Letter: Welcoming homeless housing

I am writing to applaud the recent decision of the Superior Court to allow the development of the former Barbara McInnis House at 461 Walnut Ave. into affordable homes for homeless people to move forward. I also offer my congratulations to Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Pine Street Inn and the Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation, who are partnering on this project.

The court found that the Boston Redevelopment Authority was appropriate in its determination that, among other things, this project would be beneficial to the public. I can think of no more fitting use of the former McInnis House than to return the property to its use as a respite for medically frail homeless and to provide permanent housing to the same population.

Having worked in homeless services, I can attest that the need for affordable housing, especially for those with extremely low incomes, is great. As a JP resident, I’ve been proud to have both Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program and Pine Street Inn providing services in my community. And as a neighbor of this project, I look forward to see the renovation more forward and to welcoming the new residents.

Francesca Fordiani, LICSW

Jamaica Plain

 

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