The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) has been collaborating with Roxbury, Massachusetts’ Camfield Estates housing development for over a decade, helping to combat systemic racial disparities in housing. Led by Associate Professor Catherine D’Ignazio, a team from the MIT Initiative for Combatting Systemic Racism (ICSR) primarily focus their research on the impact of data and technology on the housing situation in the U.S., all whilst investigating how those very tools can be utilized to address racial injustices. Working alongside the Camfield Tenant Association, the teams attempt to solve authentic local challenges.
Camfield Estates, once known as “Camfield Gardens”, was one of the first sites in the 90s to embark on a revitalization project as part of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) program. It rebuilt the disrepaired public housing block and took full ownership of the property for $1. From the start of their partnership with MIT in the early 2000s, one early initiative led to the creation of a ‘digital divide’ gap bridge program, later transforming into the tech lab present today where residents could improve their computer skills and improve their job chances.
In 2022, a new chapter of their partnership began, and a team of students from MIT, Harvard University, and Wentworth Institute of Technology worked to prepare Camfield’s residents for the upcoming redevelopment needs of the property. Throughout the process, historical context, understanding of community needs, and innovation from the residents were all given emphasis.
MIT’s work with Camfield has mainly been associated with creating more space for residents and helping them to achieve homeownership. The ICSR team attempts to understand the barriers faced by recipients of Section 8 vouchers. Several ideas have been proposed to address these issues. One potential solution includes hiring a caseworker to guide individuals through the process of finding housing and securing a mortgage.
Other initiatives developed through the MIT-Camfield partnership are: redesigning the community center to feature a high-rise tower, thereby increasing the number of available units; creating educational programs that aim to teach Camfield kids computer design and coding. Their collective aim is to help the tenants make informed decisions about their housing needs, ensure that their lifestyle remains undisrupted, and to encourage a sense of ownership and economic mobility among the residents. MIT’s intention is not only to provide tangible solutions but also to lay the groundwork for Camfield’s future prospects.
