In recognition of the current and ongoing housing and eviction crisis, which was exacerbated by COVID-19, a statewide coalition of over two hundred organizations has filed a bill promoting access to counsel and housing stability. There are significant public health risks associated with housing displacement, especially for cancer patients who are actively undergoing treatments that may weaken their immune systems.  A statewide access to counsel program must be a part of a comprehensive strategy to address housing instability in Massachusetts. 

 

WHAT THIS BILL DOES

• SB864 and HB1731 would provide access to full legal representation for low-income tenants and low-income owner-occupants facing eviction proceedings.
• Would require the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court to inform individuals about the access to counsel program by attaching information on a notice to quit and an eviction court complaint. The trial court would notify landlords of their potential eligibility for legal counsel.

 

WHY THIS MATTERS

• It is widely recognized that poverty and housing insecurity are correlated with negative health outcomes, including mortality.
• The financial toxicity associated with a cancer diagnosis can threaten the housing stability of patients and their families. This bill would ensure that those families as well as other low-income tenants across the state have full legal representation during eviction proceedings.
• SB864 and HB1731 addresses the significant public health risks associated with the displacement of cancer patients and their families.