Appreciation Event celebrates the collaboration that returned a single family home to franklin housing stock (video)

State Representative Jeff Roy hosted the event on Monday, June 9, 2025. 

Video recording by Steve Sherlock (Franklin Matters/Franklin Public Radio)

Video link -> https://youtu.be/lXcfc3-nNbI

Front row (L-R) Nayda Sanchez-DeJesus, Mark Lanigan, Larry Rettman, Maurice Coleman, Jeff Roy, Chris Feeley, Mike Doherty, George Danello, Paul White; Back row: Lisa Mosczynski, Lisa Audette, Susan Speers

Event background:

The Franklin Housing Authority has acquired the ‘long-time vacant’ property located at 813 Summer Street, Franklin. The beautifully renovated three-bedroom home will be leased to an income eligible family and the property will remain in the Town’s affordable housing stock through perpetuity.   

The process of obtaining the property took many years and has involved much assistance from several local officials, agencies and advocates.

 

Supporters included: State Representative Jeffrey Roy, Jamie Hellen, Town Administrator, Lisa Mosczynski, President, Metacomet Land Trust (MLT) and all of MLT’s Board of Directors including Treasurer Susan Speers, Attorney Michael Doherty, Attorney Richard Cornetta, Chairman Christopher Vericker, Franklin Municipal Affordable Housing Trust (MAHT) and all MAHT’s Trust Members including Christopher Feeley, Bank of America, Dean Bank, George Danello, Chairman of the Franklin Housing Authority (FHA) and all FHA Board Members.

Read full article: 

https://www.franklinmatters.org/2023/08/franklin-housing-authority-preparing-to.html

Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition, Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response

On Oct. 27, Senator Ed Markey visited SAFE Coalition in Franklin to discuss the state of substance use and mental health crises in the area and the organization’s proactive response strategy. State Representative Jeffrey Roy, a founding SAFE board member, also attended.  

SAFE, a nonprofit founded to combat the rising threat of opioid addiction and overdose in southeastern Massachusetts, hosted Markey for an in-depth discussion, exploring topics like the role public perception plays in access to substance misuse and mental health support. 

Senator Ed Markey Visits Safe Coalition

“The link between addiction and mental health must be destigmatized before people can get help,” Markey said. “No one can will their way out of it.”

The conversation highlighted SAFE’s initiatives, including regular Narcan trainings at Dedham Jail, early intervention educational small groups for local children, and support groups for individuals and families affected by substance use. SAFE’s approach to community-wide, wraparound care was notable for Senator Markey. 

“I understand the mission,” Markey said. “Because if one person suffers, everyone suffers.” 

Senator Ed Markey Discusses Substance Use Crisis And Response

The nonprofit’s CEO Jen Levine said SAFE helps many people who arrive at the office on one of the hardest days of their lives. 

“We are also here for them long before then, in small and straightforward ways,” said Levine, “so that if their worst day ever arrives, they know where they can turn.”

Many are first introduced to SAFE through services like the organization’s free diaper and car seat bank or community events like medication takeback and CPR trainings.

Markey has championed substance use intervention at the state and national levels throughout his political career. His first encounter with SAFE was at the 2015 National Prescription Drug and Heroin Summit in Atlanta, which he attended with President Obama.

SAFE now serves over 37 towns across the state with recovery and support groups, referral services, one-on-one nonclinical recovery support, resource connection, community trainings, educational programming for adolescents and schools, events like film screenings and talks, sober art and music nights, and trauma-informed yoga. SAFE also voluntarily advises opioid abatement funding boards in municipalities across the state.

For more information on SAFE’s services or collaboration opportunities, contact SAFE at (508) 488-8105 or info@safecoalitionma.org.