homelessness Archives - Cambridge | Somerville Independent

A party reopens Carl Barron Plaza in Central Square after three years of construction

by Sage Jezierski October 3, 2026

Carl Barron Plaza reopened Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, ending nearly three years of construction with a transit-friendly redesign and plenty of events planned.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, Sept. 28-Oct. 5: The Pit-replacing Teele Square hotel project returns to the agenda

by Marc Levy September 27, 2026

Take part in meetings on a Teele Square hotel project, updates on homelessness policies and what spaces in Somerville are available for public use, including private space.

NEWS

The jury’s still out on efforts to revive Davis Square, but at least the jury’s out enjoying live music

by Christian Uva July 14, 2026

Davis Square seemed to have lost its arty nature since the Covid pandemic and an influx of unhoused people. This summer saw an attempt at a turnaround.

BUSINESS

Sufi Boutique clothes the homeless from the porch of a rug shop and the memory of a newcomer’s struggles

by Alex Degterev July 9, 2026

From an enclosed front porch at Noor Oriental Rugs, Mohammad Nooraee provides donated clothing to his “street friends” seeking a sense of dignity.

NEWS

First uprooted from Harvard Square shelter, unhoused at Medford camp face eviction after alleged arson

by Mila Halgren May 26, 2026

Transit Police have given until Friday to clear a camp just weeks after a fire threatened its homeless occupants. Some hope to return to Cambridge’s Y2Y shelter.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, May 11-18: Parking costs are going up, and 90 Washington St. project advances

by Marc Levy May 10, 2026

Take part in meetings on raising parking permit and meter fees and remaking 90 Washington St. Also, get some pizza in wards 1 and 6!

NEWS

Somerville meetings, May 4-11: Building a school and moving council meetings to Tuesdays (in 2028)

by Marc Levy May 3, 2026

Take part in meetings on building a replacement school, filling crossing guard shortages, changes to meeting schedules and much more.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, April 27-May 4: Developers vie for 90 Washington St. project

by Marc Levy April 26, 2026

Take part in meetings on remaking 90 Washington St., surveillance technology, a teen center at Cummings School and Davis Square issues.

NEWS

Somerville meetings, April 13-20: Displacement and affordability, a change of use in Union Square

by Marc Levy April 12, 2026

Take part in meetings on finances for the school district, displaced people and creation of affordable homes and a wish not to build Union Square offices.

NEWS

Homeless shelter at church is approved by a judge, found to be part of a ‘broader religious project’ (updated)

by Marc Levy April 7, 2026

Some neighbors worried about the effects on the area and property values from crime, drug use and noise from a 26-bed shelter near Davis Square.