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Paola Ferrer

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Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Mon, 10/06/2008

Food Stamp Challenge

Paola's journal -diary of a celiac-
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According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, "Celiac Disease is one of the most common genetic conditions in the world." It is estimated that 1 out of every 133 Americans have this "multi-system, multi-symptom disorder [which is] activated by eating gluten." How does a celiac patient (or anyone else on a restrictive diet, for that matter) survive on food stamps?  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Thu, 10/02/2008

Taking a stand against hunger

Udubbers attempt to walk a mile in the shoes of a food stamp recipient by living on $21 for a week

Staring on Sunday, October 5th, a team of United Way employees and volunteers will take part in a $21 food stamp challenge to raise awareness about hunger and food insecurity in our region. Every month, more than 456,000 Massachusetts residents use food stamps to buy food, and the average benefit per person is -roughly- $1 per meal. Yes, you read correctly: $21 for a week of breakfasts, lunches, and dinners.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Thu, 08/21/2008

Would you purchase a foreclosed home?

The Boston Globe poses this question to its readers
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To buy, or not to buy?
That is the question prospective homebuyers debate when considering properties in foreclosure. Read the opinions of others, and consider sharing your own.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Sun, 07/27/2008

Massachusetts Achieves Significant Gains in Food Stamp Participation

more eligible households access Food Stamp benefits
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In recent years, Massachusetts had the dubious distinction of having the lowest rate of food stamp participation for eligible households in the Nation. Improvements to the food stamp application process combined with the current grim economic landscape to create the fastest-growing food stamp program in the country.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Tue, 04/01/2008

Statewide Hunger Summit

cross-sector collaboration showcased in first of its kind anti-hunger best practices forum
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I had the privilege to attend the first ever state-sponsored Hunger Summit aimed at identifying and recommending best practices to address the hunger crisis in Massachusetts. The event took place on March 27th at UMASS Boston and featured remarks from Mayor Thomas Menino, Governor Deval Patrick, and U.S. Congressman James McGovern, as well as a panel discussion by state and national food and nutrition experts.

The day-long summit was the first of its kind in Massachusetts because, unlike previous efforts, it was hosted by the Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) and the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). This effort speaks to the commitment of the current administration to address what has been called “an epidemic” of hunger in the Commonwealth.  read more »

Paola Ferrer
Paola Ferrer
Thu, 02/21/2008

Advising Section 8 Tenants whose buildings have been foreclosed

information is power *some tips for clients and advocates dealing with foreclosure
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The foreclosure of rental properties is forcing renters out of their homes in record numbers. In previous blogs, we have spoken briefly about the shift of former homeowners into the rental market, and how this increased demand on the rental housing supply will –inevitably-drive up rents. We have, however, neglected to discuss some tools that can help tenants slow down the onslaught on housing stability caused by these foreclosures...  read more »

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