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

Sun, 07/27/2008

Massachusetts Achieves Significant Gains in Food Stamp Participation

more eligible households access Food Stamp benefits

In recent years, Massachusetts had the dubious distinction of having the lowest rate of food stamp participation for eligible households in the Nation. Improvements to the food stamp application process combined with the current grim economic landscape to create the fastest-growing food stamp program in the country. read more »

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Paola Ferrer

Tue, 04/01/2008

Statewide Hunger Summit

cross-sector collaboration showcased in first of its kind anti-hunger best practices forum

I had the privilege to attend the first ever state-sponsored Hunger Summit aimed at identifying and recommending best practices to address the hunger crisis in Massachusetts. The event took place on March 27th at UMASS Boston and featured remarks from Mayor Thomas Menino, Governor Deval Patrick, and U.S. Congressman James McGovern, as well as a panel discussion by state and national food and nutrition experts.

The day-long summit was the first of its kind in Massachusetts because, unlike previous efforts, it was hosted by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). This effort speaks to the commitment of the current administration to address what has been called “an epidemic” of hunger in the Commonwealth. read more »

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Paola Ferrer

Thu, 02/21/2008

Advising Section 8 Tenants whose buildings have been foreclosed

information is power *some tips for clients and advocates dealing with foreclosure

The foreclosure of rental properties is forcing renters out of their homes in record numbers. In previous blogs, we have spoken briefly about the shift of former homeowners into the rental market, and how this increased demand on the rental housing supply will –inevitably-drive up rents. We have, however, neglected to discuss some tools that can help tenants slow down the onslaught on housing stability caused by these foreclosures... read more »