We.
A
We
want
to
make
sure
that
we
entering
citizens
have
every
tool
to
ensure
access
to
Quality
housing
through
passing
legislation
that
ensures
that
people
are
given
state
ID
upon
release
and
providing
vouchers
for
returning
citizens.
Lastly,
housing
I
got
one
minute:
y'all
public
housing
Massachusetts
is
only
one
of
four
states
in
this
country
to
have
state-owned
public
housing.
This
is
the
precious
resource
and
a
critical
part
of
our
affordable
housing
stock.
A
So,
to
sustain
this
gem,
the
operating
budget
must
be
at
least
184
annually
or
more,
and
there
is
a
8.5
billion
dollar
need
to
update
and
preserve
these
affordable
housing
units.
So
here's
our
vision-
and
this
is
what
we're
going.
This
is
what
we're
here
to
do
tonight,
we're
going
to
hear
stories
we're
going
to
hear
a
test,
personal
testimonies,
and
we
will
hear
from
the
Haley
Driscoll
Administration
excited
for
them
to
join
us
as
well
as
We
Gather,
a
people
of
Faith
conviction
with
an
unwavering
moral
compass
that
guides
us
with
our
neighbors.
A
B
So,
first
of
our,
if
issue
platform,
the
real
estate
transfer
fee,
as
you
heard,
gbio
supports
efforts
at
the
State
House
level
to
enable
cities
and
towns
in
Massachusetts
to
impose
real
estate
transfer
fees.
Each
town
would
shape
the
particulars
and
the
funds
raised
could
support,
affordable,
rentals
or
affordable
ownership.
We
Begin
this
section
with
leaders
from
Union
United
Methodist
Church
one
of
our
own
congregations.
B
B
K
F
Is
a
historically
black
congregation
over
our
200
years
as
a
church,
we
have
moved
with
black
Boston
from
Beacon
Hill
to
Roxbury
and
finally
to
our
home
in
the
South
End
in
1949,
with
the
waves
of
gentrification.
Now
we
are
one
of
only
three
remaining
historically
black
congregations
in
the
South
End,
while
many
have
been
turned
into
million
dollar
luxury
condos.
F
Justice
justice
has
always
been
part
of
Union's
story
in
the
early
1900s
Union
member
Hattie
B
Cooper
built
the
Cooper
Community
Center
during
the
settlement
house.
Movement
in
the
1960s
Union
worked
with
HUD
to
develop
the
meth
Union
Manor
cooperative
and
in
1969
Community
Union
Methodist
Church,
now
part
of
Union
by
merger
partnered,
with
an
Interfaith
coalition
to
develop
the
Charles
View
Apartments,
now
redevelop
as
the
Charles
View
residence
in
Austin
Brighton.
K
F
Developing
housing
is
expensive
and
requires
the
whole
Community
to
pitch
in.
We
are
only
one
church
and
we
need
funding
much
bigger
than
ourselves
and
that's
why
we
are
so
excited
about
the
real
estate
transfer
fee.
This
policy
would
bring
in
millions
of
dollars
to
help
Community
organizations
like
us
to
provide
housing
for
our
people
and
for
those
who
desperately
need
it
through
the
real
estate
transfer
fee
Union
would
be
able
to
partner
with
the
city
of
Boston
mayor
Wu.
K
We
want
to
say
that
across
gbio,
our
community
organizations
would
benefit
from
this
policy.
Folks
like
mosque
for
praising
Allah
and
the
United
Parish
in
Brookline,
who
are
dreaming
like
us
for
affordable
housing
developments,
and
there
are
people
who
are
already
developing,
affordable
housing
today,
like
Masjid
Al-Quran
building
15
units
and
Saint
Catherine
Drexel,
who
is
building
what
217
units.
N
N
In
addition,
Community
Health
needs
assessments
conducted
by
Mass
General
Brigham,
hospitals
identified
housing,
quality
and
affordability
as
a
top
Community
Health
concern
by
residents
across
our
communities
for
our
hospitals
on
Nantucket
and
Martha's
Vineyard
housing.
Affordability
is
a
concern
for
our
patients
and
also
a
significant
contributing
factor
to
Staffing
challenges
that
our
hospitals
are
facing.
N
N
S
S
And
while
we've
got
a
lot
of
pride
in
the
19
communities
across
the
cape
and
islands,
that
I
have
the
honor
of
representing
I'm
here
to
report
and
tell
you
that
our
communities
are
eroding
a
heck
of
a
lot
faster
than
anything.
That's
eating
away
at
our
dunes
and
our
Shores
with
sea
level
rise
and
in
fact,
for
Cape,
codders
and
Islanders.
It
is
now
virtually
impossible
for
Millennials
and
Generation
Z
to
make
a
life
on
our
Peninsula
and
in
our
Islands,
and
we
desperately
need
a
transfer
fee
to
get
this
done.
S
So
I
want
to
tell
you
a
little
story.
My
family,
my
parents
are
washing
Shores.
They
escaped
Suburban
Connecticut
in
the
1970s,
moved
to
Provincetown
they're
straight,
but
not
narrow,
and
my
parents
were
able
to
work
and
make
a
life
on
the
cape
and
Islands
we're
able
to
buy
a
home
as
a
bartender
and
a
waiter
raise
a
family
have
a
life
that
was
not
unique
in
the
generation
of
mine.
That
was
that
that
raised
us
and
that
we
grew
up
on
the
cape
and
islands
and
now
we're
in
a
situation.
S
The
median
home
price
in
Barnstable
County
has
increased
80
percent
since
2015.
80
percent
in
my
hometown,
at
Truro,
a
household
needs
to
make
400
000
a
year
to
afford
the
median
home
price
where
I
mean,
if,
if
we
do
not
have
some
level
of
assistance
of
support,
frankly,
an
ability
with
a
transfer
fee
to
help
us
help
ourselves
tapping
into
an
unfettered
luxury
real
estate
market.
This
is
the
way
that
we're
going
to
solve
our
housing
crisis.
S
S
We
cannot
alone
fix
this
problem
on
Beacon,
Hill
and
I'm,
looking
forward
to
getting
a
local
option
transfer
fee,
but
we
need
all
of
your
help
too,
to
reject
this
persistent
nimbyism.
That
is
stifled
of
local
control.
That
is
cycling
opportunity
here,
and
we
need
all
of
your
help
to
reject
that.
Thank
you.
T
Good
evening,
good
evening,
everybody
thank
you
very
much
and
it's
an
honor
to
to
follow
my
friend,
Senator
cyr
really
appreciate
all
the
wonderful
words
that
he
said.
My
name
is
Tom
O'brien
and
I'm
with
the
hym
Investment
Group.
Thank
you
very
much
we're
a
real
estate
development
company
and,
for
me,
this
room
is
a
very
comfortable
room
in
part,
because
my
wife
and
I
both
are
part
of
the
the
Parish
of
Saint
Cecilia.
T
T
T
T
I
have
been
doing
this
work
both
inside
and
outside
of
government
for
35
years
and
I
have
seen
firsthand
what
all
of
you
know.
Well,
the
Massachusetts
economy
has
grown
we've
added
thousands
of
jobs
over
the
decades,
but
for
many
reasons
we
simply
have
not
built
enough
housing,
many
of
which
Senator
cyr
just
mentioned
so
I'm
here
tonight,
because
I
believe
that
this
issue
can
no
longer
be
the
work
of
only
a
small
group
of
us.
This
must
be
the
work
of
all
of
us
all
across
our
state.
T
Said
that,
on
the
issue
of
creating
more
housing
and
specifically
on
the
issue
of
a
real
estate
transfer
fee,
she
said
quote:
we
need
to
find
ground
in
the
center
where
we
can
all
talk
to
one
another
and
I
was
on
board
right
away.
We
cannot
solve
these
problems
unless
we
are
unafraid
to
speak
with
one
another
and
get
things
done,
and
fortunately,
fortunately,
we
have
a
mayor
in
mayor
Wu
and
a
gubernatorial.
T
T
Sometimes
we
say
we
want
to
get
things
done.
Sometimes
we
use
another
word,
but
we
want
to
get
things
done
so
I'm
here
to
say
that
if
we
can
agree
on
a
real
estate
transfer
fee,
that
is
at
a
level
that
is
high
enough.
It
has
a
high
enough
minimum
so
that
it
does
not
adversely
affect
existing
homeowners
and
also
has
an
upper
limit
that
does
not
adversely
affect
commercial
transactions
and
where
the
proceeds
are
to
be
used
for
the
creation
and
or
preservation
of
affordable
housing
units.
T
B
Gbio
before
we
bring
up
mayor
Wu
to
speak
on,
Boston's
need
for
a
real
estate
transfer
fee
I
need
to
interrupt
with
another
piece
of
gbio
History
this
time.
It's
very
recent
history.
Two
years
ago,
in
the
2021
campaign
for
Boston
mayor,
we
met
with
the
candidates
and
made
some
very
specific
and
ambitious
asks,
as
we
are
want
to
do
once
elected
mayor
Wu
delivered.
So
we
have
some
thanking
to
do.
B
B
B
B
B
C
U
Housing
and
how
expensive
it
is,
how
unaffordably
Out
Of
Reach
it
is,
is
the
reason
why
our
Boston
Public
School
students
get
pulled
out
of
the
system
when
that
family
gets,
that
notice
of
an
unaffordable,
egregious
rent
increase
housing.
That's
too
expensive
is
the
reason
why
that
family,
who
has
an
issue
affecting
their
health
in
their
home,
whether
it
is
rodents
or
a
leak
or
an
air
quality
issue
that
they
don't
make
that
call
because
they're
afraid
of
losing
what
little
they
have
now
and
they
won't
be
able
to
find
the
next
place
to
go.
U
Over
a
thousand
in
this
room
representing
tens
of
thousands
more,
you
are
the
reason
why
we
have
a
community
preservation
act
Committee
in
Boston
to
provide
resources
for
our
residents.
You
are
the
reason
why
these
investments
in
City
Hall
have
been
made.
I
almost
got
in
line
and
the
the
roll
call
earlier
to
be
like
my
name
is
Michelle
Wu
I
committed
to
200
million.
We
put
in
234
million.
U
So
I
just
want
to
take
15
seconds
to
tell
you
all
about
what
we've
been
doing
with
not
only
the
230,
not
only
the
234
million,
but
if
you
add
in
on
top
of
the
federal
funding
our
operating
budget
Investments
our
capital
budget,
Investments
every
place,
we
could
pull
from
more
than
380
million
dollars
that
have
gone
into
affordable
housing
in
this
last
budget
cycle.
Thanks
to
the
city
council
as
well.
U
Partnering
with
the
state
on
initiatives
for
senior
affordable
housing
for
young
people
to
have
a
particular
stakehold
in
being
able
to
have
vouchers
when
they
do
receive
that
notice
and
stay
in
our
school
system.
114
units
through
the
Blue
Line
portfolio
acquire
a
massive
acquisition
to
keep
people
in
their
homes
and
I
just
want
to
end
now
that
my
time
is
over
with
the
story
of
Miss
Giselle
Jimenez
and
her
family.
U
We
are
able
to
make
that
happen
because
of
the
funding
that
you
all
have
pushed
for
organized
for
this
next
batch
of
funding
through
the
transfer
fees,
a
small
small
ask
that
would
result
in
up
to
a
hundred
billion
dollars
a
year
affecting
just
about
seven
percent
of
real
estate
transactions
in
Boston.
To
deliver
all
of
this
and
more
keep
it
up.
We're
with
you.
Thank
you.
B
Thank
you,
mayor,
Wu
and
I
should
acknowledge
that
we
had.
She
has
another
commitment
later
on
and
we
negotiated,
so
we
only
had
her
between
seven
and
eight
pm,
but
I
do.
Thank
you
and
I
think
you
can
feel
the
love
already.
Thank
you
for
being
with
us,
as
we
finish
this
unit.
This
part
of
the
platform,
the
real
estate
transfer
fee
part
and
we
moved
to
the
next
issue.
I
just
want
to
take
a
minute
to
ask
you
to
note
a
few
things
number
one.
B
The
issue
is
rooted
in
the
stories
of
our
people.
That's
really
important.
Union
United
Methodist
has
a
project
in
the
works,
so
does
Saint
Catherine,
Drexel,
Catholic,
parish
and
so
does
Masjid
Al-Quran.
This
is
where
our
issues
start
number
two
really
important.
We
have
Partners.
We
are
not
alone.
Thank
you,
Mass
General
Brigham!
Thank
you,
Senator
sear,
thank
you,
Tom
O'brien
and
thank
you
mayor
Wu.
Thank
you.
B
Number
three
to
anticipate
where
we're
going
this
evening.
We
will
need
support
from
the
healing
Driscoll
Administration
as
well.
We
are
working
our
way
toward
that
part
of
the
evening
and,
finally,
for
not
only
these
good
folks,
we
need
you
to
make
this
happen.
We
need
each
other,
we
need
all
of
us.
Our
work
is
not
done
tonight.
Remember
those
commitment
cards,
they
talk
about
something
we
call
in-district
meetings
and
they
are
a
critical
tool
for
us
tonight.
B
We
will
talk
with
members
of
the
Healey
Driscoll
Administration
for
legislation
to
happen.
We
also
need
the
Senate
and
the
house.
So
when
you
are
back
in
your
District's
idms
as
we
call
it
are
the
way
we
give
this
message
to
our
representatives
and
our
Senators.
Who
then
can
take
the
message
back
to
their
leadership
in
the
State
House?
Do
we
understand
right
in
September
in
September,
we
will
launch
our
industry
campaign
with
two
trainings,
so
keep
those
cards
handy.
Our
work
is
not
done
now.
A
Next,
we
want
to
talk
about
access
to
housing
for
returning
citizens.
Gbio
now
has
a
history
of
working
on
Criminal
Justice
Reform,
as
you
some
some
of
you
might
remember.
In
2018
and
police
reform
in
2020,
we
don't
give
up.
We
don't
go
away,
we
care.
There
are
two
bills:
one
Senate
1506
and
house
2326.
That
would
guarantee
a
state
ID
upon
release
for
those
coming
out
of
incarceration.
Second
Senate
Bill,
878
and
house
1362.
That
would
increase
vouchers
for
returning
Citizens
We're.
Now
going
that's
right.
A
Q
O
Q
Spent
16
years
in
prison
I've
been
out
for
about
eight
months
now.
I
was
assured
that
I
would
have
an
ID
when
I
got
out
of
prison.
They
came
took
my
picture.
They
told
me
the
day
you
walk
out.
We're
gonna
have
an
ID.
So
when
you
have
an
ID
you
can
cash
the
check
them
and
give
them.
You
can
go,
get
a
job.
You
can
open
a
bank
account
and
get
it.
You
can
get
your
license.
Q
You
can
get
housing,
they
didn't
have
my
ID
for
me
when
I
walked
up,
I
wasn't
able
to
get
an
ID
for
four
months,
so
I
couldn't
do
any
of
the
things
that
I
just
mentioned.
I'm
on
light
parole,
I
couldn't
get
a
job,
so
technically
I
was
in
violation
of
My
Parole
for
the
first
four
months
that
I
was
out
right.
Luckily,
I
had
a
decent
parole
officer.
Who
was
able
to
give
me
some
leniency.
Luckily,
I
had
some
fam
some
supportive
family
members
that
were
able
to
sustain
me
during
that
time.
Q
O
V
Q
And
literally,
it
literally
means
the
difference
between
is
the
difference
between
individuals
being
able
to
have
housing,
have
jobs
be
able
to
support
their
families?
Is
the
difference
between
recidivism
going
back
to
jail,
or
not
so
I'm
gonna
allow
Jose
to
speak
on
the
housing,
but
I
appreciate
your
support
and
I
appreciate
you
for
coming
out
tonight.
P
Yes,
yes,
yes,
thank
you.
I'm
gonna
make
it
quick
because,
as
you
can
see,
we're
on
a
timer
Jose
Lorenzo
here
with
Justice
for
housing,
I'm,
a
formerly
incarcerated
I
served
the
nine-year
prison
sentence
and,
prior
to
that,
I
had
been
conservated
predominantly
throughout
my
whole,
entire
life
I
never
spent
more
than
a
year
home
and
the
primary
factor
was
I.
Never
had
adequate
housing.
I
didn't
have
an
official
support
system
upon
my
release
every
time,
and
so
what
do
we
naturally
do?
P
We
return
to
the
same
old,
same
old
that
we
know,
and
this
time
around
after
such
a
long
bid,
I
was
aware
that
I
needed
the
help
and
thank
God
I
found
a
Justice
for
housing.
I
sit
here
today:
housing,
a
two-bedroom
apartment,
my
son
and
foster
kids,
a
step
closer
to
being
reunited,
and
is
thanks
to
that
and
I'm
just
thankful
that
we
could
get
these
bills
passed.
If
we
can
get
more
opportunities
like
this,
so
we
can
all
have
a
true
fight
against
recidivism.
Thank
you.
L
In
in
two
minutes,
I
won't
have
time
to
discuss
the
destabilizing
impact
incarceration
has
on
a
person
separated
from
their
Community
Access
to
their
support
network,
severely
restricted
to
limited
phone
calls
in
a
few
in-person
visits.
Given
how
far
these
facilities
are
from
the
neighborhoods.
Where
many
people
come
from,
it's
only
only
have
minutes.
I
can't
discuss
the
ways.
People
who
paid
their
debt
to
society
are
still
hampered
by
a
criminal
record,
so
they
can't
obtain
public
housing
or
even
stay
with
relatives
who
are
in
public
and
or
subsidized
housing.
L
The
time
constraints
won't
allow
me
to
delve
into
the
ways
that
prohibitive
housing
costs
prevent
people
with
no
record
from
finding
affordable
quality
housing,
let
alone
someone
who
has
been
convicted
of
a
crime
and
is
returning
from
incarceration.
So
instead
I'll
underscore
the
ills
of
the
system
by
lifting
up
a
quote
from
Angela
Davis
in
her
book
are
prisons
Obsolete
and
I
quote.
L
The
prison
therefore
functions
ideologically
as
an
abstract
site
into
which
undesirables
are
deposited,
relieving
us
of
the
responsibility
of
thinking
about
the
real
issues
afflicting
those
communities
from
which
prisoners
are
drawn
in
such
disproportionate
numbers.
This
is
the
ideological
work
that
prisons
perform.
It
relieves
us
of
the
responsibility
of
seriously
engaging
with
the
problems
of
our
society,
especially
those
produced
by
racism
and
increasingly
global
capitalism.
End
quote
shout
out
Justice
for
housing.
L
So,
let's
not
continue
to
be
relieved
of
the
responsibility
of
seriously
engaging
with
the
problems
of
our
society
and
instead
make
thoughtful
intentional
evidence-based
investments
in
public
safety
and
address
housing
Justice
by
passing,
s-878
and
h-1362,
which
supports
accessible
housing
by
adding
returning
citizens
on
the
list
of
individuals
who
receive
priority
for
state-funded
housing
and
also
allocate
Section
8
vouchers
for
returning
citizens.
Now
high
five
free
people
and
say
everyone
deserve
to
go
home.
H
H
H
For
those
who
don't
know
me,
I
grew
up
in
a
faith,
tradition
and
I.
I
have
read
my
Bible
a
time
or
two
and
I've
been
told
that
the
Quran
and
the
Torah
also
have
very
similar
principles.
So,
while
this
may
not
be
your
book
does
not
mean
that
it
does
not
apply
to
the
life
that
you
live
for.
We
know
that
it
is
said,
continue
to
remember
those
in
prison
as
if
you
were
together
with
them
in
prison
and
those
who
are
mistreated,
as
if
you
yourselves
were
suffering
too
often.
H
H
So
therefore,
those
of
us
who
have
a
home
can
sit
back
in
the
comfort
and
say:
oh
I'll
pray
for
you,
but
let
your
hands
and
your
feet
do
the
work
and
I
know.
Gyo
often
has
assignments
for
us,
but
I
got
an
assignment
for
y'all.
I
know
the
whole
Commonwealth
is
here
tonight
and
let
me
tell
you
something:
H
2326
in
the
Senate
companion
filed
by
Senator,
D
Dominico
s.
1506
needs
co-sponsor.
So
my
request
of
you
when
you
walk
out
this
door,
get
on
the
phone
get
on
the
email.
A
A
A
And
we're
gonna
go
further.
Today:
okay,
we're
gonna,
go
we're
gonna,
be
asking
the
healing
Drisco
Administration
to
also
become
our
teammate
later
tonight,
as
well.
So
watch
out
for
that
and
we
got
what
work
to
do
yourselves.
This
is
all
for
you,
okay,
we're
going
to
make
this
into
a
reality
and
remember
to
sign
up
at
your
commitment
cards
and
join
truth
and
Jose
to
help
pass
this
through
idms
in
your
own
towns
and
you've
got
the
power
all
right,
we're
gonna
move
on
to
our
last
issue.
A
Lastly,
we're
going
to
talk
about
state-owned
public
housing,
possibly
the
most
audacious
Ask
Of
The
Night.
This
is
a
precious
resource
that
we
have.
First,
we
need
to
fully
fund
and
support
public
housing.
The
true
need
for
operating
is
184
million
dollars.
This
year
we
made
some
progress,
but
there's
more
work
to
be
done.
Secondly,
there
is
an
8.5
billion
dollar
problem
and
an
opportunity
we
have
here.
A
8.5
billion
is
the
true
need
and
Based
on
data
of
this
valuable,
essential,
Massachusetts
asset
that
we
have
without
investing
to
fix
up
Decades
of
deferred
maintenance,
we
could
lose
hundreds,
thousands
of
units
housing
and
in
preserving
public
housing.
We
have
an
incredible
opportunity
that
we
can
do
here.
We
can
be
a
leader
in
climate
and
environmental
justice
through
retrofitting
decarbonizing,
addressing
environmental
justice
issues
in
these
43
000
units
of
housing
across
state
work
on
these
buildings
will
create
thousands
of
green
union
jobs
for
the
future.
A
Again,
all
of
our
work
is
based
on
our
people.
So
let's
hear
it
from
our
public
housing,
tenants,
Ken
and
Arlene
as
they
come
up.
We're
also
going
to
hear
from
executive
director
of
Chelmsford
Housing
Authority,
David
Harrison
and
then
the
Massachusetts
Building
Trades
Union
who's
committed
to
safe
and
affordable
housing
joins
us
on
this
campaign
as
well.
W
Good
evening
to
all
who
have
joined
us
tonight,
thank
you
gpio.
Thank
you
to
our
leaders,
your
service
and
everything.
You've
done
for
us.
I
appreciate
you
very
much.
My
name
is
Kenneth
McPherson
I
am
a
proud
activist
and
organizer
taught
by
Jack
Cooper
of
mass
Union.
While
there
I
learned
tenant
rights,
codes
and
regulations,
I
became
aware
of
vast
issues
where
immediate
attention
is
needed
in
housing.
W
My
insight
comes
from
my
experiences
in
public
housing
born
and
raised
in
Stoneham,
my
first
memories
as
a
loving
family-owned
home,
but
like
so
many
families,
unfortunate
circumstances
would
change
the
landscape
of
Our
Lives.
Finding
ourselves
in
state
veteran
housing
in
the
same
town,
outraged,
educated
and
played
Sports.
Center
I
am
now
raising
my
own
family
in
my
stepfather,
a
Vietnam
vet
at
the
time
he
was
raising
a
grown
family
and
faced
with
the
choices
of
paying
rent
electricity,
food
on
the
table
or
heat
and
hot
water.
W
W
Never
forget
the
Whispers
of
the
code
and
the
adults
conversation
struggling
to
make
the
hard
choices
of
what
bills
to
pay
underfunding,
creates
delayed
or
improper
repairs
problems
such
as
hazardous
mouth,
growth,
undetected,
causing
and
foreseen
health
issues,
preventable
dilemmas
across
the
state
affecting
everyone,
our
most
vulnerable,
our
children
and
our
elderly
I'm
telling
you
for
30
years.
I
have
been
in
this
problem
and
it
still
exists
to
this
day:
leaky
Windows
ceilings
that
have
cracks
in
them.
W
M
Hi
my
name's
Arlene,
Hill
and
I
have
a
bit
of
a
different
story.
I
grew
up
in
Dorchester
from
a
house
of
severe
abuse
at
five
I
was
sexually
abused,
neglected
my
sister
and
I
paid
my
father's
Gamble
and
debts
without
bodies
by
10
I
wanted
to
commit
suicide
or
trial
a
couple
of
times.
My
mother
told
me
once
I
even
failed
at
that
I
hated
myself
I
hated
my
life
and
about
a
miracle
happened.
M
V
V
Good
evening,
everyone,
my
name,
is
David
Edison
and
I'm.
The
director
of
the
Chelmsford
Housing
Authority
I've,
always
said:
I
have
one
of
the
best
jobs
in
the
world
and
for
36
years
of
my
life
I
have
enjoyed.
You
know
trying
to
help
other
people
who
are
in
need
of
housing,
so
I
have
I
have
to
say
to
all
of
you
after
many
decades.
V
It's
gotten
to
the
point
where
I
am
completely
without
words
when
I
see
my
residence
I
have
two
of
my
directors
here
today
who
I
called
quite
often
calling
Doherty
from
Taunton
and
Kelly
Cronin
from
Acton
they
or
really
the
only
people.
I
could
talk
to
I
felt
incredibly
alone.
How
can
I
as
a
landlord
for
the
state
go
public
and
say
I
have
sewer
lines
that
are
cracked
I
cannot
provide
hot
water.
V
So
when,
when
mayor
Wu
talked
about
50
million
from
Mildred
Haley,
that's
about
how
much
we
get
for
43
000
43
000
across
the
state,
when
Northampton
needs
81
million
they're,
given
600
000.,
when
Worcester
needs
153
million,
they
got
500
000..
When
Needham
needs
40
million,
they
got
244
000..
We
need
to
make
a
difference.
These
units
will
be
lost
and
sadly
my
developments
need
23
million
and
I
get
224..
What
does
that
buy
us?
A
bucket
some
duct
tape
and
some
prayers,
because
I
need
prayers,
because
I
cannot
keep
these
buildings
safe.
V
X
X
Ends
but
we're
all
capable
of
building
a
better
world
by
lifting
our
voices,
good
homes,
good
careers,
they're,
all
human
rights,
our
communities
deserve
access
to
Safe,
reliable,
affordable
housing
and
access
to
Safe,
family
and
neighborhood
sustaining
careers.
That's
why
the
building
trade
unions
are
proud
to
be
part
of
this
broad
Coalition
fighting
for
both
at
every
level
of
government.
True
to
the
mission
of
organized
labor,
we
stand
in
solidarity
with
our
faith
and
Community
Partners
in
this
just
work.
X
Y
Thanks
shamia
just
told
you
why
why
we're
involved
in
this
I'm
here
my
role
tonight
is
to
tell
you
how,
as
I
mentioned,
we
represent
75
000
men
and
women
in
the
construction
industry
in
Massachusetts,
who
have
a
union
card
in
their
pocket
and
the
benefits
of
a
collective
bargaining
agreement,
and
they
are
the
best
trained
best
skilled,
most
productive
workers
anywhere
in
the
world
and
200
of
them
a
year.
Tonight.
Y
To
make
that
happen,
we
invest
with
our
signatory
contractors,
60
million
dollars
a
year
right
here
in
Massachusetts
and
over
a
billion
dollars
a
year,
Nationwide
to
train
that
Workforce
and
the
outcome
is
not
just
Quality
quality,
affordable
housing,
although
that's
what
we're
here
to
talk
about
tonight.
So
when
you
build
Union
when
you
use
our
75
000
members
to
build
your
projects,
you're
getting
the
best
quality
housing
anywhere
at
a
good
price,
but
you're
building
so
much
more
than
that.
Y
You're
building
communities,
You're
Building
families,
you're,
not
building
people
who
are
going
to
be
in
affordable
housing,
they're
going
to
be
able
to
afford
their
own
housing
to
make
room
for
people
who
are
really
desperately
in
need.
So
it's
a
virtuous
cycle
and
we
invest
that
money
back
in.
We
also
invest
our
Pension
funds.
Y
A
A
A
We
heard
y'all
we
gotta
choose
to
take
action,
choose
to
commit
so
be
ready
to
fill
out
these
commitment
cards
now
to
take
the
next
step
in
securing
funding
for
our
folks
in
public
housing.
You
have
the
power
to
act
and
now,
let
me
hand
it
over
to
Burns
to
hear
from
a
Healey
Driscoll
Administration
on
all
of
our
issues
and
to
then
get
their
reaction
on
these
stories.
B
We
began
the
evening
by
celebrating
the
Glorious
Spirit,
blessed
Gathering
of
our
gbio
membership.
For
the
first
time
in
four
years,
this
big,
amen
and
I
hope
you
can
behold
what
has
been
emerging
in
the
last
hour.
It's
not
just
us
coming
together,
it's
allies
from
other
parts
of
the
state,
its
unions,
developers,
Public,
House
directors,
Public,
House,
public
housing,
tenants,
legislators,
people
of
Faith
coming
together,
because
everyone
deserves
everyone.
B
In
this
part
of
the
evening,
we
turn
to
the
Healy
Driscoll
Administration
secretary
Augustus
and
lieutenant
governor
Driscoll.
We
asked
tonight
that
you
respond
to
our
housing
Justice
platform
that
that
we've
been
hearing
and
actually
that
we've
been
sharing
with
the
administration
over
the
last
several
months.
But
the
heart
of
the
ask
is
really
this:
will
you
partner
with
us
and
join
this
team
with
MBTA
zoning
you've
already
shown
that
you
are
ready
to
enforce
that
legislation
and
we
say
thank
you
with
housing.
B
With
the
real
estate
transfer
fee,
we
sense
your
support
and
ask
if
you
will
help
us
make
it
happen
with
housing
and
IDs
for
returning
citizens.
The
governor
has
likewise
expressed
support
and
we
ask
that
you
help
us
get
it
over
the
finish
line
and
with
state-owned
public
housing.
The
need
is
Big
to
be
sure,
8.5
billion
dollars
in
needed
repairs.
Will
you
join
us
in
addressing
that
need
beginning
with
the
bond
Bill
and
looking
to
other
sources
as
needed?
We
know
housing.
B
Justice
is
a
big
hill,
but
friends
we
are
people
of
faith
and
the
promise
of
the
prophets
is
that
we
can
soar
on
wings
like
eagles
run
and
not
get
weary
walk
and
not
be
fake.
So
here
we
are
1365
people
strong,
asking
you
secretary,
Augustus
and
lieutenant
governor
Driscoll
to
join
us
in
the
work
with
you
and
this
incredible
Gathering
of
Massachusetts
citizens.
We
know
we
can
do
this
amen,
amen,
amen.
B
E
E
It's
an
honor
to
share
the
stage
with
such
a
powerful
group
of
Faith
leaders
and
advocates
and
on
behalf
of
the
Healey
Driscoll
Administration
I'd,
like
to
thank
our
partners
and
state
and
local
government
who
join
us
here
tonight,
who's
here
earlier,
Senator,
Seer
and
representative
Fluker
Oakley.
It's
Partners
like
this
that
help
us
move
issues
forward
here
in
the
Commonwealth,
so
we
appreciate
their
partnership
and
to
all
of
you
who
spoke
before
me.
Thank
you
for
sharing
your
personal
stories
and
experiences.
E
Your
impact
on
Massachusetts
has
always
been
with
an
eye
on
helping
our
most
vulnerable
neighbors
and
it's
inspiring
across
Criminal
Justice,
Reform
health
care
and
now
housing.
When
gbio
chooses
a
goal,
you
do
it
with
intention
and
purpose
when
I
joined
the
administration
at
the
beginning
of
this
month.
Rest
assured
that
my
steadfast
commitment
to
the
mission
of
meeting
the
needs
of
those
who
need
us
the
most
remain
in
creating
this
new
secretary
at
the
governor
lieutenant
governor
recognized
the
necessity
of
affordable
housing
for
the
success
of
our
Commonwealth.
E
And
most
urgently,
this
includes
the
growing
number
of
families
with
children
experiencing
homelessness,
seniors
and
persons
with
disabilities.
We
cannot
fix
this
at
the
state
level
alone,
I
believe
in
a
collaborative
approach
for
helping
solve
our
most
difficult
housing
challenges.
This
means
government
working
with
residents
who
have
lived
experiences,
Faith
leaders,
philanthropic
Partners
developers,
the
business
Community
Health,
Care
and
service
providers,
and
this
is
across
every
region
of
our
Commonwealth
I,
look
forward
to
collaborating
more
closely
in
the
coming
weeks
on
these
issues
and
truly
getting
to
work
to
deliver
results.
E
I
could
not
ask
for
a
stronger
partner
in
this
Administration
somebody
who
understands
that
it
take
what
it
takes
to
create
housing
at
the
local
level.
Lieutenant
lieutenant
governor
Driscoll
has
been
out
front
on
affordable
housing
for
many
years
now.
As
the
mayor
of
Salem.
She
didn't
just
talk
about
new
housing.
She
took
action
and
did
not
give
up
on
affordable
housing
being
built
in
the
downtown.
E
Serving
as
a
member
of
the
Salem
housing
authority
board
herself,
she
fought,
on
behalf
of
tenants
to
improve
responsiveness,
maintain
and
care
for
properties
and
to
expand
availability
of
subsidized
housing
options
for
Salem
seniors
and
neediest
residents.
Her
knowledge
experience
and
deep
appreciation
for
those
for
the
importance
of
our
of
our
existing,
affordable
and
public
housing
resources
for
our
communities
and
families
was
gained
firsthand.
E
Z
Z
It's
really
a
privilege
to
be
with
all
of
you.
Gbio
truly
represents
faith
in
action,
striving
to
be
there
for
your
neighbor
and
be
there
for
those
most
in
need.
I'm,
really
grateful
for
all
of
your
advocacy
and
the
work
you
do
in
your
congregations
every
day
aimed
at
making
Massachusetts
a
more
just
and
more
Equitable
place
to
live.
Z
Z
Both
myself
and
Governor
Healy
have
had
the
opportunity
to
meet
with
several
members
of
gbio
earlier
this
year.
I'm
glad
that
we
both
share
the
number
one
priority.
Housing
housing
is
key
to
the
social
determinants
of
health
and
for
me,
access
to
Safe,
affordable
housing
is
a
human
right,
plain
and
simple.
Z
This
is
true,
whether
you're
living
in
Boston
or
the
Berkshires,
even
in
places
where
housing
is
slightly
less
expensive,
it's
not
less
expensive
to
the
folks
living
there.
It's
not
more
affordable
to
the
folks
living
there.
That's
why?
One
of
that's
why?
One
of
our
very
first
things
our
Administration
did
was
create
an
executive
office
of
Housing
and
livable
communities
and
appoint
the
first
housing
secretary
in
more
than
30
years.
Z
We
understand
that
solving
this
crisis
is
about
more
than
building
housing.
It's
about
investing
in
the
meaning
of
a
community,
a
place
where
people
care
about
and
rely
on,
each
other
and
great
communities
don't
happen
by
accident.
It
takes
intentionality
and
commitment
and
a
willingness
to
be
a
catalyst
for
positive
change.
Z
I
say
this
with
deep
conviction
as
the
former
mayor
of
a
Gateway
City
that
used
to
be
the
affordable
community,
a
place
where
you
could
pour
coffee
or
pour
beer
for
a
living
and
pay
your
rent,
a
city
that,
for
nearly
400
years,
has
welcomed
waves
of
immigrants
who
made
their
way
in
a
new
country
in
search
of
a
better
life.
They
found
one.
They
worked
on
the
docks
or
in
the
Mills
and
in
the
factories
they
raised
families
and
they
were
able
to
do
so
at
a
time
when
housing
was
a
lot
more
accessible.
Z
That's
not
just
true
for
Salem,
that's
true
many
of
our
Gateway
cities.
A
lot
of
that
experience
was
tied
to
having
decent,
affordable
housing
and
they
did
so
prior
to
zoning.
Many
of
the
most
sought
after
neighborhoods
in
my
city
were
built
before
zoning
and
ironically,
they
couldn't
be
built
today.
Because
of
zoning.
Z
You
see
in
many
ways.
This
is
not
just
a
housing
battle.
The
character
of
our
communities
is
at
stake.
Are
we
going
to
be
a
place
that
has
livable
communities
throughout
Massachusetts
are
authentic
places
where
people
from
different
walks
of
life
can
live
and
prosper
and
worship
together
going
to
exist.