Housing Court-supported tenancy program receives
positive review
A report on the Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) run by
MassHousing in partnership with the Housing Court has concluded
that the program is highly effective in preventing homelessness
among tenants with mental disabilities. The recently-issued report,
conducted by the University of Massachusetts Donahue Institute,
also reflects that TPP is exceptionally cost effective in
preventing at-risk households from being evicted as a result of
behaviors related to mental disabilities.
"The Donahue Institute Report on the Tenancy Preservation
Program confirms that it is a critical resource for preventing
homelessness among some of the most vulnerable members of our
society," said Chief Justice of the Housing Court Steven Pierce.
"The Housing Court has expanded the program throughout the state,
based on the positive outcomes that we have achieved for these
families in collaboration with MassHousing."
The detailed study of 676 TPP cases was conducted from January
2008 through June 2009 and involved 732 adult tenants, 581 minor
children and 106 adult children. The study concluded that the
average cost of a TPP case was just $2,377.
TPP was started by MassHousing in 1999 in Springfield and has
since expanded statewide to all five divisions of the Housing
Court. TPP attempts to prevent homelessness by addressing tenancy
problems of vulnerable residents who are at risk of eviction for
lease violations resulting from mental illness, substance abuse,
mental retardation, elderly dementia or other mental
impairments.
TPP functions as a neutral party between the landlord and
tenant. In consultation with the Housing Court, TPP works with the
property owner and tenant to determine whether the disability can
be reasonably accommodated and the tenancy preserved. If the
tenancy cannot be preserved, TPP can assist the tenant in
transitioning to other suitable housing.
TPP is a collaborative effort between MassHousing, the
Department of Housing and Community Development, Executive Office
of Health and Human Services, Executive Office of Elder Affairs,
and regional social service providers.
Trial Court Green Team accomplishments highlighted, new
chair announced
Chief Justice for Administration & Management Robert A.
Mulligan announced a change in leadership and highlighted the many
accomplishments of the Trial Court Green Team at the energy task
force's meeting in late May. He advised the interdepartmental group
that Chair Margaret Cavanaugh of Court Capital Projects has decided
to retire and will transition team leadership to Linda Rowe of
Human Resources and chair of the Recycling Subcommittee.
"In just two years, this committee has enabled the Trial Court
to make tremendous progress, including major reductions in energy
and utility expenses," said Mulligan. "Margaret Cavanaugh has led
this effort with energy and enthusiasm that has inspired the
subcommittee chairs, the entire team and environmentally-conscious
volunteers across the Trial Court."
Mulligan presented Cavanaugh with a certificate of appreciation
and thanked her for her leadership. He also expressed confidence
that Rowe will continue the team's positive momentum.
Mulligan highlighted the efforts of Energy Subcommittee Chair
Judge Therese Wright and Communications Committee Chair Michael
O'Loughlin and commended the energetic and creative participation
of all team members. The team has worked closely with Court
Facilities and Court Capital Projects and collaborated with DCAM
and the Division of Energy Resources, particularly the Lead by
Example Program
Mulligan reviewed a number of Green Team accomplishments that
resulted in the Trial Court's receipt of the Leading By Example
Award, which was presented in October to only two statewide
entities by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental
Affairs (EEA) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) at the
Statehouse.
Green Team accomplishments include the following:
- Launched joint program of Energy Performance Contracting
Projects on state-owned courthouses; three projects to plan energy
consumption reduction in concert with DCAM making capital
investment repairs and replacements that will be paid for by energy
savings;
- Introduced paper recycling at every state-owned court location.
Revised waste collection contracts to expand to single stream
recycling with plastic, glass and metal, as feasible;
- Collected more than 48,000 pounds of e-waste through pilot
effort in the BMC, which was expanded across the Trial Court for a
net savings of $42,000;
- Reduced energy costs by $2.9 million in fiscal 2009 and
projected an additional $1.5 million reduction in fiscal 2010 in
the use of electricity, gas and water/sewer, based on Court
Facilities analysis;
- Implemented demand response program at eight large courthouses
to reduce usage of electricity in the event of a power
emergency;
- Conducted green fairs in Worcester and Plymouth; Produced
quarterly e-newsletter for all Trial Court employees to expand
awareness and provide energy conservation tips;
- Collected 200 Cell Phones for Soldiers with assistance of 40
employee volunteers;
- Introduced statewide fluorescent bulb and ballast recycling
program; and
- Met LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design)
certification requirements for new courthouse projects in Fall
River, Taunton, Salem and Lowell. Where opportunities exist, LEED
Silver certification will be sought.