By Mutual Aid Eastie
In March 2024, community leaders Reina Reyes, a captain at Mutual Aid Eastie, and Valinda Chan, a Core Team Member at Mutual Aid Eastie, had the privilege of testifying at the Massachusetts Senate Committee on Global Warming and Climate Change. Their testimony shed light on the urgent need for equity in energy programs and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in accessing essential resources, particularly in the context of housing insecurity and displacement, and the high costs of living experienced by East Boston residents.
Reyes and Chan emphasized the critical link between housing justice and climate justice, highlighting the impact of outdated infrastructure and inadequate housing on vulnerable residents. “The intense cold of New England winters, infrastructure over 100 years old, and lack of maintenance in East Boston buildings leave us freezing inside our homes at night, endangering the health of vulnerable residents,” stated Reyes during the hearing.
Chan echoed this sentiment, shedding light on the broader context in their own testimony after interpreting Reina’s testimony from Spanish to English. Chan emphasized, “It’s hard for neighbors to think about energy efficiency or climate change when they are struggling to keep up with their rent. However, we understand that energy justice, climate justice, and housing justice are intrinsically linked, as access to safe and affordable housing is essential for achieving equitable energy outcomes.”
The committee members, including Garrett Casey, Policy Director and Counsel for the Office of State Senator Cindy Creem, listened attentively to their testimonies. In his response, Casey expressed gratitude for their insights and reaffirmed Senator Creem’s commitment to prioritizing equity in energy programs like Mass Save.
“Thank you both for taking the time to testify at today’s hearing. It’s essential that the committee hear directly from communities like East Boston about Mass Save and the need for building decarbonization programs that work for renters and non-English speaking households,” wrote Casey in his message in response to Chan’s and Reyes’ testimonies.
Mutual Aid Eastie extends its gratitude to the committee for providing an opportunity to amplify community voices. We are committed to advocating for community needs.
Mutual Aid Eastie is a network of neighbors creating community spaces that build unity, trust, solidarity, and community care.