In support of House Bill H.4015 and Senate Bill S.475, an Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the Commonwealth.

WHEREAS: The City of Somerville is home to many low-income older adults who face severe housing insecurity, the threat of displacement, and homelessness; and WHEREAS: Older adults on fixed incomes often face years-long waiting lists for long-term subsidized housing, leaving them with no stable bridge to permanent affordability; and WHEREAS: The City of Somerville has piloted a bridge subsidy program for low-income older adults facing housing instability, providing temporary rental assistance to help eligible residents remain in their homes while awaiting placement in long-term subsidized housing; and WHEREAS: Keeping older adults stably housed is not only a matter of dignity and community, but is demonstrably more cost-effective than emergency shelter placements or hospitalization due to housing loss; and WHEREAS: The Somerville pilot has been recognized as a successful and replicable model, and has been cited in testimony before the Massachusetts Legislature in support of statewide expansion; and WHEREAS: The Somerville City Council is committed to protecting vulnerable residents and to ensuring that older adults can age in place with security; and WHEREAS: House Bill H.4015 and Senate Bill S.475 "An Act Promoting Housing Stability for Older Adults Across the Commonwealth" would expand the bridge subsidy program statewide, allow eligible older adults to remain housed while awaiting long-term subsidized housing, and establish a steering committee led by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to guide that expansion; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council hereby expresses its strong support for House Bill H.4015 and Senate Bill S.475 and urges the Massachusetts Legislature to pass this legislation and to fund it adequately; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the City Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of this Resolution to the members of the Somerville legislative delegation and to the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means.