MCC’s Law Center Helps Community Secure Stable Housing

With a mission to help students be successful – both inside and outside of the classroom – Middlesex Community College understands that academic success is related to an individual’s most basic needs being met. MCC’s Law Center is helping students and the community maintain their stable housing situations in direct response to housing insecurity due to the pandemic.

Middlesex was named one of 12 state qualified Community Mediation Centers to assist with the operation of a statewide Housing Mediation Program sponsored by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which is conducted under the oversight of the Massachusetts Office of Public Collaboration (MOPC).

The goals of the evication diversion initiative programs are to help lessen the effects of the pandemic. Mediation services help prevent tenants from experiencing homelessness, and landlords from committing mortgage and tax delinquencies and foreclosures, according to Patricia Lemire, Esq., Director of MCC’s Law Center.

“The MCC Law Center is working with the local district courts with summary process eviction cases, and has a working partnership with local community programs – such as Community Teamwork of Lowell (CTI) – to assist in housing mediation cases,” Lemire said.

MCC’s Law Center – located in Lowell – has offered conflict resolution services to the community since 1989. In addition to providing the mediation program, the Law Center has compiled a list of resources the community can use to receive assistance to keep or get housing. This includes how to contact Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) and HomeBASE Assistance.

Stable housing is one of the most critical ingredients for academic success – especially during the pandemic, according to Jonathan Crockett, MCC’s Coordinator of Essential Needs and Community Resources.

“Without stable housing, students may lack critical internet access, a safe and comfortable place to study and live, and a reliable place to get quality sleep,” Crockett said. “With most courses being offered virtually, reliable internet access is essential. Compared to their housing-secure peers, students dealing with housing instability are significantly more likely to suffer poor academic performance because of their compromised living situation.”

For more information and to access services from MCC’s Law Center, call 978-656-3342 and select option three, “Housing Eviction Mediation Program.” For a list of resources to help against financial hardships, visit www.middlesex.mass.edu/mcccares

Discover your path at Middlesex Community College. As one of the largest, most comprehensive community colleges in Massachusetts, we educate, engage and empower a diverse community of learners. MCC offers more than 80 degree and certificate programs – plus hundreds of noncredit courses – on our campuses in Bedford and Lowell, and online. Middlesex Community College: Student success starts here!