This single father's struggle for housing pushed him out of Boston, Massachusetts

James Berger checked into a Braintree, Massachusetts hotel with his 9-year-old daughter last fall out of desperation after a relative they were living with in Boston was evicted.
The family's plight is hardly unique. Across the state, 20,000 students experience homelessness - about 4,000 of those students live in Boston. Here's what led this family to leave Massachusetts in order to find stable housing.
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[@GBHNews]

Have you struggled to afford housing? Share your story below.

[@JustinDeRosa]

I mean... City Hall. Department of Public Works. Accountants for these offices. Let's talk to them about affordable housing.

[@career5690]

It’s not like you’re going to help those of us get housing.

[@edg947]

How can someone speak directly to You

[@colleenviolette2126]

Can you help?

[@pammynickerson1073]

I have been suffering from homelessness, my boyfriend and I for 4 yrs after losing my lifelong home to a reverse mortgage on the coldest day of the year with no money and nowhere affordable to go. We have bounced around since then with no stability and have gone to every housing agency in the state and got nowhere, no help, no housing not even financial help. Been denied and treated like criminals and we are not. Most recently we have been denied because our IDs are not updated but with no permanent address that isn't possible. I have life threatening health issues , 4 rescue cats in my local shelter, on SSI and food stamps struggling to survive. My boyfriend works his but off but it is never enough. We are currently staying in a local hotel for the 3 rd winter and struggling to pay for it ,knowing come May we will be in the street again. I have such serious health issues my doctors worry I will have a stroke or heart attack before I get into stable housing because my blood pressure is so high! My doctor even wrote a letter to housing to try to get me into emergency housing and that request was ignored and we have also been demonized for having emotional support animals. I have severe PTSD and got a doctor's note for that but yet immigrants that come here daily instantly get housing, financial support and food stamps! This is disgraceful and unfair! I could die before we get local stable housing! My Crohn's disease and the resulting anemia is bad as well. I worry I will die in the street ! Come May we have no place to go again; Desperately need permanent supportive affordable housing for me my boyfriend and my 4 emotional support cats! HELP! We got 4 more months where we are!

[@Octaviamorris77]

This is a real man!

[@GirlDadYoutubeChannel]

Hello, this came upon my feed. Thank you for sharing. This is the true definition and example of a real Father!!! I will keep this father and his daughter in my daily prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@withoutanaddress2876]

God bless this great father and his daughter. It's too bad they had to leave Mass but it's great that they are somewhere with some support. He has family that can actually watch his daughter while he works. I wish nothing but the best for them

[@Luis-xr6ec]

Respect to this dad! He’s out there doing all he can to provide. Wishing him and his daughter the very best. 🙏🏻

[@georgesjeandenis]

Amen to that.

[@christopherhennessey8991]

I’m glad he moved to Georgia where he and his daughter have family and support. Kudos to James.

[@yagga8885]

This is infuriating. You can’t get housing because you’re not poor enough, while you don’t make enough to afford renting at market value.

[@christopherhennessey8991]

Extremely infuriating.

[@tahjjj1488]

Sadly a problem in many states.

[@growbiz]

sick! meanwhile BILLIONS and BILLIONS going to people that came ILLGELY get a FREE RIDE

[@Mmshroom]

Such a beautiful girl, from a wonderful father! He works, this world is so unfair. I woke up , this was my first video, and i am crying- I am so happy this ended right. They had to leave! Mass is just too expensive. 😢

[@GBHNews]

Thanks for watching ❤

[@edg947]

Massachusetts is very expensive And it's hard getting housing

[@Mmshroom]

@@edg947 Same in NY, CT. Not to mention there was a massive increase in 2021, and wages didn’t increase. I am happy this family found a nice place to settle.

[@juanitabryant9065]

I'm crying. This is so sad.

[@safuu202]

Its sad that James and his daughter ended up getting displaced out of the state but this has happened to so many families even ones that have roots there. This is only going to get worst if the commonwealth cannot get its act together and *BUILD BUILD BUILD* more social/public housing in order to provide adequate supply of affordable housing that can match the demand. Alot of people arent going to be able to handle the pressure of living within a housing crisis much longer if the state doesnt take swift action by the end of next year. Its cruel and unreasonable to expect ppl making 20,30,40,or even 50 thousand a year to keep up with $2500+ market rents especially when they cant qualify for most of the current affordable housing programs bc they make "too much". Ridiculous.

[@GBHNews]

Thank you for this comment! Some excellent points.

[@felixthecat2786]

Every time they build new housing, it's 10,000 a month for a two bedroom apartment. Prices of older housing units are not going down, they are going up. When I first moved to the Boston area you could find a two bedroom for 1800. Now you can barely find a one bedroom apartment for that price. Two bedrooms are going for 2,300-2,800. So build if you feel like it, but it's not going to fix the issue. It's just a band aid on a gushing wound. if you want to solve this problem the rent prices simply NEED to go down. No amount of energy or focus is being placed on this at all. No one wants to address this issue. Everyone wants to throw housing vouchers (that no one accepts) at renters or housing lotteries or rent control. Just find a way to lower the rent! Impose tax penalties on landlords for going over a certain amount with these older units and tax incentives/breaks for those who keep their rent within a certain margin. That margin should be (at least) 1800-2100. Then of course you have an issue where it's only public housing and luxury housing. What about the middle class? What are they supposed to do? Where do they go? They slip into poverty because there's nothing available for them; no houses in the suburbs, not rents within their range. They slip into poverty and more and more people fill that public housing list. I'm sick of all of these flimsy, wishy washy solutions that just exacerbate the issue. No one really wants to go all the way here, but that's what's necessary.

[@jlv3x]

Cities and builders don't receive a lot of profit from building affordable housing. Especially when they can build on the same sites and make double or triple the amount of money for building market rate housing. It's sad but true to live comfortably in larger metropolitan areas you need to be making close to six figures or above. I know a lot of people that have moved to Southern states because they just don't make enough money to live in big cities anymore.

[@yes.2144]

@@jlv3x I came from a decent sized town in AZ to a small town in Iowa. I’ve been here for 4 years now but have moved back and forth a few times. Being here consistently now you notice things and I’ve definitely noticed an influx of new people recently from Cali, Texas, Florida mostly. Lots of Cubans swimming through that water to get to the US haha

[@staceygantt1119]

My goodness. That's my story, I was that Mom in 2018. So glad to see they are back on ther feet. Where is the go fund me for him?

[@JOESUBA122]

When women say there is not good men out there here is ONE

[@christopherhennessey8991]

Bless this dad with the way cares for his daughter. Bless you for the wonderful dad you are Mr Berger. Your daughter is very astute .

[@paularosenstock6615]

What a beautiful family. Many blessings on you both.

[@patd6370]

He and his daughter don't have to live like this. Some people get on a treadmill, going round & round, and can't see the forest for the trees. See a counselor and move where it's affordable.

[@lillianwilliams5510]

Pray he has been helped. This is one person out-of thousands and it is generally worse.

[@pammynickerson1073]

Someone has to do something😢

[@lisaleverett9388]

Where is James now and how do you assist him.

[@career5690]

GBH needs to give us an update.

[@TheApplestick]

Bless this man and his family. Damn this state to hell for failing its citizens. We need more basic living apartments with reasonable rents. All i see being built is "luxury " apartments. Where a studio unit is going for $2k+

[@alijoon1621]

To all people struggling with housing prices in expensive areas like MA , NY , CA. Leave those places and do the same thing this man did. By the way Georgia has better weather too. There are many other states that are more affordable. Dont lock yourself to a miserable life just because you want to stay where you have always been. Pack up and move and leave the miserable life behind you.

[@JOESUBA122]

I am here in nyc and I am looking at moving to GA

[@GirtonOramsay]

San Diego looks reasonably priced compared to Boston, NYC, and the like. At least I'm paying for really good weather and lifestyle.

[@brightwinter9334]

That's what I did. I moved from MA to the Midwest and even the people seem to be better overall.

[@FeeFee973]

Good luck for you and your daughter ❤

[@ONOC4]

Man 😢 I hope nothing but the best for this daddy-daughter duo 🙏🏼

[@joshhoward-tl6fw]

Where is the go fund me for this man? ….

[@JenniferNewLife144]

Right, that is what I want to know!!!

[@mzjnicolelove]

Where is the go fund me

[@actualwakandangirl7121]

This is infuriating, this man works 16 hours a day 5 days a week and still struggling, WTH?

[@vickieelisa2248]

This is a strong man who is raising a warrior princess. She will be blessed through his sacrifice.

[@user-chmariah]

Keep fighting king

[@cardphins68]

This is indeed tragic. Rent is just so incredibily high in the whole Boston area. It's a shame that this man has to struggle like this when he's trying to do the right thing. Do I even need to mention the Child? She deserves better and bless James Berger.

[@jandee74]

Bless you both 😢.. I often wonder why ppl stay rather then move elsewhere and you did! God bless you both

[@JaredFleischer]

This guy deserves the opportunity for change in his life. It’s not fair the money is going towards migrants when guys like him are in this position.

[@MrsTrophy]

16 hours a day of work and 6 days a week 😢

[@pammynickerson1073]

Ever since losing my lifelong home to a reverse mortgage my boyfriend and i have been left homeless with NO HELP and we have reached out to every housing agency in the state! All we have gotten is exuses! The latest one is denying ys housing because we dont have updated IDs! How do you get that when you dont have an address inly a PO box?! We are currently in the same hotel we have been for 3 winters! Come spring, the middle of may we have to leave to return to rhe street! When does this end?! My doctir is worried i may have a heart attack or stroke before i get housing due to my major health issues! We are desperate for help! The immigrants get a place to stay and money instantly! Why cant why have that?; We wirk hard and struggle eith NO HELP.

[@kathleensalada1944]

Paying 821.weekly is a crime . I feel for these people that have problems in getting.an apartment, any place to leave . God bless you dad and sweetheart ❤️ . Things will. get better.

[@dereksmallsuk]

The solemn piano music is a nice touch.

[@jeremyguzman8447]

These always get to me. I feel terrible for the family. I work for EOHLC and it breaks my heart when our clients are ineligible and still struggling

[@yerushalom87]

Babygirl is blessed to have her father who loves and protects, and probides for her. I pray their situation improves and he is anle to find a home for them. I wish some local black ladies would offer to provide hair servicrs for the daughter. He is doing good but it needs moisture. ❤

[@nancyvillarreal8578]

I live in Texas...weekly hotel are alot cheaper...

[@mzjnicolelove]

Great! How does that help this man

[@ponderinglife5582]

the issue is family and friends come first , then you!

[@dotchong4426]

God 🙏 Bless you n your daughter,

[@user-oi6hm5ke2n]

God Bless y'all

[@susannaschnell4147]

You are a wonderful Daddy! May God bless you and supply all your needs. This should not be happening to hard working people. Bureaucratic bs in government making everyones lives harder to live. Less government is the answer.

[@cassandrapittman3490]

NOW THIS GENTLE IS DEFINITELY A REAL MAN & FATHER💯 AND HIS DAUGHTER IS VERY SWEET LADYPITT LADYPITT

[@JOESUBA122]

Damn! 🤲🏿🤲🏿🤲🏿🤲🏿💐🦾

[@EricaRivers-xl1sz]

Been there before

[@thetwinspuppetshow71]

where is her mom?

[@johnnypham2850]

BEAUTIFUL

[@shunpo9]

The difficult truth: 1. Move out of Boston, MA (nurses, accountants, and engineers cannot afford to live here--why are you adamant on staying?) 2. Move to Kentucky, West Virginia, New Mexico, Arkansas, or Texas. 3. Your problem is solved. You don't have to work 80 hours/week any longer. 4. You can't live in Hollywood or NYC or Boston... it is not possible.

[@kasheem1747]

I hope he has a KZbin channel because for some reason when a man falls on hard times there are know loans available no housing 😢

[@marisaalves6556]

God will bless you

[@pammynickerson1073]

We are in the same predicament only for us housing never comes, it's been 4 yrs.

[@joachimndahne5710]

Hey dude come to Australia and u will be fine America is a dump

[@latyshal.2286]

🙏🏾❤️

[@user-nh5do8rg2k]

Try to get a job in another state. There are more affordable housing. I lived in those places until l close on my house. They need to give him a place before anyone coming to this country.😮

[@annepierre-joseph2713]

You go America let’s keep sending money overseas ok let’s help the Ukrainian people ok while the Americans people are homeless with small kids I’m proud of y’all democrats 🤦‍♀️

[@pammynickerson1073]

I hear you and i can relate. Wecare in a local hotel in provincetown struggling to pay for it come may we will be homeless again😂

[@keithen8708]

The Pursuit of happiness Will Smith

[@JamesHarris-sh9ip]

I been here grey beard and all, daughter in college now baby momma free ride on drugs and the state no accountability don’t even know if DNA is mine but I did it

[@hedykarim3614]

And Billions are being sent to Israel

[@1uniquemonique]

I commend this man for not abandoning his child. For over a year he was unable to find housing in Massachusetts but the illegals with the help of local politicians was given housing overnight. These people will still vote Democrat. smh!!

[@sfcvelasco2412]

This person earns 50K and is complaining. He has made a series of bad choices.

[@TheYoli182]

Honestly 50k in MA, NY is not enough.

[@johnconnors3962]

It is always a pleasure to see THOSE people live in misery. Thank you for the wonderful video.