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Paola Ferrer

We began these blogs because we wanted to start a conversation. The posts on this blog are the personal perspectives of individual staff, volunteers and guest bloggers, they do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization. We encourage response and conversation. We just ask you to keep it respectful. We'd love to hear it. It's a conversation, after all, we hope you'll add to it. Want to be a guest blogger? Email us

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Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Wed, 01/06/2010

Eyes Wide Open

Volunteering in Boston's 30th Annual Homeless Census

Even if you are –like me- a long-time resident of Boston, participating of its annual homeless census will be like seeing Boston for the first time.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Wed, 01/06/2010

Baby, It’s Cold Outside…

home heating assistance demand increases

With the mercury dropping below freezing, it is impossible not to worry about home heating and the many people struggling to stay warm… inside.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Wed, 05/06/2009

I told you so...

Massachusetts residents chime in on housing issues
in

Only two weeks ago, I posted a blog highlighting the findings of a study contrasting rental prices against income. Massachusetts featured as one of the most expensive places in the country to live in, and a new poll by UMASS and CHAPA lends a voice to the figures.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Fri, 04/24/2009

Out of Reach

rental (un)affordability in Massachusetts
in

New data released by the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLIHC) places Massachusetts, once again, as one of the most expensive places where to live in the country.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Thu, 04/16/2009

More Food on the Table

ARRA brings additional relief to low-income families
in

The American Reinvestment and Recovery Act of 2009 (ARRA), a.k.a. the Stimulus Bill, has made special provisions to help mitigate the blow of the staggering economy on low-income families. Read what these changes mean for Massachusetts residents...  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Wed, 04/15/2009

Cry Wolf

was that REALLY an energy costs' crisis?
in

Massachusetts residents are breathing a sigh of relief after the energy scare experienced in 2008. A new report suggests we may have let our guard down too soon.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Thu, 03/05/2009

The New Big Dig

DTA employees struggle to keep up with thousands of new food stamp/SNAP applications.
in

Last week, the Boston Globe reported food stamp applications in Massachusetts have soared by 20% as compared to last year. With over 600,000 cases and as many as 20,000 new applications each month, a smaller DTA workforce is having a tough time digging itself out from under all that paper.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Mon, 10/06/2008

Food Stamp Challenge

Paola's journal -diary of a celiac-
in

According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, "Celiac Disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world." It is estimated that 1 out of every 133 Americans have this "multi-system, multi-symptom disorder [which is] activated by eating gluten." How does a celiac patient (or anyone else on a restrictive diet, for that matter) survive on food stamps?  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Thu, 10/02/2008

Taking a stand against hunger

Udubbers attempt to walk a mile in the shoes of a food stamp recipient by living on $21 for a week

Staring on Sunday, October 5th, a team of United Way employees and volunteers will take part in a $21 food stamp challenge to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity in our region. Every month, more than 456,000 Massachusetts residents use food stamps to buy food, and the average benefit per person is -roughly- $1 per meal. Yes, you read correctly: $21 for a week of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Thu, 08/21/2008

Would you purchase a foreclosed home?

The Boston Globe poses this question to its readers
in

To buy, or not to buy?
That is the question prospective homebuyers debate when considering properties in foreclosure. Read the opinions of others, and consider sharing your own.  read more »

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