Spare Change News
Spare Change News is the nation’s oldest street newspaper. Since 1992, it has covered issues of inequality, homelessness, culture and resistance. Homeless and low-income vendors buy the paper for 35¢ and sell it for $1, using the profits they earn to supplement other sources of income.
Many of the stories I wrote for Spare Change News focused on city, state and federal funding for various homelessness services. This often involved reading through budgets, comparing historical budgets and calculating increases, decreases and percent change.
Lawsuit Accuses Baker Administration of Denying Shelter to Homeless Families
A lawsuit filed by homeless families alleges that Governor Charlie Baker’s campaign to end the practice of putting homeless families in motels at state expense has resulted in increased hardships for a vulnerable population.
Mayor Walsh Announces New Funding for Homelessness Services
As part of his goal to end chronic homelessness in Boston, Mayor Martin J. Walsh pledged $1.3 million in his proposed budget for next year to fund homelessness services. The proposal includes $150,000 for “front-door triage,” which will allow staff at shelters around the city to find the best way to help people who are entering the system for the first time.
Homeless Advocates Express Disappointment over Senate State Budget
Homelessness service providers across the Commonwealth are concerned they could face a tough year ahead, as the state budget proposal cuts nearly $800,000 from funds for the assistance of homeless individuals.