Early this spring, Lynn members of Neighbor to Neighbor spoke to our North Shore state legislators on our experience, proposals, and solutions to the housing crisis facing our state.

With our partners at Lynn United for Change and Essex County Community Organization, we brought together more than 100 Lynn residents at a local church to meet with state Senator Brendan Crighton and state Representatives Jennifer Armani, Daniel Cahill, and Peter Capano. Residents packed the meeting, sharing stories of the struggle to find safe, comfortable, affordable housing in the city we call home.

Members advocated for the solutions that our legislators could support this year at the State House. Solutions like rent control, which would allow cities and towns to decide how much rent can increase over time. Solutions like the Tenant Opportunity to Purchase Act, which would give renters the right of first refusal if their landlord decides to sell. Solutions like the Affordable Homes Act, which would support critical improvements and continued creation of affordable housing units.

We’re educating our state legislators because we know that politicians who cave to corporate interests pave the way for corporate developers, real estate, and profit-driven landlords to drive up housing costs.

The legislative session will end this summer and we hope to see our elected officials deliver on what our communities want and need.