Low-income communities, those who lack technology, and immigrants with English as a second language struggle to access resources. Language barriers can make it difficult for them to understand housing programs, apply for assistance, and access necessary support services. In Lowell, "41% speak a language other than English at home." (U.S. Census Bureau, n.d.)  This could lead to exclusion from housing opportunities and worsen housing instability for those who require language assistance. 

Marginalized communities can experience homelessness, housing insecurity, and overall poor living conditions. The lack of support and language-specific resources can worsen housing access and opportunity disparities.  Not having secure housing impacts a person’s self-esteem, pride, and confidence.  It exposes families to more crime, making them feel unsafe or uncomfortable in their surroundings.   

Now is the time to act by signing this petition due to the housing crisis that the nation faces. "In January, the city conducted its annual, federally mandated point-in-time count of the number of people experiencing homelessness, and found there are 189 sheltered and 97 unsheltered individuals in Lowell." (Gilbert, 2024)  Empowering individuals to advocate for themselves in their native language increases self-esteem and chances of success as an immigrant in a new country.  Signing this petition today will allow us to take this to city council and implement change.

References

Gilbert, M. (2024, February 9). Point-in-time counts nearly 300 unhoused people in Lowell. Lowell Sun. https://www.lowellsun.com/2024/02/09/point-in-time-counts-nearly-300-unhoused-people-in-lowell/

U.S. Census Bureau quickfacts: Lowell City, Massachusetts. (n.d.). https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/lowellcitymassachusetts/PST045223