Dozens of protesters gathered in the freezing cold on Saturday in Nubia Square in Roxbury to demand government action on what they believe is an unprecedented economic and health crisis.

“The government must make the cancellation of rents and mortgages a priority. This is the only solution that will ensure that people do not lose their homes because of this crisis, ”said Joe Tiche.

With the ongoing coronavirus pandemic leaving thousands of people out of work, many have no way of paying their rent.

“We have people in our group who have tens of thousands of dollars in rent debts because they lost their jobs due to the pandemic and had no money to pay their rent,” said Rahcel Domond. “We saw absolutely no relief from the federal government or the local government.”

They are asking for government help and believe that without rent relief many will be homeless.

“Eventually that day will come when they will either pay or get kicked out of their homes,” Tiche said. “They’re not just going to magically appear with thousands of dollars in rent. So we need to make sure we step in before that point.”

Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has put forward $ 171 million as part of an initiative to help tenants and landlords.