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Homelessness within the city should not be a thing.

As someone who was born and raised in New Bedford, I drive around the city and notice that many homes are boarded up and run down. I think that, as a city, we should be focused on using those boarded-up homes and creating more shelters within the community so that not so many people are outside without access to basic needs.

I am aware that the city is actively trying to fix this issue by creating more apartments, but even the cost does not equate to minimum wage or the wages that many people make. This also excludes the population that is homeless and unable to find jobs to pay their rent. Usually, when moving in, renters ask for first, last, and security deposit. This is not even including utilities, next month’s rent, and the basic necessities a human needs.

Using homes that are not in use and are currently boarded up as temporary placement homes — where homeless people are able to access both their basic needs and support — could hopefully give them the opportunity to move out within a year. 

Referring to Maslow’s theory, individuals who do not have their physiological needs met will not be able to take the next step in life. 

Instead of ignoring this issue and leaving houses unkept and a stain on the city, renovating them and creating temporary living spaces can ultimately change the City of New Bedford and possibly change what homelessness looks like in New Bedford.

Although homelessness exists not only in Massachusetts but across America today, that does not mean we as a city have to be part of the issue. Instead, we can be a city that takes the initiative to fix the issue and hopefully set the trend for other states within America to follow.

Kamden Teixeira is a student at Bridgewater State University studying social work.

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10 replies on “Opinion: Let’s change what homelessness looks like in New Bedford”

  1. a tent city is starting near the market basket along the river. It should be stopped . I see one tent. Get them off the property or 50 more will come. You know the area is being used as their toilet as well.

  2. To say I am glad to see The Light publish this editorial would be an understatement. Since moving here nearly 3 years ago, I have been beyond disappointed in our city leadership’s ability to turn a blind eye to the human suffering across the city. They had enough money to update Ashley Park, but apparently there was nothing left for the addiction and homelessness crisis just a few minutes walk down the street where I live. Business as usual is not just cruel it is wrong. Good for Kamden for shining a light. Keep up the pressure!

  3. Sure, lets put a random group of people who are homeless for whatever reason, job loss, drug abuse, spousal abuse, whatever, and insert them into established neighborhoods where kids walk to school or wait on the sidewalk for a bus. Just a random group of folks living in harmony, heat, electric, cable paid for by the taxpayers (because you know they have rights and deserve all the amenities). What could go wrong? Lets start in Kamden’s neighborhood.

  4. I agree with Kamden on using boarded up houses for the homeless! We really need to do more to get them out of the cold and support for them!🙏👍

  5. Kamden, well written. The problem is they don’t listen, they should reinvest in current properties before allowing new structures. Or have the new builders pay into a fund to have money available for such projects. A lot of the properties have owners that don’t live in the city. There should be a fine paid by them when they keep their building empty. That would keep people in apartments vs a fine. Make it a hefty fine. I’m a single home homeowner. I have to pay my taxes, insurance and pay for repairs and maintenance. Homeowners need to be proud! The city could be such a better place!

  6. How about because most of those properties belong to private owners and are not City property.
    Costs tens of thousands to make them livable and meet housing codes which is y they are boarded up to begin with.
    The City could give tax incentives to make repairs possible.
    I do no housing and have no apartments but nothing is as easy as it seems from the outside looking in.

    1. Michael, your a developer aren’t you? The city should take over the properties due to neglect and abandonment and they can hire you to, make the difference! Another Panagakos property! (As a good thing!)

  7. Refurbished all rundown buildings
    Turn them into affordable apartments.Take some of the other ones and make men and women’s shelters.

    1. Fine them for having abandon properties. If they don’t fix the properties after being fined, then the city takes the property. Make it so they can’t let the properties deteriorate.

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