The latest Gap Report from NLIHC underscores the ongoing need for investment in affordable housing while highlighting Massachusetts’ relative strength compared to other states. Thanks to strong commitments to public housing, rental assistance, and homelessness prevention, Massachusetts has maintained a larger subsidized affordable housing stock than many other places. However, challenges remain in closing the affordability gap and ensuring that all residents have access to stable housing.
For every 100 extremely low-income (ELI) renters in Massachusetts, only 44 affordable and available homes exist, resulting in a statewide shortage of 183,253 units. This gap has only grown wider, with the number of ELI renters increasing by 10,000 in the past year alone. The shortage is particularly severe for households earning at or below 50% of AMI, where the demand for affordable housing is greatest. Yet restrictive land use policies and other barriers continue to limit the production of new affordable homes, further exacerbating the crisis and making it even harder for the lowest-income households to secure stable housing.
Addressing these challenges will take a comprehensive approach, including sustained investment in rental assistance, increased housing production, and reforms to outdated zoning policies. By taking these steps, Massachusetts can build on its progress and create lasting solutions that ensure more residents have access to safe, affordable homes.