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CHAPA's Chris Norris to speak at Temple Israel in Boston Dec. 7, 2003

It's 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.

It's 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. Despite this crisis, recent state and federal budgets have drastically cut support for housing initiatives and organizations.

Chris Norris, assistant director at Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, will speak at Temple Israel in Boston from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 7, addressing measures being taken to produce more housing. Norris will also discuss how one can get involved in this important struggle. As part of the Jewish Affiance for Law and Social Action's series of events for young social activists in their 20s,

30s and 40s, there will be good food to share, and time to socialize. Children are welcome, but no separate childcare 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."

Norris, who holds a 1988 bachelor's 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 on the board of directors of the Fair Housing Center of Greater Boston, the Homeowner Options for Massachusetts Elders, and the Massachusetts Lesbian and Gay Bar Association. He spent one year as a staff person for former state Rep. Marc Draisen, and five years as a legislative aide for former Boston City Councilor David Scondras.

"CHAPA'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," he said. Impediments, he explained, have included large lot zoning requirements that exist in many communities, the lack of communities that allow multifamily housing to be built, 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," Norris said.

"From so many different perspectives - homeless families, people with disabilities, low and moderate-income wage earners, graduating students who, want to remain -W our state - the absence of affordable housing is hurting our society and our -economy," added Rowe.

Norris concurred. "We 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.

"A Place to Call Home: Meeting the Challenge of Housing People in Massachusetts," will be held in the Slater Lounge first floor. A $5 contribution is appreciated and a kosher dairy or vegetarian entree will be served; please bring potluck, nonperishable appetizers or desserts. Temple Israel, 477 Longwood Ave., Boston, is just over the Brookline border two blocks from the Longwood Station on the "D" branch of the Green Line. On-street parking is available on a limited basis, and garage parking at the 375 Longwood Avenue garage is $5.

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.

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"Massachusetts must develop a balanced affordable housing policy that emphasizes production, preservation, and direct assistance."

Chris Norris

"The lack of affordable housing is one of our most critical problems in Massachusetts. 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."

Cindy Rowe