Is the American dream of home ownership crumbling for those 65 and over? Join us as our panelists discuss the growing challenge of ensuring older adults in America have access to affordable and safe housing. Dr. Jennifer Molinsky from the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies will be our national expert. Mr. Bushman from the Fitchburg Housing Authority will be our local expert. Dr. Mark Williams from Fitchburg State will be the moderator and will field questions from the virtual audience. 

This program is part of the local Community Read which includes Leominster Public Library, Fitchburg Public Library, Fitchburg State University and the local high schools. For 2021-2022 we are reading Nomadland by Jessica Bruder. See the Community Read website here for more upcoming programs related to the book. 

Co-Sponsored: The Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies, Fitchburg Housing Authority and Fitchburg State University

Format: Virtual; register at the following URL to receive the meeting invitation: https://forms.gle/tKxyZirCcR39UJzk9

Douglas M. Bushman has been involved in issues concerning affordable housing and services for families and the elderly for almost 15 years. As the Executive Director of the Fitchburg Housing Authority and as an attorney, he has worked closely with service providers, public officials and residents on addressing the ramifications of the shortfall of quality affordable housing and services to address both the physical and mental health needs of seniors.

Jennifer Molinsky directs the Housing and Aging Society Program at Harvard’s Joint Center for Housing Studies. The program aims to highlight the housing challenges facing older adults and the links between housing and wellbeing. Jennifer has a PhD in urban planning, and prior to coming to Harvard she was chief of long range planning for the city of Newton.

Dr. Mark Williams is an Associate Professor in the Department of Behavioral Sciences, teaching in the Human Services Program curriculum. He earned his PhD in Social Welfare from the University of Washington, and has taught undergraduate and graduate level courses in direct practice skills, gerontology, and social welfare policy. His research and teaching include a focus on older adults, end-of-life care, LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) health, and the role of intimate relationships in promoting health and well-being.