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Advocates press for statewide ‘bridge subsidy’ to keep older adults housed while they wait for affordable units
Summary
Witnesses from Somerville, Western Massachusetts and elder‑service agencies urged the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence to pass S.475 / H.4015 to expand a bridge subsidy pilot that pays the difference between rent and 30% of income so low‑income older adults can remain housed while awaiting long‑term subsidized housing.
Advocates, municipal officials and providers urged the Joint Committee on Aging and Independence to report S.475 (H.4015) favorably, calling for a statewide expansion of the Somerville pilot that provides short‑term rental assistance to older adults facing imminent displacement.
Speakers described long wait times for affordable and public housing, widely rising rents and cases of seniors living temporarily in cars or shelters. Somerville’s office of housing stability said it received 55 requests in two…
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