Baker Administration Makes Supportive Housing Awards

On May 7, the Baker Administration announced supportive housing awards to produce and preserve 147 units of supportive housing for vulnerable populations, including homeless families and individuals, veterans, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals with disabilities.  

Supportive housing provides residents with social and health services, including childcare, job training, case management, healthcare coordination and more. All 147 units are affordable to low and extremely low-income people.

The awards will fund seven projects, with $6 million in grant funding, $2.5 million in federal funding and state project-based housing vouchers. 

Award Recipients

123 Crawford St., Boston

This existing 24-unit Single Room Occupancy (SRO) project for formerly homeless individuals is located in the Trotter Garrison neighborhood of Roxbury. DHCD is awarding funds to the Commonwealth Land Trust to repair and upgrade the building’s envelope and major systems. Two live-in staff and case managers will provide intensive supportive services to a high need target population including individuals with major medical and/or mental health challenges.    

112-116 Emerson St., Haverhill

This existing 21-unit project provides permanent, supportive sober housing for homeless elders and individuals with disabilities at three properties and is owned and operated by Emmaus, Inc. DHCD is supporting the project with MRVP vouchers with supportive service funding. These enhanced vouchers will assist Emmaus in providing robust housing supports to both CSPECH and non-CSPECH eligible residents.     

Opening Doors, Lowell

Alternative House provides emergency shelter, transitional and permanent housing to survivors of DV. DHCD’s capital funds will finance the construction of a new eight-unit DV shelter that will accommodate eight women and up to 14 children. Their existing shelter, an aging single-family home, will be sold and the sales proceeds will help defray the cost of the new building.

420, 423, and 445 Broadway, Lowell

This existing 29-unit project consists of three multi-family properties on Broadway in Lowell. DHCD’s funding will allow Common Ground Development Corporation, an affiliate of Community Teamwork, Inc., to undertake exterior improvements to all three buildings, and convert two standard units into accessible units for residents with mobility impairments.  

2033 Ocean St., Marshfield

Marshfield Veterans House will provide supportive housing for eight homeless veterans. With DHCD’s financial support, Neighborworks Southern Massachusetts will convert a town-owned historic property into eight studios and a small archive room for the local historical society. Father Bill’s & MainSpring will provide comprehensive supportive services to the residents.   

26 Moulton St., Randolph

Father Bill’s & MainSpring developed a partnership with Envision Bank to construct 10 studio apartments for homeless veterans on a vacant parcel behind the bank. DHCD will provide state and federal funds to finance the construction. In addition to the land, the bank is providing grant funding. 

One Salem Square, Worcester

The YWCA of Central Massachusetts is renovating its main building in downtown Worcester including an existing SRO program for women, 12 child care classrooms, and its health and fitness program areas. DHCD funds will allow the YWCA to renovate 41 existing SROs and add six more rooms, for a total of 47 units. The organization has undertaken a capital campaign to renovate the non-residential portions of the building.