Statement on Tragedy in Lowell

January 31, 2011

All of us at the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA) returned to work this week shocked and saddened by the death of Jose Roldan. Jose was fatally stabbed on Saturday morning while working at the Lowell Transitional Living Center (LTLC). It is incredibly tragic and disheartening to know that one so committed to the needs of others has been taken by the random violent act of one person he only sought to help. To learn more about Jose's history with the shelter and the impact he had on his peers, click here to read an article in today's Boston Globe.
 
Our hearts go to Jose's family, his colleagues at the LTLC and to all those whose lives he touched, including many homeless and formerly homeless people who also mourn his loss today because of the impact his life - all too brief - had on theirs.
 
I am and we should all be aware of the painful fact that this event could have taken place anywhere and at any time with any of our MHSA member agencies. Realizing this, it is critically important that we take all the steps necessary to protect each other and ensure that appropriate resources, care and action are taken toward addressing the social evil of homelessness.
 
For now, I encourage you all to keep Jose, his family, LTLC and all of Lowell in your thoughts and prayers. For now and the future, MHSA stands ready to assist in any way possible to prevent danger and harm to those who serve the neediest amongst us.
 
Sincerely,

Joe Finn
President & Executive Director