Candlelight vigil in Dorchester for renters being evicted, after landlords raise the rent

DORCHESTER, Mass. — Despite the cold temperatures, dozens of renters came out and made sure their voices were heard. Many renters in Roxbury and surrounding areas are being evicted. Boston 25 News listened to story after story at the candlelight vigil that was held for those being evicted. For one man, at one point, he couldn’t finish his sentence because the pain is just too much to bare.

“No fault evictions right in the middle of a pandemic,” chanted the organizers for City Life.

In the heart of Dorchester’s Washington Street, a candlelight vigil was held by the group City Life for renters, who tell Boston 25 News they’re being kicked out of their apartments because their landlords are raising the rent on them.

“How can we social distance if they’re putting us on the streets,” chanted the organizer.

“I’m a 71 year old Vietnam veteran,” said Frank Sharpe.

Frank Sharpe is one of many across the Boston area who is being forced out their apartment.

“I’m due to be evicted on 2/16/21,” said Sharpe.

Sharpe told Boston 25 News he was the former owner of the apartment and lost the house to a short sale.

Sharpe said he’s been paying rent every month.

“Stress, can’t eat, very little sleep,” said Sharpe.

Organizers taking the movement to the streets by handing out flyers and getting the word out.

“It’s not about affording. We are still paying rent. That’s the hard part about it,” said Stephania Noel, a nurse in Dorchester.

At 36 years old, Noel, an immigrant from Haiti tells us she’s a nurse dealing with some of the sickest patients.

“I’m dealing with COVID patients, also dealing with eviction, it’s double matter. It’s stressful every day,” said Noel.

Boston 25 News spoke to the nurse’s landlord, and she said she would like to renovate the apartment so her family can move into the home.

There is help out there on the mass.gov website through the rental assistance program.

Cox Media Group