Many families in Lowell are struggling to afford housing due to the rising inflation and skyrocketing rent prices. With rent in Lowell ranging from $1,700 to over $2,700 per month, and the average individual salary standing at approximately $5,275 per month, the financial burden on families is unsustainable. As 8th grade students at the Collegiate Charter School of Lowell, we witness firsthand the struggles faced by our community and we are determined to make a change.

Lowell has a vibrant and diverse community, but the high cost of housing is placing families in financial jeopardy. Homes that were once affordable are now overwhelmingly expensive, pushing many to the brink of housing insecurity. We believe that everyone in Lowell should have access to safe and affordable housing, as it is a fundamental necessity and a basic human right.

The solution lies in legislative change. We seek the assistance of state legislatures to pass a law aimed at helping low-income families afford rentals in Lowell. This could involve creating subsidies, capping rent increases, or implementing new housing programs that provide financial support. Such measures can stabilize rent prices and make housing more accessible to low- and middle-income families.

According to a report by the National Low Income Housing Coalition, there is a significant shortage of affordable rental homes available to extremely low-income households, with a gap of several million homes nationwide. In Massachusetts alone, the crisis is stark, and Lowell is no exception. Affordable housing policies have proven effective in other states and are a viable solution to the issue facing our community.

We need your support to bring this issue to the attention of our local government representatives and state legislatures to make affordable housing a priority. By signing this petition, you are joining us in our effort to advocate for these necessary changes to ensure that families in Lowell can afford to live and thrive in their community.

Please sign our petition to support affordable housing initiatives in Lowell and help us create a future where everyone can call Lowell home.