Nantucket is the first community to issue such an order in Massachusetts. Gov. Charlie Baker has repeatedly said he is not planning a statewide shutdown — even after several states, including California, New York, Illinois and Connecticut put similar orders into effect.
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POSTPONED: MASS UNION OF PUBLIC HOUSING SPRING CONVENTION
by MUPHT at 2020 Spring Convention, CDC, Covid-19, DPH
Due to Federal and State directives regarding the Coronavirus(Covid-19) emergency, Mass Union Convention is postponed.
On Tuesday March 10th Charlie Baker Governor of Massachusetts declared a state of emergency in an effort to manage a “significant uptick” of coronavirus cases.
Mass DPH’s website has information and best practices on coronavirus in Massachusetts, including current cases, current quarantine numbers, and prevention recommendations. This information is updated daily at the above link. Guidance at this time essentially asks residents to take special care of hygiene, as one would do to control the spread of influenza.
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household
cleaning spray or wipes. - Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue or your inner elbow, not your hands.
- Stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with others.
BHA Administrator: “Just a Kid from Southie”
by MUPHT at BHA
BHA Administrator, Bill McGonagle, talks leadership and his own experiences growing up in public housing.
In continuing to recognize individuals as leaders with passions to serve others at the BHA, many consider BHA’s own Administrator, Bill McGonagle, to be a sympathetic leader—demonstrating sincerity and concern for residents since stepping into the top spot in 2009.
However, according to McGonagle, his passion to lead and serve is not just rooted in his professional resume, which is filled with roles in human service, but also derives from experiences he gained while growing up in BHA’s very own Mary Ellen McCormack Public Housing development in South Boston.
Born and raised in a large Irish-Catholic family, McGonagle lived in a small apartment with his five brothers and sisters. Although his family possessed little financially, McGonagle recognized at an early age, the importance of family and community. His fondest childhood memories included bonding with his two brothers at the beach in the summer and being an altar boy at Saint Monica and Augustine Catholic Church at Mass on Sunday mornings.
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The Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants Policy Board and Staff would like to announce its 2019 Fall Convention to be held, October 19, 2019. This event will be hosted at the Four Point Hotel, 1125 Providence Turnpike, Norwood MA 02360.
Convention Theme: Preserve our homes and rights
Now is the time to start planning for the Fall Convention. Schedule your request for funding at your Local Resident Council, Local Housing Authority (LHA), or plan a Fundraising event to help cover the cost of the convention.
Download links:
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On Tuesday, the Judiciary Committee held its hearing on Right to Counsel bills. It was standing room only. There was strong testimony from tenants, housing advocates, municipal leaders, and legislators. Many others submitted written testimony.
See who was in the room: Broad Coalition Urges Judiciary Committee to Pass Right to Counsel
Read moreMassachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants 2019 Spring Convention
by MUPHT at 2019 Spring Convention
The Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants Policy Board and Staff would like to announce its 2019 Spring Convention will take place on April 12 – 14, at the Four Point Hotel, 1125 Providence Turnpike, Norwood MA 02360.
Convention Theme: Resident Collaboration with Housing Management.
Now is the time to start planning for the Spring Convention. Schedule your request for funding at your Local Resident Council, Local Housing Authority (LHA), or plan a Fundraising event to help cover the cost of the convention.
Download links for the 2019 convention agenda, registration, and affiliation forms:
Agenda for 2019 Spring Convention
Registration for 2019 Spring Convention
Read moreMass NAHRO Conference
by MUPHT at Mass NAHRO Conference
Joint Committee on Housing passes H.4981 (Housing Authority Tenant Board Member in towns)
Attached is the final power point that Jack and Annette presented at the MassNAHRO conference on Tuesday December 4 about how LHAs can “encourage and assist” residents in forming LTO’s and where the line is in terms of what they should not do. The slide show was based on a feedback from residents who participated on Public Housing Training program zoom calls
PPTX: MassNAHRO.pptx
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Citizens Housing & Planning Association (CHAPA) has released their FY2019 budget priorities for the coming year.
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How Congressman Dennis Ross plans to raise rent on HUD assisted homes
by MUPHT at HUD U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
A bill from Congressman Dennis Ross would allow large rent increases for low-income people assisted through the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs and properties converted by public housing agencies to Project-Based Rental Assistance, including working families, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Read more“It is with great sorrow that we mourn the loss of a true hero for all of Public Housing, and a great friend of all who knew him”, said Jack Cooper, executive director of The Massachusetts Union of Public Housing Tenants (MUPHT).
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