Number of homeless families rises sharply
In late 2007, just as the economy began its downward spiral, single mother Ainaldy Santana was celebrating: She had lifted her family out of poverty and a publicly subsidized shelter. The mortgage crisis and stock market slide were nothing more than 30-second sound bites. Santana wasn't worried. She didn't own a home or blue chip stocks.
But then, in February 2008, the economic malaise that was wreaking havoc on the global marketplace became Santana's crisis. The 30-year-old mother of three lost her job as a data-entry clerk and had to turn once again to the state for help. The family lost its Lynn apartment and was placed in a motel for a couple of weeks, and then moved to a two-bedroom apartment in Medford. The change in address came at about the same time Santana learned she was pregnant. Now, she has five little mouths to feed: She gave birth to twins in October.
As armchair pundits question the wisdom of President Obama's $787 billion plan to stimulate the economy, the number of local families slipping into poverty continues to climb. Today, there are 2,661 homeless families in Massachusetts, up from 1,417 in January 2005, an increase of 88 percent. And in the ring cities that hug Boston's northern boundaries - Everett, Malden, Medford, Melrose, and Revere - the rise in family homelessness has been even more dramatic, ballooning from 56 families in January 2005 to 156 today, an uptick of 140 percent.
"The sharp rise in need, we're seeing it on a daily basis, with families needing shelter, needing food," said Judy Perlman, chief executive officer of Housing Families Inc., a nonprofit that helps nearly 300 families each year, including Santana's. The agency operates 94 units of affordable housing and transitional shelter in Malden, Medford, Everett, and Revere.
Perlman attributes the dramatic swell in family homelessness to the confluence of several factors: Job loss, escalating food prices, and foreclosures. When a bank takes possession of a property, renters are often turned out, even if they have a proven track record of being exemplary tenants.
"Right now, there are very few protections for renters in that situation," Perlman said.
To help homeless families get a foothold on stability, Housing Families has joined forces with Bread of Life Inc., one of the region's top purchasers and distributors of free food. Each year, the volunteer organization provides the equivalent of 300,000 meals to those in need, including dozens of homeless families living in area motels.
Together, the two Malden-based nonprofits will celebrate "A Night of Caring" Thursday in hopes of raising community awareness of - and funding for - local programs striving to help the hungry and homeless. The dinner-dance at the Irish American Club in Malden marks the first time the two organizations have cohosted an event.
"Our missions complement one another, so it makes sense for us to come together to raise awareness and thank those who have helped us in the past," said Gary J. Christenson, Bread of Life board president and a Ward 1 Malden city councilor. "As the economic crisis deepens and job losses escalate, we're seeing a lot more donations and volunteers, but still the need is great. At our holiday meals, we're no longer seeing only adults, but children as well. It's a true testament as to what's going on in our communities. We just want to get the word out, and let people know that there are ways they can help."
Touched by the achievements of Housing Families and Bread of Life and the generous spirit of the many good Samaritans who make it a priority to serve their neighbors in need, Middlesex Sheriff James V. DiPaola has volunteered to serve as master of ceremonies for the Night of Caring event, which will feature a raffle and silent auction.
"While we are all facing a troublesome economic future, we must remember that beyond the loss of retirement money, beyond the reduction of nest eggs, and beyond the inability to buy a new car, there are families worried about something much simpler: finding some food for their bellies or a roof for above their heads," said DiPaola. "The only way to endure is together. Now is the time for selflessness, generosity, and support for organizations like Housing Families and Bread of Life."
As community leaders prepare for the upcoming evening of celebration, Santana is mapping out a blueprint for her future. She plans to go to school this fall and hopes to become a medical assistant.
"It's important to me to find a job, so that I can provide my kids with everything they need," said Santana. "I don't want to be on welfare. I want to be independent. And, more importantly than anything else, I want my kids to be proud of their mom."
Tickets to Thursday's "Night of Caring" event are $25. To buy tickets, or to inquire about ways you can help the needy, call Krystle Kelly at Housing Families, 781-322-9119, ext. 13, or e-mail kkelly@housingfamilies.org. Brenda J. Buote may be reached at bbuote@comcast.net. 