Demonstrators from Cancel the Rents Boston gathered in Nubian Square Saturday to call for the cancelation of rents and mortgage payments while the COVID-19 pandemic continues to threaten housing affordability.
The pandemic has destabilized the social and economic foundations of the world, and housing is no exception. Thirty percent of renters in the United States were unable to pay their January rent on time, according to a national survey done by the Apartment List.
The moratorium must end, but with our current lack of federal aid, state and local governments are now forced to handle the brunt of financial assistance for their constituents.
To address the potential impact of the moratorium ending Oct. 17, Boston Mayor Martin Walsh announced the City will take action to curtail evictions while connecting those who are evicted with the resources available to them.
An estimated 20 percent of Mass. restaurants have closed since the pandemic began. Decreased demand continues to burden operators in an industry with already thin profit margins.
