In the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, there is no limit on rent increases, meaning landlords can increase their tenants’ rent as much as they want. They also can raise it at any time as long as they provide enough notice.
So tenants must either sign the new lease with the higher rent or move. And the cost of moving can sometimes be astronomical, given the price of hiring a moving company or renting a truck.
This does not leave tenants with many options. Massachusetts is having a rent inflation crisis, making it harder and harder for people to find affordable housing.
It can be even worse around the holiday season — especially if you’re providing for others.
Shelter is something that should be accessible to everyone. Unfortunately, in today’s world, it’s not. For some it is a luxury, and they need help affording that luxury.
A single mother of a 7-year-old boy wrote into Item Santa asking for help with her living expenses because her rent recently increased.
“I struggle with bills to get them paid so any Christmas help we can get from you would be greatly appreciated,” she wrote.
By donating to Item Santa, you can help people like this mother pay for something so basic — shelter. Item Santa exists to help people in need.
Helping this mother pay her rent means her son can have a better Christmas morning, which all kids should be able to experience. It also means her child will have a home to be in on Christmas morning.
The money will help her start the new year on a better foot, and everybody deserves the chance to do that.
Giving is what the holidays are all about. Whether you can donate $1 or $1,000, anything helps. By working together as a community, we can help the people who write into Item Santa relieve some of their financial stress.
Now in its 56th year, the Item Santa fund helps to make Christmas brighter for those in need. To donate, clip the coupon in The Item and mail it, along with your check, to The Item Salvation Army Santa, 85 Exchange St., Lynn, MA 01901.
You can also donate online through the Salvation Army at itemsanta.org. All donations are listed in The Item print editions through the month of December and into 2023, along with a brief message from each donor, if desired.
NOTE: The application period for aid from Item Santa has closed and The Item does not process applicants. All questions about the program and distribution of gifts should be directed to the Salvation Army at 781-598-0673.
