SHIRLEY ARRIAGA WEIGHS IN ON HOUSING

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Jessica Avery 413-388-1240 WEBSITE: https://www.shirley4chicopee.com/ CHICOPEE — Shirley Arriaga, Veteran and candidate for State Representative in Chicopee’s 8th Hampden District, today addressed the housing crisis affecting Chicopee residents and those across our commonwealth. “Chicopee families are still recovering from the COVID pandemic, and its impact on employment and rising inflation. Families and seniors on a fixed income at the doors share concerns about securing affordable housing and keeping up with property tax increases. Housing insecurity and homelessness have become increasingly noticeable in our district. Panhandling has increased across the city, particularly among older men and Veterans. The average home cost was north of $300,000 at the start of 2022, with apartments averaging $1,600 dollars monthly. We need to focus on first-time homeowner education, subsidies to reduce foreclosures, and incentivizing new development for affordable housing. As State Representative, I will address these serious issues impacting our community. Addressing the issue now before families lose their homes is crucial. I’m hopeful as your next State Representative that the city administration and I will do more to target and aid those in need of help in our community.” If you're buying a home in Chicopee, you could pay more than the asking price. 68.3% of homes here sold above the asking price last month. Chicopee is a sellers’ housing market, which means prices tend to be higher and homes sell faster. ###