City staff, advocates and coalition members told the Joint Committee on Housing that a short-term bridge subsidy for older adults in Somerville prevented evictions and should be expanded statewide.

What witnesses said: Penelope (Penny) Taylor of the Somerville Office of Housing Stability described a pilot that ran for several months and stabilized eight older-adult households; the pilot distributed funds that helped cover arrears and current rent while participants waited for public or affordable housing openings. A pilot participant, identified as Oscar C., said, "My income is very low. I get $1,500 a month... With programs like this, it helps me use my income towards my doctor's co pays and prescriptions." Penny Taylor asked the committee to report H4015 favorably and with urgency.

Why it matters: Witnesses said older adults are a growing share of people at risk of homelessness in Massachusetts, often living on fixed incomes and facing ballooning rents. Advocates said bridge subsidies let older adults remain in place while they wait for longer-term subsidized options, which can take years.

Program design issues raised: Somerville staff said the pilot prioritized applicants on wait lists for elderly/disabled public housing and allowed residents to remain in place rather than move into interim units, a feature witnesses said reduced trauma for participants. Advocates requested study committee work contemplated in the bill to refine statewide eligibility and service options.

Conclusion: The committee heard calls to adopt H4015 to expand an older-adult bridge subsidy statewide to reduce older-adult homelessness.