The Baker-Polito Administration awarded more than $31 million in direct subsidies, tax credits, and housing vouchers, including two projects in Lynn, to support the development and preservation of 11 housing facilities in Massachusetts, including 237 permanent housing units and 200 shelter beds for families and individuals. Since 2015, the Permanent Supportive Housing Program has produced or preserved more than 3,500 permanent supportive housing units for families, individuals, veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
“Building and preserving supportive housing is a critical part of ensuring a healthy housing market that meets the diverse needs of our Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We are pleased to direct state and federal funds to bolster the pipeline of housing projects and provide stable housing options for all households.”
Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox joined Worcester Mayor Joseph M. Petty, Acting Worcester City Manager Eric Batista, representatives from The Community Builders and Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, and local officials at the Aurora Apartments in Worcester to celebrate this year’s Permanent Supportive Housing Program awards round.
“These awards will provide vital housing resources in cities and towns across our state, and we are proud to support the creation of new shelter and permanent housing units this year,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Here in Worcester, the redevelopment of the Aurora Apartments will ensure this building remains a vibrant part of our downtown and offers a unique resource to individuals struggling with housing stability. We are grateful to our partners across the Commonwealth for dedicating their expertise to our most vulnerable populations.”
Each year, the Department of Housing and Community Development works with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) to distribute capital funds as well as project-based housing vouchers to pay for supportive services through a competitive process administered by the agency’s Supportive Housing for Vulnerable Populations program. These supportive services support veterans, older adults, persons with disabilities, individuals and families who have experienced homelessness, as well as unaccompanied youth. Specialized services may include child care, mental health services, job training, case management, and other services for vulnerable populations.
“In the midst of Massachusetts’ ongoing housing crisis, it is critical that we build and preserve permanent supportive housing that meets the needs of our most vulnerable residents,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “Housing has been a key area of focus for the Baker-Polito Administration since day one, and we are continuing that commitment now by directing $31 million to support 11 housing projects from Springfield to Boston.”
“We have a housing shortage affecting every corner of our Commonwealth, but we also have an incredible opportunity to leverage growing momentum for housing production and immense new state and federal resources,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox.“The Department of Housing and Community Development is committed to helping cities and towns plan for housing by providing technical assistance and funding to help projects move from an idea to new homes.”
“CEDAC is proud to collaborate with the Baker-Polito Administration and our non-profit housing partners on these new supportive housing developments, which come at a time of intense need as the Commonwealth faces an ongoing housing shortage that affects the most vulnerable members of our population,”said Roger Herzog, Executive Director of CEDAC. “We look forward to continuing our work with Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox and her team at the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) as we pursue our mission to increase housing accessibility for those in need.”
Award Recipients:
Catalyst Housing (Lynn): This is a historic re-use project that will serve homeless and/or extremely low‑income individuals, sponsored by the nonprofit Harborlight Community Partners, Inc., working with The Haven Project, Inc. When construction is complete, the project will offer 24 studio units, with 23 units reserved for homeless individuals, including youth and young adults. The sponsor also will offer extensive support services to the new residents of Catalyst Housing. DHCD will support this project with low-income housing tax credits and subsidy funds. The City of Lynn also will support Catalyst Housing with funds of its own.
Lynn Emergency Shelter (Lynn): Nonprofit sponsor Lynn Shelter Association will rehab the Lynn Emergency Shelter that will offer 40 beds for homeless adults with extensive support services for residents. DHCD will support the project with subsidy funds. The City of Lynn will support the project with funds of its own, and the sponsor is engaged in an ongoing fundraising campaign in support of this important project.