June 10th, 2020

Sen. Collins secures PPE for public, affordable housing

Partners with Housing Managers to distribute over 40,000 masks ahead of order

Ahead of an executive order mandating the use of facial coverings for all residents, Senator Nick Collins announced a district-wide initiative to equip residents in need with free protective masks.

“On behalf of our residents and staff, we thank Senator Collins for providing needed masks during this difficult time,” said Lydia Agro, Boston Housing Authority Chief of Staff and Public Affairs. “Wearing masks or face coverings is especially important for our more vulnerable residents as we flatten the COVID curve –there are instructions to make your own face coverings on the City’s website at  boston.gov/facecovering.”

In collaboration with his district representatives and councilors, Senator Collins and his team distributed over 30,000 masks to the Boston Housing Authority, other subsidized and affordable housing managers, as well as non-profit organizations working in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Our residents were grateful to receive this much needed PPE to protect them and their families,” said Gail Lattimore of Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation. “As we continue to face this crisis together, we are proud to partner with our elected officials, local businesses, and residents to provide resources in our community”, said Gail Lattimore, Executive Director of Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation.

Many individuals are currently facing unprecedented economic hardship with record unemployment filings and thousands of small business owners are struggling to pay the bills.

“Covid-19 is an evolving situation that is definitely a test of our resilience. We are proud to have the kind support of Senator Nick Collins and his team who donated over 3,000 face masks to be distributed to residents of Cruz Management properties.” said Justin Cruz, Director of Cruz Management. “Together is the best way to overcome obstacles.”

The cost and lack of availability to PPE in many socioeconomically distressed neighborhoods across the City of Boston along with reports that masks were being sold at corner stores for $5 each, highlighted a new inequity that has come out of the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Not everyone has access to masks or extra clothes to sew a face covering. To avoid a de facto tax on the poor, we thought it was important to take the lead on this and push back against the criminalization of poverty. In this unprecedented time, we must look out for the health and safety of our neighbors, especially those most vulnerable.”, said Senator Collins.

State Senator Nick Collins represents the First Suffolk District which includes Dorchester, Mattapan, Hyde Park and South Boston. He is Also the Vice Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health in the Massachusetts Legislature.

COVID