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Center for Social Policy
McCormack Graduate School
University of Massachusetts Boston
100 Morrissey Blvd.
Boston, MA 02125-3393
Phone: (617) 287 5550
Fax: (617) 287 5544
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Letter to the Cohasset Mariner on Affordable Housing for Seniors
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Author(s):
Donna Haig Friedman, Director, Center for Social Policy
Source(s):
Center for Social Policy
Date: October 21, 2005
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Cohasset Mariner
Letter to the editor:
In the October 21 Cohasset Mariner, to serve his own purposes, Jim Hamilton unjustifiably attacked sound
research findings on the housing needs of Cohasset seniors. Here are the facts: Housing research
experts within the Center for Social Policy at the University of Massachusetts Boston carried out the
study he referred to, which was commissioned by the town of Cohasset. If Hamilton had read the full
report, rather than an executive summary, he would see all the detail on methodology and survey
instrumentation. Researchers used a sound random sampling approach and secured a 75% return rate on
mailed surveys. As to supposed data inconsistencies, Hamilton twisted the findings. In fact, 96% of
seniors, some who are homeowners and others who rent, expressed a desire to continue to live in Cohasset.
In addition, when asked for the one housing option that they think should be more available to seniors
in the town, a plurality (46%) chose an increase in affordable rental apartments.
Donna Haig Friedman, Director
Center for Social Policy
University of Massachusetts Boston
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