Local advocacy group sheds light on homelessness, addiction along ‘Mass & Cass’

BOSTON — Members of the South End-Roxbury Community Partnership walk weekly in the area between Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Blvd, also known as “Mass & Cass” or “Methadone Mile,” picking up needles and using social media to shine a light on homelessness and addiction.

”From the community’s perspective, we have been called NIMBYs, anti-poor, anti-homeless, because we are saying hey guys, it’s been over a decade. How much more can the community wait for a comprehensive plan? How much more can the community take with feces on their stoops, individuals doing lewd acts on their private and public property, children walking to and from schools witnessing individuals,” said Yahaira Lopez, South End-Roxbury Community Partnership.

Friday, Mayoral Candidate and Boston City Councilor Andrea Campbell walked “Mass & Cass” with the group.

Citing the closure of the Long Island shelter and the 900-overdose deaths in Boston between 2015 and 2019, Campbell announced her plan to tackle the issue, which includes appointing a “Mass & Cass” Chief, creating a dedicated “Mass & Cass” first responder unit and decentralizing treatment and recovery services from “Mass & Cass” in the area.

Opponent and Boston City Councilor Michelle Wu and outgoing Mayor Marty Walsh have also called for decentralization of treatment services.

The South End-Roxbury Community Partnership has had the support of other elected leaders, like Suffolk County DA Rachael Rollins and Boston City councilors Anissa Essabi-George and Ed Flynn.

Domingos Rosa led today’s tour of the neighborhood.

”Holding ourselves first accountable and then holding them accountable in the positions they hold,” Rosa said.

Jada Rackard is 12 years old and an activist in Orchard Gardens United, a member of the Partnership. After seeing her friends pricked with needles and being banned from the school’s playground, she supports any elected official willing to help bring the community one step closer to being safe.

“People off the streets. People getting healthcare. People just getting the help that they need,” Jackard said.

Cox Media Group