Fall River Meeting Highlights Need for Immediate Housing Assistance for Veterans

The Fall River Community Development Agency held a public hearing to gather community input on impediments to fair housing, with a portion of the discussion focusing on the needs of homeless veterans and the broader challenges faced by low-income residents, including those with disabilities and the elderly.

The meeting commenced with a presentation from representatives of TDA Consulting, who outlined the foundational concepts of fair housing protections mandated by federal, state, and local laws. This presentation set the stage for a discussion on the city’s responsibility to affirmatively further fair housing as a recipient of federal funding. The presentation emphasized the importance of fair housing choice, which allows individuals to access housing opportunities that enable them to reach jobs, goods, services, and education.

Emanuel Fernandes, a long-time resident of Fall River, spoke about the inadequacies in the support systems for homeless veterans. He recounted a recent incident where he tried to assist a homeless veteran but found the existing resources insufficient. Despite contacting the New England veterans’ homeless hotline, the response was not timely enough to help the individual that day. Fernandes emphasized the importance of caring for veterans, stating, “Most veterans would fight tooth and nail to ensure that another veteran is taken care of.” He challenged the city to improve its provisions for homeless veterans, arguing that the current processes are inadequate and need immediate reform.

Another speaker shared a notable story about a homeless veteran from the 82nd Airborne who sought help. The veteran’s emotional response upon receiving assistance underscored the urgency of the situation. This prompted calls for the agency to allocate funds specifically for housing vouchers to provide immediate shelter for veterans in urgent situations. The speaker highlighted the need for a system that works quickly to provide shelter for homeless veterans as they navigate the challenges of finding services.

Taos Ferris, the city’s director of veteran services, provided further insights into the frequent challenges faced in providing housing for veterans. He mentioned that collaboration with other communities, like New Bedford, is essential for addressing these needs. Ferris noted outdated information regarding housing statistics and costs, which complicates effective service delivery. He painted a stark picture of the daily struggles faced by veterans, citing instances of elderly surviving spouses and disabled veterans who are at risk of becoming homeless due to rising costs and reduced benefits. Ferris emphasized the importance of including affordable housing options in new developments to prevent an increase in homelessness.

The meeting also highlighted the broader housing crisis in Fall River, particularly for low-income residents earning below 30% of the Area Median Income (AMI). The discussion revealed that individuals reliant on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) struggle to compete in the current housing market, where landlords frequently demand applicants to demonstrate an income three times the rent. This situation has created a dire environment for those in need of housing assistance.

A speaker from the Southeast Center for Independent Living shared insights on the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities in securing affordable housing. They noted that of the 550 individuals served by their center in the past fiscal year, 40% sought support for housing needs. The long wait times for subsidized housing and the impact of no-fault evictions were emphasized. The testimony emphasized the broader housing crisis exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing systemic issues within the housing market.

The issue of elderly residents being displaced as landlords sell properties was also discussed. Collaboration with local organizations, such as Bristol Elders, was mentioned as a means to assist elderly individuals in navigating housing applications. However, the increasing length of waiting lists for housing further complicates these efforts.

A representative from the Disabled American Veterans organization shared insights regarding housing challenges for veterans. They highlighted the insufficient resources available for veterans in need, especially those facing homelessness. The speaker expressed frustration over the lack of immediate assistance available through local development agencies, recounting an incident involving a veteran who came to their office “homeless, hungry, and scared.” They emphasized the need for better coordination between veteran services and local housing resources.

Note: This meeting summary was generated by AI, which can occasionally misspell names, misattribute actions, and state inaccuracies. This summary is intended to be a starting point and you should review the meeting record linked above before acting on anything you read. If we got something wrong, let us know. We’re working every day to improve our process in pursuit of universal local government transparency.
Mayor:
Paul Coogan
Community Redevelopment Agency Officials:

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