In an impressive display of tenant power, well over 100 tenants attended Mass Union’s Public Housing Day on April 16, 2026. They came from over 40 Local Tenant Organizations and 30 Housing Authorities. Tenants spoke directly to legislators about the need for fair funding for public housing, additional Resident Services Coordinators for our communities, access to counsel for tenants facing eviction, and protection for tenants undergoing redevelopment. Tenant leaders spoke passionately about these needs, and the need to defend immigrants in our communities in light of ongoing attacks from HUD. See photos below.
We are proud to report on our legislative accomplishments:
-
- Tenant advocates from Jamaica Plain successfully urged State Rep. Montaño to propose an amendment to the House budget to provide technical assistance for tenants facing redevelopment. An immediate win!
- Tenants helped circulate “Dear Colleague” letters from Rep. Cruz and Senator Payano opposing HUD’s “mixed-status” proposal which would evict 80,000 immigrants from public housing nationwide. In the end, 15 Senators and 15 Representatives signed on, and the letters have been submitted to HUD as part of the official record. Together, tenants and legislators are taking a powerful stand to protect vulnerable members of our communities.
During our morning speaking program, we heard from State House leadership about the importance of ensuring that public housing remains a strong foundation for families and communities across the Commonwealth.
Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael Rodrigues reaffirmed the legislature’s commitment to “support your priorities and improve the lives of our friends and families in public housing,” while Representative Carole Fiola reminded tenants that “you have the power to break down barriers and elevate the voices of your neighbors.” Representative Tram Nguyen emphasized that “real change happens when tenants organize and speak from lived experience,” and EOHLC Undersecretary Danielle Bastarache captured the heart of the day – public housing is “not just bricks and sticks,” she said, but the places “where people have their homes, raise their children, and build community.” Undersecretary Bastarche also commented that even after fifteen years of national work with public housing tenants, she had never seen a gathering like our Public Housing Day.
Many other allies made the day possible. Virginia Benzan of the Digital Equity Alliance gave inspiring luncheon remarks as part of the Mass Broadband Institute’s Platinum Sponsorship, reinforcing the importance of tenant access to digital resources. By the end of the day tenants were able to meet with 48 legislative offices. Meetings were led by tenants, staff, board, and allies such as CHAPA, Greater Boston Legal Services, Mass Law Reform Institute, and the Housing Justice Alliance. This coalition demonstrates growing support in the movement for the preservation of public housing.
The support of our sponsors allowed this advocacy, networking, and celebration to happen. In a “tough budget year,” our presence at the State House was all the more crucial to ensure the continuation of housing subsidies for some of the most vulnerable people in the Commonwealth. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts!
Platinum Sponsor
Gold Sponsor
Silver Sponsors
Bronze Sponsors
Acton Housing Authority
Haverhill Housing Authority
Topsfield Housing Authority
PHOTOS
