Letter from the Executive Director

Dear Bootstraps Supporter,

With unemployment hovering around 10% on the North Shore, we are still seeing plenty of people seeking our assistance. There is a tiredness and desperation about many of the folks we see lately. We seem to be witnessing an increase in the number of families who are struggling further due to divorce. Likely this decision comes in response to a sustained period of financial stress. Children are caught in the middle and the parents are feeling as though they have very few choices.

One of the major stressors is the cost of housing. According to the Beverly Affordable Housing Coalition, Massachusetts is the third most expensive state in the nation for housing. It takes a wage of $26.27 per hour ($54,640 per year) for a household to afford a place to live and to cover other living costs. While fair market rents increased 40% in Boston/North Shore between 2001 and 2006, minimum wage has not increased. At $8.00 per hour, it is a far cry from what a wage earner needs to earn to keep a home.

The good news? Beverly Bootstraps Community Services works with people to assist and empower them in their lives and although we wish we had a magic wand many times, what we do have is your support. Thanks to your help and the great work of other non-profits in the community, we continue to be able to offer emergency relief and address the root issues that cause families to need such assistance.

Sue Gabriel

Executive Director