Like many cities in western Massachusetts, Springfield was hard-hit by the June 1 tornadoes. Among the neighborhoods seriously damaged were Old Hill and – with more severity – Six Corners. It is heartbreaking news, as we have many friends in these neighborhoods – and they are the very areas we have worked collaboratively with others to help revitalize over the past few years. (read on below)
As you can see from these pictures by Springfield photographer Jim Langone, the damage is overwhelming. On some streets, many houses were decimated.
Just weeks ago, we were celebrating the fast-paced renewal in progress along Quincy Street, a section of Old HIll which has been plagued by foreclosure and property abandonment. Several blocks over were some of the most stable parts of the neighborhood – streets far less affected by foreclosure. Now, one entire housing development has been demolished and another is condemned. Many houses are now rubble or severely damaged and families are displaced. The beautiful old trees that once lined the streets are simply gone.
In Six-Corners, collaborative efforts had accomplished much work over the past five years, turning vacant and abandoned properties into new homes. While most of them survived the tornado without too much damage, some of the architecturally interesting older homes around them were destroyed. Today, many new houses sit side-by-side with huge piles of debris.
As of June 7, 2011, Springfield had condemned 220 buildings, including 514 units, and had demolished another 20 buildings. By last count, 131 public or assisted housing units were off-line, leaving families living with friends or relatives at best, and at worst, sheltered at the civic center with no permanent housing solution at all. HAPHousing is now working closely with those families to have their needs assessed and obtain new apartments as quickly as possible. If you are able to volunteer or help financially with this effort, please do so now.
Those who need assistance and have not yet filled out a housing assessment form should go to the HAPHousing office at 322 Main Street, Springfield as soon as possible or call us at 413-233-1500 to speak to a housing specialist.
