This article appeared in the Dec. 04,
2003 Jewish Advocate.
Norris to address housing concerns at
Temple Israel Sunday
By Susie Davidson
Advocate Correspondent
ItÕs no secret that housing costs in this
state are among the highest in the nation. And for those who work to find
secure roofs throughout the Commonwealth for those who need them, the task is
that much more difficult.
ItÕs eye-opening at the very least to learn that over
600 Massachusetts families live in hotels or motels. These include people of
every income level along with working adults who cannot earn enough to pay for
housing in this state. Further, many young people leave Massachusetts due to
the situation, leaving an already difficult economy without their
contributions. Yet despite this crisis, recent state and federal budgets have
drastically cut support for housing initiatives and organizations.
This Sunday evening, Dec. 7, at Temple Israel in BostonÕs first
floor Slater Lounge, from 5 -7 p.m., Chris
Norris, Assistant Director at Citizens' Housing and
Planning Association, will address measures being taken to produce more
housing, and discuss how one can get involved in this important struggle. As
part of The Jewish Alliance for Law and Social ActionÕs series of events for
young social activists in their 20's, 30's, and 40's, there will be good food
to share, and time to socialize. Children are welcome, but no separate child
care activities are available for this event.
"The lack of affordable housing is one
of our most critical problems in Massachusetts," said Cindy Rowe, Outreach
Consultant to JALSA. "In accordance with the Jewish tradition of taking
care of those in need, we must turn our attention to the production of more
reasonably-priced housing options.Ó
Norris, who holds a 1988 bachelorÕs degree
from the University of the Pacific and a 1991 juris doctor degree from the
Massachusetts School of Law, served as the coordinator of the National Consumer
Law Center's Foreclosure Prevention Program prior to his current position, which
he has held for six years. He serves of the Board of Directors of the Fair
Housing Center of Greater Boston, Homeowner Options for Massachusetts Elders,
and the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association, spent one year as Chief
Staffperson for former State Representative Marc Draisen, and five years as a
legislative aide for former Boston City Councilor David Scondras.
ÒCHAPA's primary concern is the creation
and preservation of housing and housing options for low-income individuals and
families, while at the same time balancing effective community planning,
including smart growth policies,Ó he said. Impediments, he explained, have
included large lot zoning requirements that exist in many communities, the lack of
communities that allow multi-family housing to be
built as of right, a decrease in state and federal funding for housing
production.
"Massachusetts must develop a balanced
affordable housing policy that emphasizes production, preservation, and direct
assistance,Ó he said.
ÒFrom so many different perspectives --
homeless families, people with disabilities, low and moderate-income wage
earners, graduating students who want to remain in our state -- the absence of
affordable housing is hurting our society and our economy," added Rowe.
Norris concurred. ÒWe must acknowledge that
although providing temporary shelter for families is a piece of the puzzle, it
is not a substitute for permanent, affordable housing," he said.
JALSA is a progressive voice within the
Jewish community, engaged in working on issues of social and economic justice,
civil rights, and constitutional liberties. For more information about JALSA,
please go to our web site, www.jewishalliance.org.
To receive weekly JALSA email updates, please email Decter@JewishAlliance.org.