Poor Air Quality Linked to Redlining
Redlining means 45 million Americans are breathing dirtier air, 50 years after it ended.

Decades of federal housing discrimination did not only depress home values, lower job opportunities and spur poverty in communities deemed undesirable because of race. It’s why 45 million Americans are breathing dirtier air today, according to a landmark study released Wednesday. Read the full Washington post report here.
Greater Springfield Housing Study Shows Lack of Affordable Housing
The second report of a multi-phase project studying Pioneer Valley housing issues was recently released by the UMass Donahue Institute, Way Finders, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, and the Metropolitan Springfield Housing Study Advisory Committee.
The reporting highlights included:
  • Housing prices were gradually rising before the pandemic, then rose dramatically (for both sales and rentals) during the pandemic due to limited housing stock and low-interest rates.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic, dramatically worsened economic conditions for low-wage, service and marginal workers primarily through layoffs.
Rate of Evictions in Massachusetts
Mass. Housing Data Shows a Higher Rate of Evictions where People of Color Live.

Renters in Massachusetts' mostly non-white neighborhoods were evicted at significantly higher rates than in other areas, according to a new report from researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and affordable housing advocates.


The report looks at housing court eviction numbers from October 2020 to October 2021, when Massachusetts ended its eviction moratorium. Read more here.
Springfield area drops to #12 Allergy Capital
The Allergy and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) has released the 2022 Allergy Capitals™ report, which ranks the 100 most challenging cities in the continental United States to live with seasonal pollen allergies. The Springfield area has dropped from #7 in 2021 to #12 Allergy Capital in 2022. City rankings are based on higher-than-average spring and fall pollen scores, higher-than-average medication usage, and availability of board-certified allergists/immunologists in the area. 
Job Opportunities: Please Share!
Position Available: The Department of Public Health (DPH)
The Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program (CLPPP) is seeking dynamic and motivated individuals to fill the role of Code Enforcement Lead Inspector. The Code Enforcement Lead Inspector inspects homes for lead hazards and enforces the Lead Law for lead poisoned children and other children under age six.

Apply or share this job posting with your networks!
Position Available: Ener-G-Save
Ener-G-save is searching for an Energy Advocate for their Mass Save Community First Partnership program. This program aims particularly to serve those who have been underserved. Aiming to do all they can to help move Springfield and West Springfield towards both equity and electrification.

Read more and share this job posting with your networks!
New Survey Finds Many Renters are Concerned about the Impact of Home on Health
According to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University, fully 43 percent of renter households worry about their home negatively affecting their or another occupant’s health, safety, and wellbeing according to a survey conducted last September by the Center’s Remodeling Futures program in partnership with The Farnsworth Group.

Check out the housing repair & maintenance resources on 413Cares! Know of other resources for home repair and maintenance? Contact kmaende@publichealthwm.org
Upcoming Events
The Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference
April 5-7, 2022

The Fair Housing and Civil Rights conference is holding its 16th Annual Live Virtual Fair Housing and Civil Rights Conference. The 2022 fair housing and civil rights Conference will consist of 13 virtual workshops and three keynote presentations over three days. Watch this video to learn more about FHCR.

Landlord and Housing Provider Training on Tenancy and Racial Equity 
April 6th, 1-3pm
Please join the Western Mass Shelter and Housing Partner Training Series for Frameworks and skills for supporting residents and achieving equitable outcomes. This event is sponsored by Western Mass Network to End Homelessness, in collaboration with the Three County (Berkshire, Franklin, and Hampshire) & Hampden County Continuums of Care (CoC).

Register via Zoom
Questions? Contact info@racialequitypartners.com
Hoarding Informational Resources
According to the American Psychiatric Association people with a hoarding disorder have persistent difficulty getting rid of or parting with possessions due to a perceived need to save the items. Attempts to part with possessions create considerable distress and lead to decisions to save them. The resulting clutter disrupts the ability to use living spaces.
Want further information on hoarding resources?
Guidance on How to Manage Mold and Moisture!
Mold affects people because it produces allergens (substances that can cause allergic reactions) and irritants. Inhaling or touching mold or mold spores may cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Allergic responses include hay fever-type symptoms, such as sneezing, runny nose, red eyes, and skin rash. Mold can even trigger asthma episodes in sensitive individuals with asthma. Visit the EPA website to learn more.
Get Involved: Become a Resident Advisor!
The Springfield Healthy Homes Collaborative is searching for resident advisors to join our community engagement initiatives!

Are you interested in learning and advocating about housing and health? Resident advisors will receive capacity building and a stipend for participation. If interested, please complete the Springfield Healthy Homes Resident Advisor profile application.

Questions? Contact Kimberly Maende, kmaende@publichealthwm.org