Baker-Polito Administration Awards $21 Million for Affordable Housing Construction - March 11, 2016
Awards will support the creation of 312 units for at-risk populations
Framingham – March 11, 2016 – Today the Baker-Polito Administration announced more than $21 million in affordable housing awards, including $10.6 million from the Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund (HPSTF), to create 312 new units of supportive housing for homeless individuals and families, veterans, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
“Providing stable housing and supportive services to homeless and at-risk families helps to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today’s awards will help ensure that the complex needs of homeless individuals and families are adequately met, putting recipients on the path to self-sufficiency and independence.”
The grant recipients were announced by Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Undersecretary Chrystal Kornegay at Tribune Apartments, an existing, historic, 53-unit building for the elderly in downtown Framingham in need of significant rehabilitation, including roof replacement and accessibility upgrades, to allow residents to age in place while providing access to comprehensive supportive services, including social programs, meal delivery, transportation assistance and health aides sponsored by Preservation of Affordable Housing.
“Addressing the tragedy of homelessness requires understanding and addressing the underlying needs of vulnerable populations,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Connecting individuals and families to the education, skills training, and childcare they need will support their long-term stability, improve their economic prospects, and will make the Commonwealth stronger.”
“Supportive housing, including the wraparound services provided, can be the difference between long-term stability and homelessness for at-risk individuals and families,” said Undersecretary of Housing and Community Development Chrystal Kornegay. “The detrimental effects of homelessness and instability on children and families is well documented. Mitigating or solving these effects will help to build strong residents, families, and communities across the Commonwealth.”
The Baker-Polito Administration has implemented a holistic approach to reducing homelessness through early intervention and wraparound services for homeless and at-risk populations, as well as through the creation of affordable rental housing for homeless and at-risk families and individuals. Housing Preservation and Stabilization Trust Fund awards support these efforts by financing the construction of affordable housing with integrated support services.
HPSTF awards provide flexible funding for supportive housing low-income families and individuals in the Commonwealth, particularly those who are homeless and most at risk of becoming homeless. The comprehensive support services, including education, skills training, childcare, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and comprehensive case management, aim to ensure that individuals and families do not fall back into homelessness.
The Administration augmented HPSTF awards by awarding supportive housing projects with 91 project-based vouchers from the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program. The rental vouchers will allow homeless and very low-income households to move into long-term housing.
Click here for the full press release, including a list of awardees.