I grew up in a working-class family in a rural town in Georgia. New England immediately felt like home and my husband and I chose to settle in Billerica. We bought our first house on River Street and have two children in the public school system. Public service has always been important to me, having grown up in a military family. From enlisting in the Air Force to teaching History at Lawrence High School, I continually seek ways to better the world around me.
Accessible and affordable housing is a human right, and many Billerica families are struggling to stay in their homes. The pandemic has accelerated the crisis tenants are facing with rising rents and opportunities for homeownership dwindling across Massachusetts. Working-class folks, seniors, people with disabilities, people of color, and those with physical disabilities or mental illness are disproportionately harmed by our current system. It has led to expanding economic inequality, increased homelessness, and damage to our economy.
Teresa will fight for policies such as:
Protections for vulnerable renters from unjust evictions.
Increasing resources for community organizations such as Lowell Community Teamwork.
Zoning reforms that encourage the creation of walkable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.
Increasing available state funds for local solutions.
Strengthening tenant protections to ensure all persons understand their rights and can access legal help when needed.
Removing Legislative barriers that prevent cities and towns from addressing local needs.