Springfield No One Leaves

For the past few months, a small city in western Massachusetts has been the scene of multiple protests as local tenants and advocates call out rising rents. Organizers say rent increases at some properties, especially those owned by out-of-state companies, are getting out of hand, sparking calls for action.

Residents and housing advocates from western Massachusetts took a trip to Beacon Hill this week, looking to make their voices heard on housing issues in the Pioneer Valley. Before taking the trip, some spoke with WAMC.

Changes to the emergency shelter system in Massachusetts go in effect today – including policies on who gets priority when seeking emergency assistance shelters. The changes, which some critics say diminish the state’s right-to-shelter policies, were the focus of rallies in both Boston and Springfield earlier in the week.

A bill being considered by state lawmakers in Massachusetts would provide legal counsel to low-income tenants facing eviction. In the midst of a worsening…