Changes at "Rental Assistance Program"

• +Rental Assistance Program

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  Background and context (including, if applicable, where this idea came from):
  Community members expressed within the people's budget survey and through the first assembly that rents are too high and that they are struggling with high monthly costs.

  Proposal (including what specifically the money would be spent on):
  A rental assistance program for Boston residents to lower monthly costs and reduce rent burden. This would take the form of either a one-time assistance fund or a housing voucher for ongoing support.

  Proposal cost:
  

  City Department that would implement it (if known):
  Mayor's Office of Housing

  People’s Budget values (for reference):
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• Self-determination: We know what our communities need and we have the right to decide for ourselves.

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• Transparency: We move with honesty and openness so everyone can see how decisions are made.

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• Care: We keep each other safe through care / by meeting needs, not punishment.

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• Solidarity: We show up for each other. None of us are free unless all of us are free!

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• Community Wisdom: The people most affected by decisions should lead.

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• Well-being: We deserve more than survival. Everyone should have what they need to live abundant, joyful lives.

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Reminder: Residents will be asked to consider how proposals align with these values when you vote at the assembly on March 14 and to vote for proposals that align with the values.

How does this proposal align with the People’s Budget values?
This program would allow us to stand in solidarity with and support the well-being of the many Boston residents who are struggling to pay their rent and are at risk of falling into homelessness.