by Stephanie Toews Moeling
The Boston Foundation published a report in November 2017 that stated that statistically people living in the Boston metro area are likely to pay greater than 30% of their income as rent. This is, of course, a story we’ve heard over and over again in Somerville,where our neighbors are seemingly constantly moving out, at threat of displacement, or worried about making rent. Underpinning this local, economic instability, are the recent changes at the federal level. Longstanding initiatives and programs have been overturned and changes are being made to such a breadth of issues, it’s hard to know where to put your strongest opposition.
This context is part of the backdrop for why I so fervently believe in and support the Somerville Community Corporation. SCC daily demonstrates its commitment to the most vulnerable people of this city.
When I go to SCC I see Somerville residents meeting with the First Source Jobs Program advisors, updating resumes and getting ready for interviews. I hear about the Culinary Arts program that will help 12 people find more permanent, better paying jobs in that industry.
I see folks attending First-Time Homebuyer, Financial Literacy or Leadership Development Institute classes. I hear about the homes being purchased and preserved as affordable throughout the city. It reminds me that my participation at the local level really matters.
And this is why I give. I give through the Social Equity Campaign because the impact is magnified 3:1. At the end of the day, for my $350 investment, SCC gets $1,000 to deliver on those programs. And this feels good.
It feels great to know that my effort could result in the people of my city having a better holiday season because they have a better job, more affordable home, or a greater voice in their community. There are a lot of places to give at the holidays, and I have to be a careful steward of my family’s finances. But the Community Investment Tax Credit allows such a magnification of my giving, I am extremely happy to be able to do it.