HOUSING

Today on The Rundown, we discuss how the city of Holyoke hopes to gather funds from tax-exempt organizations with voluntary Payments in Lieu of Taxes and how the state plans to combat the housing crisis in western Massachusetts.

We find out how the state is planning to combat the housing crisis in Massachusetts with Secretary of Housing Edward Augustus, visit Sawmill Herb Farm and get nerdy with wordster Emily Brewster.

Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus has already visited 100 of the states 229 housing authorities since he took on the role in 2023.

The year old Springfield-based "Project HOPE 2.0" initiative joins aid organizations and law enforcement to assist rising numbers of unhoused individuals.

Springfield Gándara Center celebrates the launch of its Young Adult Supportive Living Program, the newest addition to the young adult housing program, SHINE.

The poll was conducted by UMass Amherst and WCVB-TV and 52% of those taking part said they approve of Healey. While still strong, that number is down six percentage points from October.

Movement is expected on the mini-budget and shelter program reform bill that has been in play since early last month. The House and Senate passed similar versions.

Massachusetts Senate Democrats forged ahead Wednesday with reforms and more funding for the state's family shelter system, adopting some changes that Republicans have long sought to tighten eligibility though GOP senators voted against the bill and said the reforms didn't go far enough.

Tenants at the Pleasant View Apartments in Easthampton, Massachusetts, had their rent increase by nearly 35% after the building sold for $4 million.

According to records obtained by The Republican newspaper, Chicopee Housing Authority residents say the authority's former executive director made discriminatory remarks primarily towards Puerto Ricans, Black people and people with disabilities.