Contact: Robyn Frost

Tel.: 781-595-7570
Email: robyn@mahomeless.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LOOKING FROM SOME ROOM TO BREATHE

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless Provides Low-Income Families with
Chronic Respiratory Diseases a Way to Improve Their Lives
Every year thousands of children and adults are diagnosed with chronic respiratory diseases.
According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, one in ten people in
Massachusetts are suffering from these types of diseases. Around 30% of the people suffering
fall below the Federal Poverty Line. That is not a coincidence. Studies have shown that there is
a strong correlation between people who suffer from chronic respiratory diseases and people
experiencing poverty. For families living in poverty and suffering from these diagnoses making
the needed changes to their lifestyle is economically impossible. With this knowledge, the
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless launches the Room to Breathe Project.
The goals of the Room to Breathe Project include reducing school absences, unscheduled
doctors appointments and hospitalizations by at least half as well as improving the overall
quality of life for those affected. This will be achieved through providing free material assistance
such as air conditioner, new beds and rug removal which will make homes a better place to
breathe.
Executive Director of the Coalition, Robyn Frost explains quote from Robyn Although it is
difficult to eliminate all potential triggers of asthmatic attacks, not removing any of them creates
a highly toxic environment that must be avoided.
The Coalition will be working with local community partners to identify and obtain referrals within
the communities of Lynn, Salem and Peabody. This includes the North Shore Medical Center
whose generous grant has had the Room to Breathe Project possible. With their help, the
Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is able to reach and benefit as many families as
possible. A representative from the North Shore Medical Center states quote from NSMC. The
Room to Breathe Project will give low-income families the ability to fight the triggers of chronic
respiratory diseases and make their home a safe haven to breathe.
The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless has 30 years of successes assisting low-income
families and individuals to have access to cost-effective resources and services that can support
them to live in safe, affordable homes that provide them with an improved quality of life and
opportunities to thrive in the future. The Room to Breathe Project is one of our programmatic
efforts that reflect our continued commitment to improving the lives of low-income families and
individuals.
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