Southeastern Massachusetts group looking to help address Fall River’s affordable housing crisis

“We have never had a crisis like this.” said, Janice Heppe, UIA Member and Parishioner of the Fall River Parish Collaborative. Heppe went on to say that a multi-unit building was sold in her neighborhood. One of the tenants said their rent was doubled, and the family had a choice to pay up or move out.

This is why United Interfaith Action of Southeastern Massachusetts is holding a Community Action Gathering and Meeting with Mayor Coogan on ways to address the Affordable Housing Crisis in Fall River.

According to a statement from the group:

· Over 800 Students in the Fall River School system were homeless when schools closed for the summer.

· Evictions in Bristol County are higher than any other county in Massachusetts.

· The Fall River Housing Authority has a wait list that is over 5-6 years long.

· As of June 15, 2022, rent.com “the average rent for apartments in Fall River, MA is between $1,302 and $1,937 in 2022.

· 24% of Fall River residents pay 50%+ of their income for rent

The meeting is set to take place on June 29th, at First Baptist Church, 228 North Main Street, Fall River, MA from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Speakers will include:

-Residents that want to stay in Fall River.

-Developers that have ideas and plans ready to go.

-Fall River Non-Profits that know the needs.

-Mayor Paul Coogan of Fall River has been invited to respond.

Among the topics to be discussed is Fall River ARPA money and how it can be used to help the housing crisis.

United Interfaith Action is a faith-based organization founded in 1996. The group says that they promote social and economic justice to improve the quality of life of all residents in Southeastern Massachusetts, focusing on New Bedford and Fall River.

“We recruit and train lay leaders and clergy to act on issues of greatest concern, founding social action on the teachings of our different faith traditions.”