Advocates call for increased FY26 funding and permanent codification of MRVP into state law
WHAT: Affordable housing advocates from across Massachusetts will gather on Beacon Hill to urge lawmakers to expand and codify into law the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP). The program provides housing stability to nearly 11,000 low-income households, including seniors, persons with disabilities, and families across the state.
Advocates are calling for an increase in MRVP funding to $300 million in FY26 and provide housing for an additional 2,300 homeless and near-homeless families and individuals. Codifying MRVP would establish it as a permanent state program, offering long-term stability for tenants and certainty needed for developers and property managers to support affordable housing initiatives.
As part of the event, the coalition will honor Senator Lydia Edwards with the ‘Big Cookie’ for being a staunch affordable housing advocate and for her leadership in bringing the passage of the Affordable Homes Act to fruition last session. The program will feature speakers, including individuals who benefit from MRVPs. Following the event, attendees will hold meetings and distribute house-shaped cookies to legislators as a symbolic reminder of the importance of investments in housing security.
WHEN: Wednesday March 12, 2025
10:00 am – 11:30 a.m: Speaking program
11:40 am – 1:00 pm: Walk to State House and cookie delivery
WHERE: The Church on the Hill
140 Bowdoin Street
Boston, MA 02108
WHO: Senator Lydia Edwards, Senator Joan B. Lovely, Representative Richard Haggerty, Co-Chair, Joint Committee on Housing,Representative Adrian Madaro
