Baker Administration Awards $13.7 Million for Supportive Housing

by | Apr 1, 2021 | Housing News

On March 31, 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $13.7 million in capital funding and project-based vouchers to support the production and preservation of 67 supportive homes for vulnerable populations, as well as 100 shelter beds.

The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), working with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), will make available approximately $2.6 million in National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) funding, dedicated to households at 30% area median income or less; $10.7 million in state bond funds through the Housing Innovations Fund (HIF) and the Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF); and 57 state project-based housing vouchers.

Supportive housing provides residents with social and health services, including job training, case management, healthcare coordination, addiction recovery resources, and more. All 67 units are affordable to low and extremely low-income people. There are an additional 20 units that are being supported through vouchers only but are eligible to seek additional state funding in the future.

Award Recipients:

37 Wales Street, Boston: The non-profit sponsor, Heading Home, will demolish a structurally compromised building and construct a new, 23-unit building. Located in Dorchester, the project will provide permanent supportive housing to formerly homeless, extremely low-income (ELI) individuals. The project also will be highly energy efficient. DHCD will support this project with subsidy funds and 23 enhanced rental vouchers.

6 Quint Ave, Boston: 6 Quint is an existing, privately owned lodging house in Allston. The non-profit sponsor, Allston-Brighton CDC, will purchase and redevelop this property into 14 supportive housing units targeted toward extremely low-income (ELI) individuals in the advanced stages of addiction recovery. DHCD subsidy funds will support the acquisition and renovation of this project. The Boston Housing Authority also is supporting 6 Quint with project-based rental vouchers.

Ashford Street, Boston: Ashford Street is an existing 12-unit project featuring single-room occupancy (SRO) units as well as studio and one-bedroom units. The sponsor is the non-profit Allston-Brighton CDC. Located in Allston, the project serves extremely low-income (ELI) individuals. DHCD funds will support the rehabilitation and preservation of this project, including improved accessibility, with subsidy funds and four rental vouchers. The Boston Housing Authority also is supporting Ashford Street with 8 rental vouchers.

Father Bill’s Housing Resource Center, Quincy: This project, sponsored by non-profit Father Bill’s and MainSpring (FBMS), consists of a new multi-use facility next to its existing shelter facility. It will incorporate approximately 100 shelter beds, onsite supportive services, a respite care area, food preparation and dining facilities, administrative offices, and a clinic. DHCD will support this project with subsidy funds. The City of Quincy is supporting the project by granting FBMS a 99-year lease at $1 per year and a capital award of $1 million in local housing trust funds.

A Place to Live – 30 Winfield Street, Worcester: The non-profit sponsor, South Middlesex Opportunity Council (SMOC), will construct a new three-story building for chronically homeless single adults. The building will consist of 18 studio apartments for at-risk homeless individuals as well as office space for full time case management and a community room. DHCD will support 30 Winfield Street with subsidies and 10 state MRVPs. The City of Worcester is providing $100,000 in local HOME funds as well as project-based subsidies.

Amherst Supportive Studio, Amherst: Sponsored by the non-profit Valley CDC, this project consists of the creation of 28 enhanced single-room occupancy (SRO) units. The building, which will achieve Passive House certification, will include one office for onsite property management and a separate office for a Resident Services Coordinator. The site currently holds a single-family home that will be demolished. The location is highly walkable, less than 1/2 mile to the Town Center and numerous service providers. DHCD will provide the project with 10 MRVP vouchers to assist in the effort to house ten homeless individuals.

New Point Acquisitions, Salem: North Shore Community Development Coalition (NSCDC) will carry out substantial capital improvements, implement supportive services, and convert 18 unrestricted units into affordable units for homeless individuals. Located in the Point neighborhood close to Salem’s center, this project consists of units divided across three, 3-story brick walk-up buildings. The City of Salem is supporting the project with City Home funds of $25,000, CPA funds of $100,000, CDBG funds of $25,000, and 8 rental vouchers.  DHCD will provide the project with 10 enhanced rental vouchers to assist NSCDC’s efforts to house homeless families.  NSCDC will apply to DHCD for subsidy funds in future competitive funding rounds.

Baker Administration Announces Housing Choice Awards & Designations

by | Mar 31, 2021 | Housing News

On March 31, 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded $5 million in capital grants to 28 communities under the Housing Choice Initiative and presented 14 communities with Housing Choice designations.

The Administration announced the re-designation of six Housing Choice Communities (Ayer, Burlington, Franklin, Hingham, Newton, and Wrentham), and also announced that eight new communities (Great Barrington, Holliston, Lincoln, Lynn, Maynard, Millbury, Walpole, and Wellesley) have qualified to join the program. This designation recognizes communities that have made progress toward housing development goals and the implementation of housing best practices to encourage sustainable development. The designation makes Housing Choice communities eligible for certain state grants. Today’s announcement brings the total number of current Housing Choice Communities to 78 across the Commonwealth.

The awards will provide nearly $4.3 million to 19 municipalities and over $700,000 to nine small towns across the state to support high-impact, smaller-scale local capital improvement projects that will create new housing units, undertake feasibility studies to expand affordable housing, and design and construct projects such as sidewalks, roads, storm drainage, and water/sewer infrastructure.

Housing Choice Capital Grants

Acton – The Town of Acton will use funding toward a feasibility study and design services for the proposed project at 348-364 Main Street to examine and layout the extension of the sewer main line to the site of Acton Housing Authority senior, rental, affordable housing and construction of sewer and water connections for the proposed Residences at Kelley’s Corner.

Amherst – The Town of Amherst will use funding to construct a fully accessible 8-10′ wide multi-use path along Mill Lane from Route 116 to the recently renovated Groff Park.

Andover – The Town of Andover will use funds to support their Downtown and Municipal Connectivity Project that will provide safe, sustainable and improved connections between an existing and a future affordable housing development.

Ayer – The Town of Ayer will use funding for an engineering survey/design plan, and cost estimate/schedule for a 1,000 linear ft. section of Park Street, the construction of an ADA-compliant sidewalk system, introduction of traffic-calming on-street parking, and re-location of obstructive public utility poles.

Chelsea – The City of Chelsea will use funding for a proposed capital project focused on pedestrian enhancements along Orange Street, directly adjacent to a new, neighborhood scale housing opportunity on two City owned parcels and to an existing Chelsea Housing Authority complex and other dense, residential dwellings.

Easton – The Town of Easton will direct funding toward complete streets improvements (pedestrian, bicycle, & transit accommodations), intersection upgrades, replacement of 3 culverts, & new storm water infrastructure for approximately 1.3 miles of Foundry Street.

Franklin – The Town of Franklin will use funding for engineering services related to the evaluation and design of a new booster pumping station and water main extension, and the removal of an outdated water pumping station.

Lawrence – The City of Lawrence will use funding to modernize and enhance the security systems and cameras at the Lawrence Housing Authority’s exterior and perimeter identified as “hot spots” for crime and the spread of COVID-19.

Littleton – The Town of Littleton will use funding to extend municipal infrastructure to connect to Hager Homestead, a new multi-family senior housing development that includes both market rate and affordable units.

Medfield – The Town of Medfield will direct funding toward engineering and design of intersection improvements at the Route 27 (North Meadows Road) and West Street intersection.

Nantucket – The Town of Nantucket will use funding to support the proposed Waitt Drive roadway connector serving approximately 10 new parcels and a 64-unit affordable housing complex.

Newburyport – As part of the redevelopment of the Brown School, the City of Newburyport will use funding for the removal and replacement of the boiler system as well as toward renovations to other building systems necessary to make adaptive, reuse of the building for housing units and city services.

Northampton – The City of Northampton will use funding for the engineering, pre-construction, and infrastructure necessary to develop 25 affordable housing units at two City sites at the former Northampton State Hospital.

Quincy – The City of Quincy has designated funds to support portions of the design and engineering services for the planned Father Bill’s & MainSpring Housing Resource Center, a new model of housing and services.

Salem – The City of Salem will direct funding toward construction services to replace 1,400 feet of a 100-year-old water main below Bridge Street between Boston Street and Flint Street.

Salisbury – The Town of Salisbury will use grant funds for the Forest Road residential neighborhood infrastructure project to design, permit, and begin construction of 4,200 linear feet of proposed roadway and sidewalk improvements.

Somerville – The City of Somerville will use funds for the Gilman Square Streetscape & Intersection project to re-align the high-speed, uncontrolled intersection of Medford and Pearl Street adjacent to the new MBTA Green Line station.

Taunton – The City of Taunton will direct funds toward the reconstruction of 2,500 linear feet of concrete sidewalks along both sides of Weir Street in the city’s downtown.

Tewksbury – The Town of Tewskbury will use funding to construct sidewalks along Main Street from Colonial Drive to Victor Drive servicing the 192-unit Balsam Place rental project completed in 2018 in addition to 109 40B units at Orchard Street, Fahey Place and Village Green.

CDC Extends Eviction Moratorium through June 30th

by | Mar 29, 2021 | Housing News

On March 29, 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extended its federal moratorium on evictions for non-payment of rent until June 30. This moratorium will help keep millions of renters stably housed during the pandemic and prevent further spread of and deaths from COVID-19. The White House has issued an eviction moratorium fact sheet, which indicates that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) will launch a new effort to increase awareness of the moratorium’s protections. The CFPB and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will enforce penalties against landlords who violate the order.

Former Rep. Marcia Fudge Confirmed as HUD Secretary

by | Mar 10, 2021 | Housing News

On Wednesday, March 10th, the Senate voted 66-34 to confirm former Representative Marcia Fudge (D-OH-11) as secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Secretary Fudge becomes the first Black woman in decades to head the agency and will be charged with addressing the challenges of America’s housing crisis that have been worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic.

CHAPA and the New England Housing Network look forward to working with Secretary Fudge and HUD to provide safe, healthy, and affordable homes for our families in Massachusetts and across the region.

Congress Passes $1.9 Trillion American Rescue Plan of 2021

by | Mar 10, 2021 | Housing News

On Wednesday, March 10th, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan of 2021. In total, the bill contains $1.9 trillion in comprehensive COVID-19 relief, including $1,400 stimulus checks, extension of unemployment insurance, and direct aid to state and local governments.

The American Rescue Plan of 2021 also includes the following affordable housing resources:

  • $21.55 billion for the Emergency Rental Assistance program;
  • $9.96 billion to establish a Homeowner Assistance Fund that would be administered by the Treasury Department;
  • $5 billion for homelessness assistance and supportive services;
  • $5 billion in emergency housing vouchers;
  • $800 million to identify and provide children and youth experiencing homelessness with wrap-around services amid the pandemic;
  • $750 million for housing assistance and supportive services for Native Americans;
  • $100 million to assist tenants living in USDA-subsidized developments;
  • $100 million for housing counseling;
  • $39 million for direct loans made under Section 502 and 504; and
  • $20 million for the Fair Housing Initiative Program.

President Biden is expected to sign the legislation into law before the end of the week.

DHCD Announces $34 Million in CDBG Awards

by | Mar 2, 2021 | Housing News

On March 2, DHCD announced $34 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to 41 communities. The awards will help will help cities and towns rehabilitate more than 350 homes, fund 17 infrastructure improvement projects, and support programming for children, teenagers, survivors of domestic violence, homeless individuals, and the elderly.

CDBG funds local community development activities with the stated goal of providing affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development.

CDBG Awards

AMESBURY will receive $550,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 10 units and an after school program for youth.

AMHERST will receive $825,000 for Mill Lane infrastructure improvements, housing authority modernization, microenterprise assistance to 25 businesses, and to provide support for a food pantry, youth mentoring, adult literacy, immigrant services and family stabilization services.

ATHOL will receive $800,000 for infrastructure improvements to Walnut Street neighborhood.

BLANDFORD will receive $449,825 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 12 units and to produce and ADA Transition plan.

BUCKLAND will receive $756,798 for infrastructure improvements to Lower Ashfield Street and to support a food pantry.

CHELSEA will receive $825,000 for Cherry Street road and sidewalk improvements, Chelsea Square Park improvements, housing rehabilitation assistance for 4 units and social service assistance to include youth services, ESOL and citizenship training.

CHESTER, HUNTINGTON, MIDDLEFIELD will receive $1,300,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 6 units, Prospect Street infrastructure improvements and social service assistance for domestic violence prevention, family health, elder services and to support a food pantry.

CHESTERFIELD, CUMMINGTON, GOSHEN, PERU, PLAINFIELD and WILLIAMSBURG, WORTHINGTON will receive $1,300,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 16 units, design for a senior center and to provide childcare assistance, elder services and to support a food pantry.

DALTON, BECKETT, SHEFFIELD, STOCKBRIDGE will receive $1,298,304 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 20 units and to produce ADA Plans for Dalton, Beckett and Stockbridge.

DENNIS, BREWSTER, WELLFLEET will receive $1,300,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 15 units and childcare assistance.

EASTHAMPTON will receive $800,000 for infrastructure improvements to Admiral Street neighborhood.

EDGARTOWN, AQUINNAH and WEST TISBURY will receive $1,300,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 25 units and to provide childcare assistance.

EGREMONT, GREAT BARRINGTON, SANDISFIELD will receive $1,300,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 29 units.

EVERETT will receive $825,000 to provide design for Chelsea Street playground improvements, a housing production plan, housing rehabilitation assistance for 11 units and social service assistance to include homelessness prevention, ESOL, youth services, elder services and a food pantry.

GARDNER will receive $825,000 for downtown infrastructure improvements, design for downtown infrastructure improvements and Park Street park improvements and social service assistance to include youth services, substance abuse service and domestic violence prevention services.

GREENFIELD will receive $825,000 for West Street infrastructure improvements, downtown revitalization planning and to support a food pantry, elder services and adult literacy.

HEATH AND HAWLEY will receive $876,713 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 16 units.

HOLLAND AND WALES will receive $582,200 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 12 units, design for Union Road infrastructure improvements and social service assistance for domestic violence prevention and to support a food pantry.

HUNTINGTON will receive $572,248 for infrastructure improvements to Crescent Street and ADA improvements to town hall.

LEICESTER will receive $335,200 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 7 units and design for ADA improvements to Russell Memorial park.

MARLBOROUGH will receive $799,455 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 10 units, roof repairs to Liberty Hill public housing, infrastructure improvements to Harrison Place and youth services.

METHUEN will receive $550,000 for ADA improvements to Broadway Street and social service assistance for youth services, childcare, elder transportation and adult literacy.

MILLBURY AND DUDLEY will receive $664,500 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 15 units, design for Pear-Maple infrastructure improvements in Millbury and design for Millbury senior center improvements.

MONTAGUE will receive $675,519 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 2 units, Avenue A streetscape improvements, design for Hillcrest playground improvements and to provide social services to include family counseling, recovery counseling, a meals program and youth services.

NORTH ADAMS will receive $825,000 for Liberty and North Holden Street improvements, senior center improvements and social services.

NORTH BROOKFIELD AND BROOKFIELD will receive $661,500 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 14 units and North Brookfield senior center improvements.

NORTHBRIDGE will receive $800,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 14 units and planning to prepare an area wide slum and blight inventory.

OAK BLUFFS, CHILMARK and TISBURY will receive $1,300,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 25 units and to provide childcare assistance.

ORANGE will receive $575,342 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 5 units and social service assistance for disability services, mediation services, family counseling, adult education and a food pantry.

PALMER will receive $825,000 to provide housing rehabilitation to 15 units, Hyrniewicz Park design, a housing production plan and domestic violence prevention and transportation services.

ROCKLAND will receive $729,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 11 units and housing authority modernization.

SALISBURY will receive $550,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 8 units, design for Meanders Lane neighborhood improvements and social services assistance to Boys and Girls Club, childcare and homelessness and food pantry.

SHELBURNE will receive $787,832 for Bridge Street infrastructure improvements and to support a food pantry.

SOUTH HADLEY will receive $512,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 12 units and design for Center Street improvements.

SOUTHBRIDGE will receive $825,000 for West Street roadway improvements, McCann Field improvement and code enforcement.

SOUTHWICK will receive $468,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 6 units, design for North Lake Avenue infrastructure improvements and to support a food pantry.

TRURO, EASTHAM and PROVINCETOWN will receive $1,300,000 to provide housing rehabilitation assistance to 25 units and to provide childcare assistance.

WARE will receive $800,000 for Bank Street infrastructure improvements and social services assistance for domestic violence prevention, health services and literacy services.

WAREHAM will receive $825,000 for housing rehabilitation assistance to 8 units, Bayview Park sidewalk improvements, and support for a food pantry, homelessness prevention, Boys and Girls Club, and literacy and transportation services.

WEBSTER will receive $825,000 for Granite Street infrastructure improvements and downtown and Riverwalk improvements.

WEST SPRINGFIELD will receive $825,000 to provide public facilities improvements (Boys and Girls Club), Chapin Street infrastructure improvements, code enforcement, FTHB program, ESOL, employment training and Head Start.

WINCHENDON will receive $715,510 for Railroad Street infrastructure improvements and to provide fuel assistance.