Springfield resident describes impact of affordable housing cuts on the city

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - Earlier this week, we reported that the state is warning Section 8 voucher holders that federal funding cuts will lead to policy changes, reducing or eliminating some benefits when applying for or living in their home.

On Friday, a Springfield resident shared her story, shedding a broader light on the issue of affordable housing and how these cuts, along with already strained conditions, impact many residents in the city.

“I’m completing my master’s degree yet with two jobs and two internships I’ve still been displaced from my permanent residence,” longtime Springfield resident Shauna Peebles told us.

Peebles has been without a place to call home for a year and a half after she, her son, and 80 other families were evicted from where they live. She says it’s due to ongoing rent increases under new management.

“13 years ago, the rent was $725 for a two-bedroom two bathroom and management came in, and five years I was paying double that,” she claimed.

After losing her apartment, Peebles applied to multiple subsidized housing waitlists, including Section 8, but has yet to hear back from any. And with the recent threat of federal funding cuts to Section 8 voucher holders over the next few years, finding suitable housing seems even farther out of reach.

“I’m still told my name has to be at the bottom of the waitlist or wherever, it’s supposed to be on the list according to the time that I apply, and the waitlist is well over 10 years,” she explained.

And for those near the top of that list for Section 8 housing in the Bay State, these are some of the policy changes they’ll be facing due to those federal cuts.

• The state will no longer pay for a household’s security deposit
• No more earned income deduction in rent calculation
• No utility allowances for hot water and cooking
• No extra grace period for lower payment standard changes
• $480 of a full-time student’s income will be counted

Now just under two years and still with nowhere to live, Shauna connected with Gabriel Ortiz, housing and financial counselor at Springfield Partners for Community Action to help get her back on her feet.

“I want to give you a certificate, it’s called the first-time homebuyer’s certificate. This will help you not just always just become not supposed to be going to help you to become a homeowner,” Ortiz said.

Ortiz tells us Peebles isn’t the only one facing the brunt of the affordable housing crisis. Their weekly reports show an increase in evictions and homelessness.

“The majority of people come in here is for housing, housing, housing, housing, they’re looking for an apartment, they’re getting evicted. The rent is gone high sadly that at least 10% to 50% of them are already homeless or living in shelters with their family.”

While Springfield Partners for Community Action has not been impacted by the recent federal funding cuts, Ortiz says rising costs and insufficient federal funding to other organizations, ultimately puts a strain on their department. But they will continue to do the best they can.

“It’s not easy for me to go to sleep at night knowing that, but I do feel good when I could be able to provide a solution of resource,” Ortiz told us.

Now, Shauna is still actively working with Springfield Partners for Community Action to secure housing for her and her son. Ortiz and his team at Springfield Partners say they are committed to supporting residents like Peebles through the various program they provide and hope to help combat that increase in evictions and homelessness in Springfield.