Decades of discriminatory policies and practices continue to contribute to the affordable housing crisis in the United States. Just under three miles from the MIT campus exists a hub of innovation and community empowerment.
Catherine D’Ignazio, associate professor of urban science and planning, expresses pride in MIT’s ongoing partnership with Camfield Estates. She notes that Camfield has been a source of creative ideas aimed at uplifting the community.
D’Ignazio leads a research team focused on housing as part of the MIT Initiative for Combatting Systemic Racism (ICSR). The team, under the Institute for Data, Systems, and Society (IDSS), investigates the impact of data, AI, and algorithmic systems on housing disparities in the U.S. Camfield Tenant Association collaborates with the team, providing valuable insights and data to address real challenges.
Originally known as “Camfield Gardens,” this housing development in Roxbury, Massachusetts, was a pioneering participant in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s program to revitalize public housing in the 1990s. This partnership with HUD led to collaboration with MIT in the early 2000s.
Nolen Scruggs, a master’s student at MIT, has worked closely with Camfield as part of ICSR’s housing vertical team. He explains how MIT graduate students initiated a tech lab at Camfield, providing residents with computer skills training.
In 2022, Camfield Estates approached MIT for a new phase of collaboration. Scruggs assembled a team of students from various universities to work on a housing design project for the Camfield Tenants Association.
Peko Hosoi, a professor at MIT, emphasizes the importance of historical context in understanding housing issues. The ICSR team values both quantitative and qualitative methods to address housing challenges.
Creative solutions are being sought to address the need for more housing space and to assist current residents in achieving homeownership goals. Scruggs highlights the importance of addressing housing affordability issues faced by lower- and middle-income families.
The collaboration with Camfield aims to provide residents with informed options and support through the redevelopment process. Scruggs and the team are working on proposals to ensure a smooth transition for residents.
Another initiative involves teaching computer design and coding to Camfield community kids. This program, led by Scruggs and an MIT undergraduate, aims to empower residents with valuable skills.
D’Ignazio commends Scruggs for his commitment to community-led knowledge production and is optimistic about the positive impact of their collaboration with Camfield Estates.
