‘It’s changed my life:’ As Cost of Living Rises, Catholic Charities Helps Lowell Resident Cover Rent

For many individuals and families, the rising cost of living in Massachusetts has made it difficult to keep up with rent and to get food on the table. And with Christmas approaching, the added challenge of balancing budgets has been an ongoing stress for many people like David, who, thanks to rental assistance from Catholic Charities Merrimack Valley, will not have to worry about being unable to pay his rent this month.

Instead, he will celebrate the holiday season in the comfort of his own apartment, with neighbors from the sober-living home in Lowell where he has lived for the past three years.  

Moving to Massachusetts was a leap of faith for David, who left his home in Georgia to start fresh and seek treatment for substance use.  While clean and sober since the day he arrived, the road has not been without challenges. Over the past few years, degenerative disc disease required David to undergo several back and neck surgeries, causing chronic back pain that limits his mobility and makes it difficult to maintain a full-time job.  

When David connected with Laurie Lee, Basic Needs Case Manager for Catholic Charities Merrimack Valley in Lowell about his financial circumstances and health situation, he said he finally felt hope that he would be able to stay in his apartment and maintain a sense of stability. 

Laurie helped David secure emergency assistance from Catholic Charities, which helps eligible individuals experiencing financial hardship find stability by receiving emergency fuel, rental, or utility assistance.   

“When you’re struggling month to month, getting a month’s rent paid for is a huge relief,” he said.  

Inspired to give back, David then volunteered at Catholic Charities Merrimack Valley Food Pantry, sharing his desire to pay it forward and spread hope to others in need.  

“This has been an eye-opener and a lesson,” he said. “Since getting help, I’ve tried to help others as well here at the sober house, and it’s really changed my life. I just can’t thank Laurie and Catholic Charities enough. It’s uplifting to see that there are still people in the world who care about others.” 

To learn more about how you can help Catholic Charities Boston’s clients in need, visit our Ways to Give page here.