by iwd Tina | Dec 14, 2022 | Housing News
December 14, 2022 — BOSTON — A new report from a partnership of housing groups finds that Massachusetts could provide affordable housing for 240,000 families by investing in a statewide expansion of the state’s housing voucher program. The report, entitled A Right to Rental Assistance in Massachusetts, estimates that making the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) available to all eligible households would cost $3.2 billion annually. The report answers critical questions about how the expansion of MRVP might work, how many could benefit, what it would cost, and how we could meet the implementation challenges. The Boston Foundation, MetroHousing|Boston, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA), Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts (RHN), and the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (MassNAHRO) funded and informed the report. The Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University provided technical support.
“That Massachusetts has a challenge meeting its affordable housing demand is beyond question,” said Soni Gupta, associate vice president, neighborhoods and housing at the Boston Foundation. “But this report lays out a practical case for meeting that demand using a system that has already served hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts families – if we have the fortitude to treat housing as the human right it is.”
While MRVP remains the largest state-funded voucher program in the country, it serves less than 10,000 households at its current budget — a small percentage of the 585,000 individuals and families estimated in the report to be eligible for state and federal housing assistance. The $3.2 billion expansion of the program would reach an estimated 240,000 eligible for MRVP not already being served by other state and federal programs, taking into account that some households would not have eligible housing or opt not to apply for the program at any given time. The investment, while significant, compares favorably to other core priorities, such as universal preschool.
“The current mix of systems falls far short of what is needed to make affordable housing available to all people in Massachusetts,” noted Chris Norris, executive director of Metro Housing|Boston. “But research and experience show that filling that gap and creating a more cohesive system would reduce poverty and homelessness, improve children’s health and education outcomes, and create needed stability in the housing market, with the greatest impact on those with the lowest incomes.”
Key Findings
The report found that expanding MRVP to all that were eligible would:
- Bring the benefits of MRVP to a broader population of seniors, families, and other individuals with very low incomes, reducing poverty and homelessness while also increasing housing stability and family mobility.
- Eliminate the distortions and deep unfairness that come with the current lottery and waitlist approach.
- Reduce property owner discrimination against voucher holders since landlords who turn away eligible families would find themselves cut off from a huge new market.
- Create new incentives to construct housing for voucher-holders with the assurance of a guaranteed government payment for all units.
- Further racial equity in housing, as nearly half of Black families and 56 percent of Latino families would be eligible versus less than one in five White families.
- Potentially save the state money in other areas, including homelessness assistance and emergency housing, which typically cost the state $300–$400 million per year.
“After these two strenuous years and counting, many of us are still struggling to stay afloat amidst the impacts of the pandemic,” said Reverend Myrlande DesRosiers, director of the Everett Haitian Community Center, an organization with extensive experience providing emergency housing support to people, especially immigrants, in the metro north region. “Adequate housing is essential for socioeconomic development and success. Providing rental vouchers will open a clear path to stable housing for all.”
The MRVP expansion would require a phased approach to allow new administrative methods to take root, adjustments based on data and best practices, and an integrated statewide approach to oversight and management. It would also likely need codification in the state’s general laws to reduce the year-to-year uncertainty of funding.
“To bring rents in newly developed buildings to levels that people with low incomes can afford, rental assistance is vital in bridging the gap. In the open market, rental assistance helps make more homes affordable too. It’s an economical and social imperative when housing costs far outpace wages and there’s an affordable housing shortage,” said Rachel Heller, chief executive officer of CHAPA. “Now is the time to build upon the Legislature’s investments in MRVP so that everyone can get the rental assistance they need.”
Today’s report release also serves as the initial launch of a campaign to bring universal rental assistance to Massachusetts. The campaign seeks to bring together housing, business, and other groups interested in strong and stable affordable housing programs to educate and inform policymakers and other leaders about this opportunity.
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Founded in 1915, the Boston Foundation is one of the most influential community foundations in the country. Partnering with community members, donors, the public sector, businesses and nonprofits, we aim to repair past harms and build a more equitable future for our city and region. Supported by the Annual Campaign for Civic Leadership, we publish research into current critical issues, convene people in public forums to discuss the city’s agenda and the region’s trends—and use our shared knowledge to advocate for public policies that promote equity and opportunity for everyone. TBF is also one of New England’s largest grantmakers, supporting nonprofits in Greater Boston through our endowment and working closely with our donors to support nonprofits locally, nationally and internationally.
Citizens’ Housing & Planning Association (CHAPA) is Massachusetts’s leading statewide affordable housing policy organization. Established in 1967, CHAPA advocates for increased opportunity and expanded access to housing so every person in Massachusetts can have a safe, healthy, and affordable place to call home in their chosen communities. For more information, visit www.chapa.org.
Serving more than 25,000 households annually, Metro Housing|Boston is dedicated to mobilizing wide-ranging resources to provide innovative and personalized services that assist families in avoiding homelessness, maintain housing stability, and achieve economic security. With more than 30 years’ experience piloting and implementing housing programs, it has solidified their position as an industry-leading expert on navigating the affordable housing field. Metro Housing|Boston is committed to making sure that every person in Greater Boston will always have a place to call home. Visit www.metrohousingboston.org.
The Regional Housing Network of Massachusetts (RHN) is a non-profit organization whose members deliver progressive, affordable housing solutions and education to families and individuals in every community in the Commonwealth. We partner with clients, landlords, elected officials, cabinet agencies, other funders, as well as advocacy organizations and legal services. RHN successfully advocates and serves its clients – often among the most vulnerable in the Commonwealth – by stabilizing households, ensuring that landlords are paid, tenancies are preserved, and that utility arrearages are cured, which leads to healthy, vibrant communities across all regions of Massachusetts. Visit https://www.masshousinginfo.org/regional-housing-network-massachusetts for more information.
The Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Housing & Redevelopment Officials (MassNAHRO) connects public housing agencies of all sizes, state and federal, to resources to achieve professional success through collaboration, education, and advocacy. MassNAHRO represents and advocates on behalf of the 242 local housing authorities in the Commonwealth that own and operate 43,000 units of state-subsidized housing that serve more than 70,000 low-income veterans, seniors, families, and people with disabilities. For more, visit massnahro.org.
by iwd Tina | Dec 8, 2022 | Housing News
On December 8, the Baker Administration awarded $93.4 million to build 790 homes in 14 communities. The award included $29.4 million in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
Governor Baker announced the awards as part of a housing roundtable discussion, which included CHAPA’s CEO Rachel Heller, about the Baker-Polito Administration’s progress in expanding access to housing in Massachusetts over the past eight years.
According the event’s press release, the following projects received awards:
Awarded Projects
McManus Manor (Acton) is a new construction project for seniors. The sponsor is the nonprofit Acton Housing Authority. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidies, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Town of Acton also will provide local funding. Designed to Passive House certification standards, McManus Manor will offer 41 total units, all of which will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Eleven units will be further restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. The sponsor will provide supportive services to the new residents of the completed project.
1201 River Street (Boston) is a new construction project for seniors located in Boston’s Hyde Park neighborhood. The sponsor is the nonprofit B’nai B’rith. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The City of Boston will support the project with local funding. Designed to Passive House certification standards, the completed project will offer 63 total units. All units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 18 units further restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. The sponsor will offer supportive services to the new residents of the completed project.
Cape View Way (Bourne) is a new construction project. The nonprofit cosponsors are Housing Assistance Corporation and Preservation of Affordable Housing. DHCD will support the project, permitted through Chapter 40B, with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Cape Cod Consortium also is expected to provide additional local funding for the project. Designed to Passive House certification standards, the completed project will offer 42 total units. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
62 Packard (Hudson) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Hudson will support the project with local funding. The project includes a multifamily building designed to Passive House certification standards as well as townhouses. When completed, 62 Packard will offer 40 total units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 13 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
YWCA Residences at Ingalls Court (Methuen) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit YWCA of Greater Newburyport. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Methuen will provide local funding in support of YWCA Residences. When completed, the project will offer 48 total units. All 48 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
10 at 8th Street (New Bedford) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Alinea Capital Partners. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of New Bedford will support the project with local funding. When completed, 10 at 8th Street will offer 52 new units, all of which will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
Amethyst Brook Apartments (Pelham) is a new construction project. The sponsor is the nonprofit Home City Development, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Town of Pelham will support the project with local funding. When completed, Amethyst Brook Apartments will offer 34 total units, all will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 11 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
White Terrace (Pittsfield) is a historic rehabilitation project. Three properties, which are significantly deteriorated, will be fully rehabilitated as housing by Regan Development Corporation. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The City of Pittsfield will support the project with local funding. When completed, White Terrace will offer 41 fully rehabilitated units. All 41 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
Salem Schools (Salem) is a historic adaptive re-use project. Two vacant school buildings will be fully rehabilitated as senior housing by the nonprofit sponsor, North Shore Community Development Coalition. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Salem will support the project with local funding. When completed, Salem Schools will feature 61 total units. Fifty-six units will be affordable to senior households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for senior households earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The sponsor will also provide supportive services to the new residents of Salem Schools.
Pointe Hills Farm (Shrewsbury) is a new construction project. The sponsor is WinnDevelopment. DHCD will support project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The Town of Shrewsbury will support the project with local funding. The project will be designed to Passive House certification standards. Pointe Hills Farm will offer 93 total units. Fifty-six units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 13 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
Elm Place (Swampscott) is a new construction transit-oriented project. The sponsor is WinnDevelopment. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Swampscott will support the project with local funding. When construction is completed, Elm Place will offer 114 total units. Seventy-eight units will be affordable to individuals or families earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units further restricted for individuals or families earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
Cloverleaf (Truro) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Community Housing Resource, Inc. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Truro will support the project with significant local funding. When completed, Cloverleaf will offer 39 total units. Twenty-five units will be affordable to individuals or families earning less than 60% of AMI, with six units further restricted for individuals or families earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
Leland House (Waltham) is a new construction project for seniors. The nonprofit sponsor is 2Life Communities. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds, including American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The City of Waltham will support the project with significant local funding. When completed, Leland House will offer 68 total units for seniors. Sixty‑six units will be affordable to seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 17 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness. The sponsor, 2Life Communities, will provide support services to the new residents of Leland House.
RiverLofts at Cable Mills (Williamstown) is a new construction project. The sponsor is Mitchell Properties, LLC. DHCD will support the project with federal and state low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Williamstown will support the project with local funding. When completed, RiverLofts will offer 54 total units. Twenty-seven units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with eight units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI, and, in some cases, transitioning from homelessness.
by iwd Tina | Dec 5, 2022 | Housing News
Governor-Elect Maura Healey and Attorney General-Elect Andrea Campbell named two members of CHAPA’s staff to their transition teams. Rachel Heller, CEO, will serve on the Healey-Driscall transition. Eric Shupin, Director of Public Policy, will work on Campbell’s transition. Heller and Shupin will advise the incoming Governor and Attorney General, respectively, on affordable housing policy as they prepare to take office in January.
by iwd Tina | Dec 5, 2022 | Housing News
CHAPA is hiring an additional Municipal Engagement Program Associate. The Municipal Engagement Program Associate will work to build support for affordable housing production and bolster efforts to expand housing opportunities at the local level in communities across the Commonwealth.
Please find more details and how to apply on our Jobs Board posting. Applications are due by January 6, 2023.
by iwd Tina | Nov 28, 2022 | Housing News
On November 18th, Governor Baker filed a Supplemental budget H.5394 to provide housing and other necessary services for refugees and migrants. The arrival of refugees and migrants from countries like Afghanistan, Haiti, Venezuela, and Ukraine has led to increased demand for emergency shelters in Massachusetts. The Governor proposes establishing a reserve of $130 million through the supplemental budget for increased shelter capacity, healthcare costs, and services across all state agencies responding to the increased need.
Massachusetts is a right-to-shelter state and provides shelter to all individuals and families eligible. In addition to the $20 million reserve allocated through the recently passed Economic Development bill, the supplemental budget proposes to:
- Cover the projected cost of the Emergency Assistance (EA) program through the end of the fiscal year 2023
- Facilitate the recruitment and retention of service providers
- Support renovation and construction costs to bring new shelter units online
- Establish and operate a temporary centralized intake center for families eligible for shelter
The budget bill also includes $37 million of the reserve for local school districts through the next two school years for student aid and authorization for the transfer of funds between EA and HomeBASE programs. For more information, see the Governor’s letter to the Legislature on the Supplemental Budget.
by iwd Tina | Nov 23, 2022 | Housing News
The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) released its Compliance Model for estimating the key zoning metrics required under Section 3A of the Zoning Act, which requires communities served by the MBTA to have at least one reasonably sized zoning district where multifamily housing is allowed by-right.
There are several zoning requirements in Section 3A related to district size and location, multi-family unit capacity, gross density, and other benchmarks. The compliance model ensures a standard way of evaluating and estimating multi-family zoning districts on these metrics across all MBTA communities.
According to DHCD, the compliance model was developed to create reasonable estimates that can be used to verify compliance with Section 3A. It is not intended to be as rigorous as a full, detailed build out analysis. Therefore, while the outputs from the model provide good estimates relative to the compliance metrics, they do not provide absolute measures of development potential. The development of the model was completed with the input and assistance of consultants and other experts and key stakeholders.
There is technical assistance available for municipalities seeking support as they use the model. Additional resources, guides, and examples will be posted to DHCD’s website as they become available.
Also available are the necessary land maps for every MBTA community, a compliance model user guide, and a sources and methodology explainer.
Finally, there are several reference layers available for download that are essential for calculations or helpful as references for those tasked with operating the model.
