August 2021 - Neighbors - lists.buenavistasocialclub.org

Fwd: Update #24 - Jefferson Park Federal Modernization
by RUTH RYALS 19 Aug '21

19 Aug '21

> ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: coUrbanize <notifications(a)courbanize.com> > To: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> > Date: 08/19/2021 12:48 PM > Subject: Update #24 - Jefferson Park Federal Modernization > > > > > > > > > Jefferson Park Federal Modernization Update #24 > > OPEN-TABLES RESIDENT MEETING RESCHEDULED TO TUESDAY 8/24/21 5-7PM! > > Due to weather conditions, the CHA has rescheduled our open-tables resident meeting to next Tuesday, August 24 5-7PM. Notices about the rescheduled date will be posted today at the two information stations on site, located in the 1000 Building bulletin board and next to the management office. We apologize for any inconvenience caused, and we look forward to seeing you all next week! > > To maintain compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, table sessions will be held outside weather permitting and we ask everyone to weak masks and maintain social distance. > > Please visit this website stay up to date on project activities, view proposed site plans and slides, read Frequently Asked Questions, and leave feedback for the CHA team. All information will still be provided via newsletters and bulletin boards, in addition to the website. > > > > View Update http://mail.courbanize.com/ls/click?upn=nhVZEgX0z6Pji3CziosQ0DQCoBGKWsUqVdd… > > > > Comment on the project http://mail.courbanize.com/ls/click?upn=nhVZEgX0z6Pji3CziosQ0DQCoBGKWsUqVdd… > > > > Powered by [coUrbanize] http://mail.courbanize.com/ls/click?upn=nhVZEgX0z6Pji3CziosQ0NyBr2MH5fB78iZ… > 450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA > > >

1 0

Fwd: Eviction/Foreclosure: Emergency's not over!
by RUTH RYALS 18 Aug '21

18 Aug '21

This newsletter from Senator Jehlen speaks to a very important subject. > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Senator Pat Jehlen <pat(a)electpatjehlen.org> > To: Ruth <rryals(a)comcast.net> > Date: 08/18/2021 10:29 AM > Subject: Eviction/Foreclosure: Emergency's not over! > > > Eviction/foreclosure emergency isn't over! > > > View this email in your browser https://mailchi.mp/electpatjehlen/evictionforeclosure-emergencys-not-over?e… > > Dear Neighbor, > > Almost everyone recognizes that making people homeless during a pandemic is dangerous to their health and a threat to public health. > > Local, state and federal governments have declared multiple (overlapping, confusing and limited) moratoria and created funds with billions of dollars in potential aid to keep people in their homes. > > In April 2020, thanks to Reps. Mike Connolly and Kevin Honan, the legislature passed the nation's most comprehensive eviction and foreclosure moratorium https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… . In July 2020, they and I filed a bill with 90 cosponsors, extending the moratorium https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… and providing other protections, including a fund to reimburse landlords for lost rent. However, formal sessions ended for the year before the legislature took it up. > > In October, Gov. Baker chose to let the moratorium expire. Instead, he announced an Eviction Diversion Initiative https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… with the Trial Court, including expanded rental assistance and opportunities for mediation during the eviction process. But we worried whether the promised services could ramp up quickly enough. > > In December, I wrote a newsletter https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… on the number of evictions already filed and on how to seek local assistance. > > I worked with other senators to pass important protections https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… as part of the budget. They eventually passed despite the Gov. Baker's attempts to amend them. They require: > > - landlords to provide information about resources and process in Notices to Quit > - courts to pause the eviction process when an application for rental assistance is pending > - public reporting on the Eviction Diversion Initiative and on the federal money used for it. > > It's worked - for many people > > Over 35,000 households have received over $225 million in rental and mortgage assistance https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… . About $770 million of allocated funds remains, and more aid is on the way. This chart shows the number of applications, approvals, "time outs," and denials over a 8 week period, after some changes making it easier to apply. > > > > > If an applicant isn't approved within two weeks, usually because of incomplete information (or, according to reports, because their information was lost), they are "timed out" and have to start over. > > Despite recent improvements, it is still very hard for many people to get the aid they need, which is hard on both tenants and landlords. Although a few were denied because they were over income, almost half were "timed out." And those are probably the people who need it most, people with limited English or computer skills. They face a daunting, complicated, and for many an inaccessible system. Lots of them "time out" while they search for documents. For example, it's very hard to get documents from Unemployment. > > The Somerville experience shows the system can work - but it requires a lot of outside help. Our Housing Stability Office has six staff, with additional bilingual volunteers and contractors. We're not that big a city, but they've all had to work hard to help people through the process - they have a 97% success rate in having applications approved. > > The administration makes the process onerous in order to avoid fraud, but that keeps deserving people from getting help in time to stay in their homes. But there's a balance between avoiding fraud and preventing aid, as we've learned from the experience with unemployment assistance. The administration should remove more barriers, for example by providing more comprehensible wording and more languages. Hiring more people to assist applicants through the process could save thousands of families from losing their homes. > > > > The pandemic is not over, despite the governor declaring an end to the emergency. > > 14,000 new eviction cases https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… have been filed since October. Almost 3000 executions https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… have been issued to landlords, meaning many tenants can be forcibly removed by sheriffs or constables. (To see how many cases have been filed or executed in your community, click on the "locations" or "zip code tab" on that dashboard.) Over 28,000 homeowners are seriously behind on their mortgage payments, and thousands of homeowners and small landlords are at imminent risk of foreclosure. > > The CDC, recognizing the danger of people losing shelter during the pandemic, extended a modified moratorium on evictions https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… , but it applies only to some people and only in counties (currently all of Mass.) with "high or substantial risk of COVID." It expires Oct. 3. There are also protections for federally-insured mortgage holders which also expire at the end of September. > > Taking action to keep people housed > > > Last week, the Housing Committee (of which I am vice-chair) held a hearing on bills https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… sponsored by me and Reps. Frank Moran and Kevin Honan. This is the rally before the hearing. The bill would: > - ensure that landlords pursue and cooperate with rental assistance programs before going to court. Just having an eviction case filed against them can prevent a tenant from finding new housing. Many landlords don't want to evict tenants but need the payments. > - Protect the most vulnerable tenants from forced removal for COVID-19 arrears. > - Pause no-fault evictions during the COVID-19 recovery period. > - Pause foreclosures of homeowners and require mortgage forbearance based on federal policies. Only five hundred families have received mortgage assistance; most people don't know it exists. > - Require the state to provide a simple, flexible, and fast process for rental and mortgage assistance. Advocates for both tenants and landlords agree that it's too hard and just takes too long to navigate the application process, despite some improvements. > > A rally before the hearing, as well as the hearing, was covered by the Globe https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… , the Herald, https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… and many regional papers. https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > > Carolyn Lomax is a Dorchester landlord who summarized the effect on both tenants and landlords. The Herald reported: > > "Carolyn Lomax, from the community organization City Life/Vida Urbana, said she’s faced this issue since the pandemic began, as the owner of a Dorchester three-family apartment. One of her tenants was only able to pay rent starting this summer, and the other is still unable to do so. > > "'Some of my tenants, they have applied for (rental assistance through the RAFT program) three or four times and been denied… or just lost in the system,' she said. She said her tenants have faced issues with identity mix-ups in their applications with other people. > > "Lomax noted that the state is flush with cash to give out for rental assistance– almost $900 million https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… — but she still has yet to see any of it, while still facing pressure to pay her mortgage. '(We have) all this money in the bank, right? And you’re not giving it out to help people? You know, it’s not making sense,' she said." > > > I could keep writing but this is very long. What would you like to hear about? (It could be about this or other issues.) > > All best wishes for the rest of the summer, > > > > > > > > [Twitter] https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > [Facebook] https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > [Campaign Website] https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > > > Please donate! https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > Copyright © 2017 CTE Pat Jehlen > Our mailing address is: > 67 Dane St, Somerville MA 02143 > > Want to change how you receive these emails? > You can update your preferences https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/profile?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a3d61… or unsubscribe from this list https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… >

1 0

Fwd: Daily Update | August 18, 2021
by RUTH RYALS 18 Aug '21

18 Aug '21

A bunch of things here worth noting-where to get tested, what to do if you test positive, where to get vaccinated, hazardous waste - Aug 21, details of the outbout break in the city's summer program for kids.... > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: City of Cambridge <pio(a)cambridgema.gov> > To: rryals(a)comcast.net > Date: 08/18/2021 7:00 PM > Subject: Daily Update | August 18, 2021 > > > > > View as Webpage https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > What To Do If You or a Close Contact Tests Positive for Covid-19 > > If you recently tested positive for Covid-19 or were in close contact with someone who did, you need to take action to prevent spreading the virus to others. Here is some important isolation and quarantine guidance from the Cambridge Public Health Department. > Learn More https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > COVID-19 CASE COUNT > As of August 18, 2021 > > > 6,540 > Cambridge residents who have tested positive for COVID-19 > +11 Today > > 4,258 > Recoveries in Cambridge residents > > > 123 > Confirmed COVID-19 deaths in Cambridge residents > +0 Today > > 267 > Active Cases in Cambridge residents > COVID-19 Data Center https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > > * Access Massachusetts COVID-19 data https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > * Access Massachusetts Weekly COVID-19 Health Report https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > * Access MIT COVID-19 data https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > * Access Harvard University COVID-19 data https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > * Access Cambridge Public Schools COVID-19 data https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > COVID-19 VACCINATIONS > As of August 12, 2021 > > > 68% > Fully vaccinated Cambridge residents > > 74% > Cambridge residents who have received at least one dose of the vaccine > > * Access Cambridge COVID-19 vaccine information page https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > * Access Massachusetts COVID-19 vaccine information page https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > * Access Massachusetts vaccine locations page https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > WHAT'S NEW > > 8/18/21 > What To Do If You or a Close Contact Tests Positive for Covid-19 https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > 8/17/21 > Traffic Alert https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… : Summer Classic 5K Road Race August 19 > > 8/17/21 > Household Hazardous Waste https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… Collection Day Saturday, August 21 > > 8/17/21 > COVID- 19 Third Dose Approved https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals > View All Updates https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > Traffic Alert: Summer Classic 5K Road Race August 19 > > The Summer Classic 5K road race will take place Thursday, August 19 at 6:30 p.m. starting on Sydney Street. Expect traffic impacts in the Cambridgeport and Central Square areas, including Sydney, Franklin, Brookline, Valentine, Pearl, River, Putnam, Henry, Pacific and Albany Streets. > Learn More https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day > > The City of Cambridge will hold its next Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Day for 2021 on Saturday, August 21, from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., at 65 Waverly Street. To access the event, please enter from Brookline Street, as eastbound travel will be prohibited on Henry, Chestnut, and Putnam streets, from Sidney Street to Waverly Street. > Learn More https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > COVID- 19 Third Dose Approved for Certain Immunocompromised Individuals > > The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved an additional third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine for certain people who are immunocompromised due to a medical condition or because they are receiving medications or treatments that weaken their immune response. > Learn More https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > Other Ways to Get Tested for COVID-19 > > While the City of Cambridge offers free COVID-19 testing 3 days per week in August, there are several other ways to get tested. > > To find other testing options, visit www.mass.gov/covid-19-testing https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… . This site lets you search for testing by zip code. The site also provides information about home COVID-19 tests that can be ordered online. > > For information about free regional testing in Framingham, Lynn, New Bedford and Revere, visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/regional-express-covid-19-testing-sites-i… https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… . > > For People with Insurance: > * Testing is usually covered by insurance IF a person: > * is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or > * is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19. > * Insurance will generally NOT pay for testing if a person is asymptomatic and has not been exposed to a person who has COVID-19. Some exceptions apply for employees in certain professions. > > For People without Insurance: > * If a person is uninsured and is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms or is a close contact of someone who has tested positive for COVID-19, some testing sites will offer free testing to the patient and bill the federal program for the uninsured. In this case, the patient will need to provide a MA license or State ID number. > > Information about testing sites in Cambridge and more can be found at www.cambridgema.gov/testing https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… . > Learn More https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > > City Department Hours & Appointments > > > Walk-in access by the public is available Monday through Friday during regular City business hours (Monday, 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m., Tuesday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m., and Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m.), and in-person public appointments will continue to be offered by many departments. All Cambridge Public Library locations have reopened https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… to the public. A complete listing of City departments and their contact information can be found on our City departments and offices webpage. https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > Learn More https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > [Facebook] ‌ https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… [Twitter] ‌ https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… [YouTube] ‌ https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001mcFxSXWH7p_Ix0H-Xy3JhW4YurRCvvhl49lIhgkyFjV… > CambridgeMA.GOV/COVID19 > > City of Cambridge | 795 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 > Unsubscribe rryals(a)comcast.net https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=un&m=001TlYm2EKT5Of_nZvKZd-TSw%3D&… > Update Profile https://visitor.constantcontact.com/do?p=oo&m=001TlYm2EKT5Of_nZvKZd-TSw%3D&… | Our Privacy Policy https://www.cambridgema.gov/privacystatement | Constant Contact Data Notice https://www.constantcontact.com/legal/customer-contact-data-notice > Sent by pio(a)cambridgema.gov mailto:pio@cambridgema.gov > >

1 0

Fwd: Eviction/Foreclosure: Emergency's not over!
by RUTH RYALS 18 Aug '21

18 Aug '21

Send this around. Tell all of our elected officials where you stand. Ask them to take actions to improve this situation. Ruth > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Senator Pat Jehlen <pat(a)electpatjehlen.org> > To: Ruth <rryals(a)comcast.net> > Date: 08/18/2021 10:29 AM > Subject: Eviction/Foreclosure: Emergency's not over! > > > Eviction/foreclosure emergency isn't over! > > > View this email in your browser https://mailchi.mp/electpatjehlen/evictionforeclosure-emergencys-not-over?e… > > Dear Neighbor, > > Almost everyone recognizes that making people homeless during a pandemic is dangerous to their health and a threat to public health. > > Local, state and federal governments have declared multiple (overlapping, confusing and limited) moratoria and created funds with billions of dollars in potential aid to keep people in their homes. > > In April 2020, thanks to Reps. Mike Connolly and Kevin Honan, the legislature passed the nation's most comprehensive eviction and foreclosure moratorium https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… . In July 2020, they and I filed a bill with 90 cosponsors, extending the moratorium https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… and providing other protections, including a fund to reimburse landlords for lost rent. However, formal sessions ended for the year before the legislature took it up. > > In October, Gov. Baker chose to let the moratorium expire. Instead, he announced an Eviction Diversion Initiative https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… with the Trial Court, including expanded rental assistance and opportunities for mediation during the eviction process. But we worried whether the promised services could ramp up quickly enough. > > In December, I wrote a newsletter https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… on the number of evictions already filed and on how to seek local assistance. > > I worked with other senators to pass important protections https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… as part of the budget. They eventually passed despite the Gov. Baker's attempts to amend them. They require: > > - landlords to provide information about resources and process in Notices to Quit > - courts to pause the eviction process when an application for rental assistance is pending > - public reporting on the Eviction Diversion Initiative and on the federal money used for it. > > It's worked - for many people > > Over 35,000 households have received over $225 million in rental and mortgage assistance https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… . About $770 million of allocated funds remains, and more aid is on the way. This chart shows the number of applications, approvals, "time outs," and denials over a 8 week period, after some changes making it easier to apply. > > > > > If an applicant isn't approved within two weeks, usually because of incomplete information (or, according to reports, because their information was lost), they are "timed out" and have to start over. > > Despite recent improvements, it is still very hard for many people to get the aid they need, which is hard on both tenants and landlords. Although a few were denied because they were over income, almost half were "timed out." And those are probably the people who need it most, people with limited English or computer skills. They face a daunting, complicated, and for many an inaccessible system. Lots of them "time out" while they search for documents. For example, it's very hard to get documents from Unemployment. > > The Somerville experience shows the system can work - but it requires a lot of outside help. Our Housing Stability Office has six staff, with additional bilingual volunteers and contractors. We're not that big a city, but they've all had to work hard to help people through the process - they have a 97% success rate in having applications approved. > > The administration makes the process onerous in order to avoid fraud, but that keeps deserving people from getting help in time to stay in their homes. But there's a balance between avoiding fraud and preventing aid, as we've learned from the experience with unemployment assistance. The administration should remove more barriers, for example by providing more comprehensible wording and more languages. Hiring more people to assist applicants through the process could save thousands of families from losing their homes. > > > > The pandemic is not over, despite the governor declaring an end to the emergency. > > 14,000 new eviction cases https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… have been filed since October. Almost 3000 executions https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… have been issued to landlords, meaning many tenants can be forcibly removed by sheriffs or constables. (To see how many cases have been filed or executed in your community, click on the "locations" or "zip code tab" on that dashboard.) Over 28,000 homeowners are seriously behind on their mortgage payments, and thousands of homeowners and small landlords are at imminent risk of foreclosure. > > The CDC, recognizing the danger of people losing shelter during the pandemic, extended a modified moratorium on evictions https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… , but it applies only to some people and only in counties (currently all of Mass.) with "high or substantial risk of COVID." It expires Oct. 3. There are also protections for federally-insured mortgage holders which also expire at the end of September. > > Taking action to keep people housed > > > Last week, the Housing Committee (of which I am vice-chair) held a hearing on bills https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… sponsored by me and Reps. Frank Moran and Kevin Honan. This is the rally before the hearing. The bill would: > - ensure that landlords pursue and cooperate with rental assistance programs before going to court. Just having an eviction case filed against them can prevent a tenant from finding new housing. Many landlords don't want to evict tenants but need the payments. > - Protect the most vulnerable tenants from forced removal for COVID-19 arrears. > - Pause no-fault evictions during the COVID-19 recovery period. > - Pause foreclosures of homeowners and require mortgage forbearance based on federal policies. Only five hundred families have received mortgage assistance; most people don't know it exists. > - Require the state to provide a simple, flexible, and fast process for rental and mortgage assistance. Advocates for both tenants and landlords agree that it's too hard and just takes too long to navigate the application process, despite some improvements. > > A rally before the hearing, as well as the hearing, was covered by the Globe https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… , the Herald, https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… and many regional papers. https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > > Carolyn Lomax is a Dorchester landlord who summarized the effect on both tenants and landlords. The Herald reported: > > "Carolyn Lomax, from the community organization City Life/Vida Urbana, said she’s faced this issue since the pandemic began, as the owner of a Dorchester three-family apartment. One of her tenants was only able to pay rent starting this summer, and the other is still unable to do so. > > "'Some of my tenants, they have applied for (rental assistance through the RAFT program) three or four times and been denied… or just lost in the system,' she said. She said her tenants have faced issues with identity mix-ups in their applications with other people. > > "Lomax noted that the state is flush with cash to give out for rental assistance– almost $900 million https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… — but she still has yet to see any of it, while still facing pressure to pay her mortgage. '(We have) all this money in the bank, right? And you’re not giving it out to help people? You know, it’s not making sense,' she said." > > > I could keep writing but this is very long. What would you like to hear about? (It could be about this or other issues.) > > All best wishes for the rest of the summer, > > > > > > > > [Twitter] https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > [Facebook] https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > [Campaign Website] https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > > > Please donate! https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/track/click?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… > Copyright © 2017 CTE Pat Jehlen > Our mailing address is: > 67 Dane St, Somerville MA 02143 > > Want to change how you receive these emails? > You can update your preferences https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/profile?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a3d61… or unsubscribe from this list https://electpatjehlen.us8.list-manage.com/unsubscribe?u=1afb18c1b75b287a2a… >

1 0

Fwd: Cambridge Local First updates, including Thursday's community conversation with City Councillors!
by RUTH RYALS 18 Aug '21

18 Aug '21

Some of you might find this week's CLF "Community Conversation" interesting. Ruth > ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Cambridge Local First <theodora(a)cambridgelocalfirst.org> > To: rryals(a)comcast.net > Date: 08/17/2021 10:16 PM > Subject: Cambridge Local First updates, including Thursday's community conversation with City Councillors! > > > > Dear Cambridge Local First members, > > > Good evening! We hope you are doing well. > > We are excited to share that our community conversation this Thursday at 4:30-5:30 PM will feature Cambridge City Councillors Jivan Sobrinho-Wheeler, Dennis Carlone, and Patty Nolan. Please let us know if you have any questions for them, so we can add them to the meeting agenda https://docs.google.com/document/d/1S7EHXMma3IFIWDM7M6hgG5AuWbYruq9-J8DGf2M… . The Zoom information is here https://cambridgelocalfirst.org/calendar/#!event/2021/8/5/cambridge-local-f… , and below. I can send a calendar invite to those who would like one. > * Video: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89773716981?pwd=WnEwdzFCR0dEMkE0Y0hDcVJqVWg5QT09 > * Meeting ID: 897 7371 6981 > * Passcode: 395987 > * One tap mobile +13017158592,,89773716981#,,,,*395987# > Additionally, we have several exciting local updates for you: > > Provide feedback to the Small Business Administration > * A CLF board member, Rachel Han, works at US Digital Service https://www.usds.gov/ , an organization within the White House. U.S. Digital Service helps make technology work better across the government. It just started working with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to improve SBA’s services for businesses. A team is currently conducting discovery interviews to gain perspective from businesses who have had direct experiences with SBA’s loans or services. > * Would you or someone from your team be interested in speaking with U.S. Digital Service? The primary goal is to learn about different experiences with SBA and recommendations for improvement. > * To select a 45-minute time period that’s most preferred by you, please go here https://go.oncehub.com/sba-feedback . After you select a time, Rachel and team will follow up with a calendar invite and info for joining over Zoom. For the conversation, all questions will be optional. Rachel and team will take notes about specific comments and concerns. Names or organizations will not be connected to any of our learnings unless you specifically want to. > > Share your experiences with Amazon and Google with Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Katherine Clark, and Lori Trahan, as they advocate for federal Big Tech bills > > * In an effort to bolster support among MA Congresspeople fro the antitrust and Big Tech bills that the US Congress is current debating https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/23/technology/big-tech-antitrust-bills.html , we are speaking directly with the legislative aides to Representatives Ayanna Pressley, Katherine Clark, and Lori Trahan. > o They have received enormous pushback from their lobbyists https://www.nytimes.com/2021/06/22/technology/amazon-apple-google-facebook-… , and the reality is that most Democrats in Congress do not currently support this legislation. Google and Amazon even accuse lawmakers of harming local businesses https://www.cnbc.com/2021/06/22/tech-industry-urges-congress-to-slow-down-n… , and Amazon has just set a new lobbying record https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-21/amazon-sets-new-lobbying… - $4.38 million in one quarter! > * Our representatives are trying to build support in Congress for this legislation, but they needs to hear directly from local business owners about the adverse impacts of Amazon on your businesses. Can you share your stories by email with me, and/or add your stories to this Google Document https://docs.google.com/document/d/1d9K-BgwJrNxV1acUNcFFfpRh9ntgZpVGODzM6r7… ? In particular, they are looking for anecdotes around: > o Poor experiences on the platforms. > o Out-pricing on the platform. > o Any other adverse impacts of Amazon on your business. > o Also, any adverse impacts of Google, Apple, or Facebook, since the legislation takes aim at them, too. > > Support the YWCA Cambridge's annual Tribute to Outstanding Women > > * The YWCA Cambridge provides housing and shelter services for women and families in Cambridge. I am a member of the Board of Directors. > * YWCA Cambridge will be hosting its annual Tribute to Outstanding Women on September 29th at Doubletree Boston-Cambridge, in a hybrid format and would love for CLF members to consider contributing a silent auction item for the event. > * This is a great cause, I hope you can join me in supporting! > * Please contact Whitney Mooney at 203-887-0645 or wmooney(a)ywcacam.org mailto:wmooney@ywcacam.org if you need any additional information. > > Participate in Eat Local Month https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1XXeAcK20Uc7AiuASE_smexR3U-StLffP > > * The 5th Annual Massachusetts Eat Local Month https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PgIcxscyPcoqvdMnALBQHru9mr5aj50lkN1MaQT4V16… is a statewide campaign that educates both restaurants and the general public on the benefits of sourcing food from within our local food system - using ingredients from Massachusetts first. Throughout August, Massachusetts residents are encouraged to “eat local,” whether they are dining out, shopping at the farmers’ market, or stopping by a local farm stand. > * Upcoming events: > o Tour ReVision Urban Farm - August 22 at 4:00 pm > + What image comes to mind when you think of a farm? Is it fruitful plots of land in the middle of the city? Join SBN as we tour ReVision Urban Farm https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PgIcxscyPcoqvdMnALBQHru9mr5aj50lkN1MaQT4V16… , an urban farm that works to make healthy, culturally appropriate food accessible to the community. Since 1990 ReVision Urban Farm, a program of Victory Programs, has been growing food for homeless families and the community, while also offering job training and working to support a food system that is inclusive and diverse. > + Base ticket sales proceeds will go towards ReVision Urban Farm and the Sustainable Business Network. You are welcome to donate beyond the base ticket price directly to ReVision Urban Farm. To learn about ways to help, visit here https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PgIcxscyPcoqvdMnALBQHru9mr5aj50lkN1MaQT4V16… . If you're interested in volunteering at the farm, here https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PgIcxscyPcoqvdMnALBQHru9mr5aj50lkN1MaQT4V16… is more information. > + Location: 42 Fabyan Street, Boston, MA, 02124 > + Get tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eat-local-month-tour-of-revision-urban-farm-ti… ! > o Short Film Screening at the Brattle - August 25 at 6:00 pm > + Join the Sustainable Business Network of MA for a film screening as part of Eat Local Month! We'll be viewing three short films at the Brattle Theatre in Cambridge - The Need to Grow https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PgIcxscyPcoqvdMnALBQHru9mr5aj50lkN1MaQT4V16… , Recipe for Disaster https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PgIcxscyPcoqvdMnALBQHru9mr5aj50lkN1MaQT4V16… , and Estrellita https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001PgIcxscyPcoqvdMnALBQHru9mr5aj50lkN1MaQT4V16… . We'll be joined by special guests for short Q&A sessions after each film. Following the film screening, they'll join together for a round table discussion. We hope you can join us for this educational glimpse into the New England food system! > + Location: The Brattle Theatre, 40 Brattle St, Cambridge, MA 02138 > + Get tickets here! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/eat-local-month-short-film-screening-at-the-br… > > Apply today to Cambridge Business Planning Program > > * Are you interested in starting a business? Apply today https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Bd--PJrBLtHpGampwiBCtFZyGUuXuBR47ITXZUUAR0D… to the free, 10-week online Cambridge Business Planning Program! > * Eligible Cambridge residents and business owners https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Bd--PJrBLtHpGampwiBCtFZyGUuXuBR47ITXZUUAR0D… will: > o Explore your business idea > o Learn how to market yourself & your business > o Build a network of fellow business owners > o Complete a business plan to guide you in starting and growing your company > * Application requirements: > o Fill out an online application https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Bd--PJrBLtHpGampwiBCtFZyGUuXuBR47ITXZUUAR0D… by September 8th at 5:00 p.m. Spaces fill up quickly, so apply early. > o Attend the prerequisite online workshop "Steps to Starting Your Own Business" on Monday, September 8, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Registration is required for this workshop. Please contact Rona Abrahams via email at rabrahams(a)cambridgema.gov mailto:rabrahams@cambridgema.gov mailto:rabrahams@cambridgema.gov or via phone at 617-349-4637. > * Questions: > o Contact Bonnie-May Shantz at 617-349-9122 or learn more at www.cambridgema.gov/SmallBizCourse https://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001Bd--PJrBLtHpGampwiBCtFZyGUuXuBR47ITXZUUAR0D… > Thank you, and please let me know if you have any questions! We hope to see you at Thursday's community conversation! > > Yours, > Theodora Skeadas > Executive Director > Cambridge Local First > > >

1 0

Fwd: Posting
by RUTH RYALS 15 Aug '21

15 Aug '21

> ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: Amy Farber <farber.amy(a)gmail.com> > To: RUTH RYALS <rryals(a)comcast.net> > Date: 08/15/2021 1:30 PM > Subject: Posting > > > Hi Ruth, > I wondered if you might be willing to send around a posting > > Amy > > > ———- > Mom and 3 kids in Cambridge are looking for help from 2-4 hours per day between September 5-16th to help with chores, cooking and some childcare (childcare, only if comfortable). The family home is a 7 minute walk from the Porter Square T stop. Timing each day is flexible. Compensation - $22/hour. Thank you for forwarding this posting to anyone who might be interested. Please email localhearth888(a)gmail.com mailto:localhearth888@gmail.com and share your background and interest. Thank you! > > _______________________________________________ Neighbors mailing list Neighbors(a)buenavistasocialclub.org mailto:Neighbors@buenavistasocialclub.org https://lists.buenavistasocialclub.org/listinfo/neighbors

1 0

Fwd: What can we/are we going to do about this same disparity in Cambridge?
by raryals 15 Aug '21

15 Aug '21

Boston Globe reported that " Globe reporters who fanned across the city on the second day of the heat wave found that afternoon temperatures were highest — 97 degrees — in Roxbury and East Boston; they were 2 degrees cooler in Brookline and in the Fields Corner neighborhood of Dorchester. They were the lowest in the leafy meadows of Franklin Park, at 93 degrees." https://www.bostonglobe.com/2021/08/13/metro/climate-change-is-bringing-hig…

1 0

Fwd: Posts from Project Updates - 2072 Mass Ave for 08/14/2021
by RUTH RYALS 15 Aug '21

15 Aug '21

> ---------- Original Message ---------- > From: 2072 Mass Ave <2072massave(a)capstonecommunities.com> > To: rryals(a)comcast.net > Date: 08/14/2021 10:00 AM > Subject: Posts from Project Updates - 2072 Mass Ave for 08/14/2021 > > > 2072 Mass Ave Project Update https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… > > Excerpts: > September 9, 2021 BZA Hearing Update https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… > > Dear Community: > > Since the BZA hearing in May 2021, it has come to our attention that there are process questions that will impact the plans and timing of our next steps for the 2072 Mass Ave project. For that reason we are currently still evaluating the best way to proceed. Please note that before revised plans are submitted to the BZA, the community will be given ample time to review, as promised. Once we are able to determine next steps and what that means for the project we will update the community via email and the 2072 project website. > > Thank you, > > The 2072 Mass Ave Development Team > > > Read on » https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… > > > [Facebook] https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… > [Twitter] https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… > [Link] https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… > [Website] https://2072massaveapts.us2.list-manage.com/track/click?u=8a74f75d292d54105… > > Copyright © 2021 2072 Mass Ave, All rights reserved. > You are receiving this email because you opted in via our website. > > Our mailing address is: > 2072 Mass Ave > 2072 Massachusetts Ave > Cambridge, MA 02140-2011 > > > > > > > [Email Marketing Powered by Mailchimp] http://www.mailchimp.com/email-referral/?utm_source=freemium_newsletter&utm… >

1 0

From NextDoor
by raryals 13 Aug '21

13 Aug '21

AUG 20 Live Puppet Show at Raymond Park! Fri, Aug 20, 5:30 PM - 6:15 PM Going? Share ... 1 Going Friends! Come enjoy the last stretch of summer with your neighbors at Raymond Park and picnic, play, and watch a delightful puppet show! What: Judy Saves the Day by Sarah Nolen When: Fri, 8/20 @ 5:30 p.m. (Raindate: Sat. 8/21 @ 5:30 p.m.) Where: Raymond Park! More: Show runs for 45 minutes. Bring your blankets, picnic and great spirits! Recommended for all ages 4 and up About the show: After being pushed around for over 400 years, the famous hand puppet heroine Judy has had enough! Cheer her on as she goes on a quest for respect, justice, and a well-deserved nap. This modern interpretation of the traditional "Punch and Judy" show is a hilarious, timely, hand-crafted farce that the whole family will enjoy! About the artist: Sarah Nolen is the Puppet Showplace Theater’s resident artist and performs regularly for youth and family audiences and teaches puppetry in camps, workshops, residencies, and evening adult classes. Known nationally for her versatile, witty, and innovative work across multiple puppetry styles, she has appeared in the National Puppet Slam, at the Puppets in Paradise Festival, and the Out of Bounds Comedy Festival. Sarah has toured internationally as part of the ensemble for Reverse Cascade, and has performed as principal puppeteer for the immersive multi-media show Pip's Island in NYC. Hope to see you there! Friends of Raymond Park Steering Committee -- Ruth Ryals raryals(a)gmail.com

1 0

Fwd: Update #23 - Jefferson Park Federal Modernization
by RUTH RYALS 13 Aug '21

13 Aug '21

> > > > > ---------- Original Message ---------- > > From: coUrbanize <notifications(a)courbanize.com> > > To: Ruth Ryals <rryals(a)comcast.net> > > Date: 08/13/2021 3:21 PM > > Subject: Update #23 - Jefferson Park Federal Modernization > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Jefferson Park Federal Modernization Update #23 > > > > Next In-Person Table Session: Thursday, August 19 5PM-7PM! https://courbanize.com/projects/jeffersonparkfederal/updates/28730?utm_camp… > > > > The CHA will be holding the next in-person table session at the Jefferson Park Federal management office on Thursday, August 17, from 5PM-7PM! We will share updated building and landscape designs, proposed apartment plans, potentially renaming Jefferson Park and naming new streets and mural designs, and have a relocation Q&A. Newsletters about this meeting were delivered to all residents and were posted on the two Information Stations on Thursday 8/13/2021. > > > > To maintain compliance with COVID-19 safety guidelines, table sessions will be held outside weather permitting and we ask everyone to weak masks and maintain social distance. > > > > Please visit this website stay up to date on project activities, view proposed site plans and slides, read Frequently Asked Questions, and leave feedback for the CHA team. All information will still be provided via newsletters and bulletin boards, in addition to the website. > > > > > > > > > > > > View Update http://mail.courbanize.com/ls/click?upn=nhVZEgX0z6Pji3CziosQ0DQCoBGKWsUqVdd… > > > > > > > > Comment on the project http://mail.courbanize.com/ls/click?upn=nhVZEgX0z6Pji3CziosQ0DQCoBGKWsUqVdd… > > > > > > > > Powered by [coUrbanize] http://mail.courbanize.com/ls/click?upn=nhVZEgX0z6Pji3CziosQ0NyBr2MH5fB78iZ… > > 450 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02139 > > > > > > > > > > >

1 0