Tag: Governor Charlie Baker

Space matters: Massachusetts invests in improving early education buildings and facilities

This summer, Massachusetts awarded $4 million in grants to help early education and after-school programs improve their physical spaces. The money comes from the Early Education and Care and Out of School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund, which was created by the state Legislature.

As we’ve blogged before, engaging classrooms, lively safe playgrounds, and well-designed bathrooms are some of the key features that create nurturing environments for young children.

But programs often can’t afford the costs of badly needed construction and renovations. That’s why these capital improvement funds are so important.

In a statement, Governor Charlie Baker said, “Renovating and repairing facilities helps achieve our goal of improving the quality of early education and care.”

Massachusetts’ Secretary of Education James Peyser said. “We know that building deficiencies impact the quality of teaching and learning in early childhood and out-of-school time facilities. These grants were created to help non-profit providers serving children living in low-income communities improve their facilities.”

Administered by the Children’s Investment Fund, an affiliate of CEDAC (the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation), the grant funds were given to four organizations:

Citizens for Citizens, Fall River, $1 million

The funds will pay for “playground improvements, window replacements, and critical safety and security upgrades to an existing Head Start program in a 118-year-old building,” according to the Children’s Investment Fund.

Crispus Attucks Children’s Center, Dorchester, $1 million

The center “will replace the HVAC system and make building envelope upgrades. It also plans to improve the design of its infant area and reconfigure toddler classrooms.

Elizabeth Stone House, Roxbury, $1 million

The funds will be used to build “a 5-story multi-service building which will include 32 units of affordable housing and a licensed early childhood education (ECE) program serving 51 children.”

Holyoke-Chicopee-Springfield Head Start, Springfield, $1 million

Head Start officials plan to build “an Educare model facility for 141 ECE children.”

All four organizations “serve publicly subsidized families, have demonstrated financial need, and have secured additional funding to pay for a portion of their project costs,” the statement from Governor Baker’s office explains.

The benefits of these efforts will be substantial. As Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito explained, “High-quality programs help young children develop healthy learning habits, which is good for the community and for our Commonwealth as a whole.”

And as Tom Weber, commissioner of the Department of Early Education and Care, adds, “We are pleased to make these awards as this public investment in building construction and renovation of early education programs will benefit children, local communities, and the state for years to come.”

SourceEye on Early Education

State investing $1 million for Fall River CFC Head Start renovations

The little preschoolers in the Citizens for Citizens’ Head Start program probably won’t notice the new fire suppression system, windows or paint in the building, but their parents can feel good about those safety and aesthetic updates.

CFC was recently awarded a $1 million grant from the state’s Community Economic Development Assistance Corp. It was one of four $1 million capital improvement grants awarded state-wide to child care agencies that serve children from low-income families.

The grants, awarded on behalf of the Baker-Polito administration, are to make critical facility repairs and renovations to improve the environments used by young children.

“This floor will be renovated,” said Pamela Wildnauer, CFC’s Head Start and Early Head Start director, standing on the first level of the former Aldrich School, 295 Harrison St.

The Aldrich School was an elementary school built in 1920. CFC has been using the building since the 1980s for its Head Start program.

“We really haven’t had the funding to do much over the years,” Wildnauer said.

Some 200 children attend CFC Head Start in the Aldrich School building during the school year, just about to get underway after Labor Day. A smaller program runs during the summer.

Wildnauer said the school that has “great bones, great architecture” will be updated with a new electrical system, fire suppression system, fire doors, new flooring, and replacement windows.

“The opportunity presented itself for capital improvement funding,” Wildnauer said.

She said it would allow CFC to offer its families a high quality space for education that is “safe and healthy.”

Once the major repairs — to take place next summer — are finished, Wildnauer is hoping there will be funds left to update the basement for rainy-day activities when the children can’t go outside, for a conference room, and to enclose the kitchen.

The kitchen is used to prepare more than 400 meals each day for the children in Head Start programs at the Aldrich School, as well as CFC’s Robeson Street site, and other smaller sites in the city and in Swansea.

The basement space is also used for free GED classes for parents of Head Start children. Besides class, they receive free transportation, child care and meals.

Repairs were made to the second floor and playground last year with grant funding.

“It’s nice and homey, more comfortable,” said teacher assistant Dawn Mello, working to set up her second-floor classroom.

In the next phase, CFC will seek grant funding for a new heating and air conditioning system. Other repairs needed include a new roof at the Robeson Street building.

The three other child care facilities to receive a $1 million grant are located in Dorchester, Roxbury and Springfield. The grant was awarded by the Department of Early Education & Care through the Early Education & Care & Out of School Time Capital Fund.

“With these grants, we will improve the learning environments of our youngest children, boost the capacity of programs to serve more children and create new jobs,” Gov. Charlie Baker said in a press release. “Renovating and repairing facilities helps achieve our goal of improving the quality of early education and care.”

To learn more about CFC’s Head Start program, visit http://cfcinc.org.

Email Deborah Allard at dallard@heraldnews.com

SourceThe Herald News

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $4 Million for Early Education Programs

The Baker-Polito Administration and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) today announced $4 million in grant awards for facility improvements at early education and care programs that serve low income children.  Four agencies were selected to receive an Early Education and Care and Out of School Time (EEOST) capital improvement grant, which will help increase the quality of their early education programs through critical facility repairs and renovations.

Governor Charlie Baker made the announcement today at the Crispus Attucks Children’s Center in Dorchester, the site of one of the facilities funded by the 2018 grant awards.

“With these grants, we will improve the learning environments of our youngest children, boost the capacity of programs to serve more children and create new jobs,” Governor Charlie Baker said.  “Renovating and repairing facilities helps achieve our goal of improving the quality of early education and care.”

“These capital improvement grants support facility construction and renovations that modernize early education spaces and provide more enriching environments for children,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “High-quality programs help young children develop healthy learning habits, which is good for the community and for our Commonwealth as a whole.”

“We know that building deficiencies impact the quality of teaching and learning in early childhood and out-of-school time facilities,” Education Secretary James Peyser said. “These grants were created to help non-profit providers serving children living in low-income communities improve their facilities.”

The Early Education and Care and Out of School Time capital improvement grants are financed through the state’s capital budget and provide matching funds that leverage private investment.  The Baker-Polito Administration’s FY18 Capital Budget Plan included $4 million for the Early Education and Out of School Time grant program.  In May, Governor Baker signed An Act Financing the Production and Preservation of Housing for Low and Moderate Income Residents (H.4536), which authorized $45 million for the EEOST Capital Fund.

“The EEOST capital improvement grants provide critical funding for non-profit early education programs to upgrade their facility spaces and provide better physical environments for the children they serve,” Early Education and Care Commissioner Tom Weber said.  “We are pleased to make these awards as this public investment in building construction and renovation of early education programs will benefit children, local communities, and the state for years to come.”

“The EEOST Capital Fund is helping providers create well-designed facilities that support children’s healthy development and learning, and the commitment and effectiveness of educators,” said Theresa Jordan, Director of Children’s Facilities Finance of Children’s Investment Fund. “Over time, this innovative capital resource has the potential to transform the early care and education and out-of-school time landscape for the neediest and most vulnerable children in the Commonwealth.”

The following organizations received grants:

Lead Agency Service Area Award
Citizens for Citizens Fall River $1,000,000
Crispus Attucks Children’s Center Dorchester $1,000,000
Elizabeth Stone House Roxbury $1,000,000
Holyoke-Chicopee-Springfield Head Start Springfield $1,000,000

“All of us at Crispus Attucks Children’s Center are grateful, excited and humbled to be receiving generous and much-needed funding from the Department of Early Education and Care,” said Maritza Juliao, Executive Director of Crispus Attucks Children’s Center.  “For nearly fifty years, Crispus Attucks has been providing quality early childhood education at an affordable price to some of Boston’s most vulnerable children and families.  Our facilities are in critical need of upgrades and improvements so that we may sustain our mission, and this grant will enable us to give our buildings the attention they need so that we as educators can focus our attention on our dearest assets: the children and families we serve.”

All of the programs selected to receive a grant award serve publicly subsidized families, have demonstrated financial need, and have secured additional funding to pay for a portion of their project costs.  The Department of Early Education and Care partnered with CEDAC’s affiliate, the Children’s Investment Fund, to administer the grant awards.  All of the grantees are non-profit corporations or organizations in which a non-profit corporation has a controlling interest.

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SourceGovernor's Office

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $57 Million to Support Affordable Housing Development Across Commonwealth

Administration also allocated $33 million in tax credits to support creation and preservation of nearly 1,500 housing units

DORCHESTER — Today, Governor Charlie Baker announced this year’s affordable rental housing awards, which will provide $57 million in direct subsidies for 19 projects to fund the development, renovation and preservation of housing opportunities throughout the state. Since 2015, affordable housing awards have led to the creation and preservation of more than 6,300 housing units alone, furthering the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to increasing access to affordable and middle-income housing in every region of the Commonwealth.

“These rental housing awards support our Administration’s commitment to create more housing opportunities in neighborhoods across Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We have also drafted legislation to develop 135,000 units of new housing by 2025 that has been endorsed by several businesses, local officials, trade organizations and community groups, and encourage the Legislature to pass this bill to build more affordable housing and support economic development in every zip code.”

The $57 million in state funding will support affordable, multifamily rental projects. Funding sources include federal HOME funds and state bond funds from six capital bond accounts. Additionally, the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) is awarding $33.5 million in federal and state housing tax credits which will generate more than $240 million in equity to support the construction and preservation of 1,463 units, including 1,312 affordable units with 227 units reserved for very low-income households. Funded projects include six developments for seniors, three projects that will support substantial renovations of public housing developments, and four transit-oriented developments. Many include housing units reserved for formerly homeless families and individuals.

“The diverse array of awards represents the varied needs of our Commonwealth, and we are thrilled to support 19 high-impact projects that will provide much-need new housing, and maintain our current stock of affordable housing,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud to partner with many cities and towns, including the 69 Housing Choice Communities we designated in May, that have a keen understanding of their specific housing needs, and we are pleased to support locally driven projects to meet the needs of Massachusetts residents.”

Governor Baker joined Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan, City of Boston’s Chief of Housing and Director of Neighborhood Development Sheila Dillon, Representative Russell Holmes, Hearth President & CEO Mark Hinderlie, and local officials at the future site of Hearth at Four Corners, a 54-unit, new construction project for seniors. The development, in Boston’s Dorchester neighborhood, will be entirely affordable, with 19 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors, and provide extensive supportive services for tenants. The project received state and federal tax credits and direct subsidies from the state, along with funding from the City of Boston.

“More people are currently employed in Massachusetts than at any point in our history, and we need a housing market that can support working families at all income levels so that they can fully participate in this economy,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Today’s awards help increase options for families to access safe, affordable, and stable housing, a critical foundation for success and prosperity, both for themselves and for our communities.”

“Across our Commonwealth, more and more young families are finding they are not able to put down roots, seniors are not able to age in their communities, and hard-working residents are spending more of their paychecks and precious time traveling further to get to their jobs,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan.  “Today’s awards will enable communities to grow with their residents, and be a part of a state-wide and regional response to the affordable housing crisis.”

“Our state like most states in the nation is in the midst of a housing shortage,” said Senator Nick Collins. “Now, more than ever, government and its partners need to continue their commitment to supplying the demand for housing that is affordable. Today’s announcement is one example of that commitment and I look forward to continuing to help provide individuals and families with supportive services as well as housing opportunities that they can afford,” concluded Senator Collins.

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for making housing a priority, and funding this important project in Dorchester,” said Representative Russell Holmes.“This project will create vital senior housing, and transform a vacant lot into a necessary resource for this neighborhood.”

This year’s affordable rental housing awards continue to advance the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to substantially increasing housing production throughout the Commonwealth, with an emphasis on housing affordable to low- and middle-income households. Since 2015, the administration has spent or committed more than $880 million for the production and preservation of affordable housing. In May, Governor Baker signed a $1.8 billion affordable housing bill to ensure long-term support for the Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive efforts to increase the production of affordable housing, diversify the state’s housing portfolio, modernize public housing, preserve the affordability of existing housing and invest in new, innovative solutions to address Massachusetts’ rising demand for housing.

In December 2017, Governor Baker announced the Housing Choice Initiative, a comprehensive proposal to create 135,000 new housing units by 2025 with new set of incentives and rewards for municipalities committed to sustainable housing growth in their communities. The Housing Choice Initiative is a multi-pronged effort that includes a program to designate Housing Choice municipalities and new technical assistance opportunities through MassHousing, in addition to proposed legislative changes that will help deliver smart, effective zoning at the local level. The legislation,An Act to Promote Housing Choice is currently pending before the legislature.

Additionally, the highly effective MassWorks Infrastructure Program continues to be a key catalyst for housing production, supporting the creation of more than 3,000 housing units. The Open for Business Initiative will drive the production of more than 2,200 units of housing on state land. MassHousing’s $100 million Workforce Housing Initiative has advanced the development of 2,374 housing units across a range of incomes, including 631 workforce housing units. And, the Baker-Polito Administration reformed the Housing Development Incentive Program, which is on track to facilitate more than 900 new units in Gateway Cities.

Awardees:

Robert Hill Way (Ashland) is a 64-unit new construction senior housing project. The sponsor is E.A. Fish. All 64 units will be affordable to low-income seniors, with 7 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% of Area Median Income (AMI), and supportive services will be offered at the completed project. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.

25 Amory Street (Boston) is a 44-unit new construction project to be located near the Jackson Square MBTA station in Jamaica Plain, Boston. The sponsor is the non-profit Jamaica Plain NDC. All 44 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 14 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and making the transition from homelessness. DHCD will support this transit-oriented project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds; the City of Boston also will provide additional financial support to the project.

Four Corners (Boston) is a 31-unit new construction project to be built in Dorchester, Boston. The sponsor is the non-profit Codman Square Development Corporation. All 31 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 8 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI and making the transition from homelessness.  DHCD will support this transit-oriented project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds; the City of Boston also will support the project with subsidy funds.

Hearth at Four Corners (Boston) is a 54-unit new construction project for seniors to be built in Dorchester, Boston, sponsored by the non-profit Hearth. All 54 units will be affordable to low-income seniors, with 19 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% of AMI. Hearth will provide extensive services at the completed project to support tenants. DHCD will support Hearth at Four Corners with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds; the City of Boston also will provide the project with additional subsidy funds.

Old Colony Phase 3A – Award 1 (Boston) is one of the next phases in the decade-long redevelopment of public housing located in South Boston. The sponsor is Beacon Communities. This phase contains 108 units reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 11 units further reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support this phase with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Boston will also provide support for this phase.

Old Colony Phase 3A – Award 2 (Boston) is another phase in the ongoing redevelopment public housing project located in South Boston. The sponsor is Beacon Communities. This phase contains 27 units reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with three units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support this phase with Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The City of Boston is providing additional support for this phase of the project.

Downtown Brockton TOD (Brockton) is a 48-unit new construction project for families to be built in Brockton. The sponsor is the non-profit NeighborWorks of Southern Massachusetts. The completed project will create 30 units reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI as well as 18 units restricted for households earning less than 110% of AMI. DHCD will support this transit-oriented project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Brockton is supporting the project with additional funding.

370 Harvard Street (Brookline) is a 62-unit new construction senior project to be built in the Coolidge Corner neighborhood of Brookline. The sponsor is Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly (JCHE).   The completed project will include 57 units reserved for seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% AMI. JCHE also will make extensive services available to the tenants of Harvard Street. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits; the Town of Brookline will support Harvard Street with local funds.

Frost Terrace (Cambridge) is a transit-oriented new construction project for families. The sponsor is Capstone Communities. This 40-unit project will be built one block away from the Porter Square MBTA/commuter rail station with retail and service opportunities available in the immediate neighborhood. All 40 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with four units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.  The City of Cambridge will provide additional funding through city trust funds.

Squirrelwood (Cambridge) is an 88-unit family project featuring the preservation of existing affordable units as well as the construction of new units. The sponsor is the non-profit Just-A-Start. The completed project will offer 78 affordable units, including eight units restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI. Squirrelwood originally was financed by MassHousing through the Chapter 13A program.  DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits.  The City of Cambridge will support the project with additional funding.

Little Pond Place (Falmouth) is a 40-unit new construction project for families in Falmouth. The sponsor is Affirmative Investments. All 40 units will be restricted for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with four units restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Little Pond Place with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.  The Town of Falmouth also will support the project with $750,000 in Community Preservation Act funds.

Shirley Commons (Fort Devens) is a 58-unit new construction project for seniors to be built on the Fort Devens site.  The sponsor is the non-profit Women’s Institute for Housing and Economic Development. All 58 units will be restricted for seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 15 units restricted for seniors earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Shirley Commons with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The sponsor will offer support services for the tenants.

Bentley Apartments (Great Barrington) is a 45-unit new construction project for families in Great Barrington. The sponsor is the non-profit Community Development Corporation of South Berkshire. All 45 units in the completed project will be reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 21 units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Bentley Apartments with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Great Barrington will provide additional Community Preservation Act funds to the project.

Lyman Terrace Phase II (Holyoke) is the second phase of the comprehensive redevelopment of the Lyman Terrace public housing development in Holyoke. The sponsor is the non-profit The Community Builders (TCB). The completed project will offer 79 units of family housing reserved for households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 16 units reserved for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support this phase of Lyman Terrace with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The Baker-Polito Administration has previously supporting the redevelopment through affordable housing awards and the MassWorks Infrastructure Program. The City of Holyoke will provide additional subsidy to the project.

Sargent House Expansion (Northhampton) is a blended preservation and production project located on the edge of Northampton’s vibrant downtown business district. The sponsor is the non-profit Valley Community Development Corporation. The completed project will feature 31 total units. All units will be affordable to individuals earning less than 60% of AMI, with 10 units reserved for individuals earning less than 30% of AMI. Many tenants at Sargent House previously were homeless; Valley CDC will provide supportive services appropriate for the existing and new tenants. DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Northampton also will support the project with some of its own funds.

24 Gould Street (Reading) is a 55-unit new construction mixed income project to be built in in Reading’s Chapter 40R district. The project sponsor is the Traggorth Companies. The project will be built at a major intersection in Reading’s central business district. When completed, 24 Gould Street will offer 14 affordable units as well as 41 market rate units. DHCD will support 24 Gould Street with subsidy funds. The Town of Reading also will provide financial support for the project.

Lydia Square Apartments (Rockland) is a 44-unit new construction project for seniors in Rockland. The sponsor is NewGate Housing. All 44 units will be restricted for seniors earning less than 60% of AMI, with 9 units reserved for seniors with incomes below 30% AMI. The sponsor will provide support services at the project as well as transportation to a nearby senior center. DHCD will support Lydia Square with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds.

Chestnut Park (Springfield) is a 489-unit preservation project in Springfield sponsored by Related Beal. The existing project, home to over 1,500 people, will be preserved and rehabilitated. When completed, 412 units will be affordable to households earning less than 60% of AMI, with 42 units further restricted for households earning less than 30% of AMI. DHCD will support Chestnut Park with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The City of Springfield also will provide support for Chestnut Park.

Coolidge at Sudbury (Sudbury) is a 56-unit new construction project for seniors. The project will be built on a site adjacent to the successful first phase of this development. The sponsor is the non-profit B’nai B’rith. All 56 units will be affordable to low-income seniors, with 12 units reserved for extremely low-income seniors with incomes below 30% AMI.  DHCD will support the project with Low Income Housing Tax Credits and subsidy funds. The Town of Sudbury also will provide funds to support the project.  B’nai B’rith will provide services appropriate for the new tenants of Coolidge at Sudbury Phase Two.

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SourceGovernor's Office

Governor Baker Signs $1.8 Billion Affordable Housing Bill to Increase Housing Production, Preserve Housing Affordability

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker signed An Act Financing the Production and Preservation of Housing for Low and Moderate Income Residents (H.4536), to ensure long-term support for the Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive efforts to increase the production of affordable housing, diversify the state’s housing portfolio, modernize public housing, preserve the affordability of existing housing and invest in new, innovative solutions to address Massachusetts’ rising demand for housing.

“This bill will help expand our administration’s commitment to ensuring residents across the Commonwealth have more access to quality, safe and affordable housing and economic development opportunities,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“Municipalities, developers, and local housing authorities will be supported by a toolbox of flexible resources to create more affordable options and explore new avenues to meet a growing demand. We thank our partners in the Legislature for working with us to pass this legislation and look forward to our continued collaboration on the administration’s Housing Choice Bill to create even more affordable housing options.”

Today’s legislation authorizes $1.8 billion in new capital spending for the production and preservation of affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households, supportive housing and housing serving vulnerable populations. Additionally, the legislation authorizes $650 million for public housing modernization and redevelopment, as well as $45 million for capital improvements at Early Education and Care facilities.

“Our administration continues to seek collaborative partnerships with communities to increase affordable and market-rate housing production across the Commonwealth, through this bill, our pending Housing Choice Initiative, affordable housing awards, the Workforce Housing Initiative and the Housing Development Incentive Program,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The housing bond bill builds on these efforts, and we are proud to have worked collaboratively with our dedicated partners in the Legislature to ensure continued funding for critical housing programs.”

The administration’s first three capital budgets supported the creation or preservation of approximately 7,500 affordable housing units, provided $17.8 million to four public housing developments for comprehensive modernization of housing for seniors and individuals with disabilities and allowed the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCH) to award $150 million for deferred maintenance projects to more than 45,000 units of extremely low-income state public housing across 234 communities.

“Massachusetts’ growing economy has increased pressure on our housing market, creating challenges for families, communities, and employers’ ability to attract and retain talent,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “This housing bond bill provides tools to increase housing production, including extending the State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit and the Housing Development Incentive Program. These programs support the diverse needs for housing development, which together will help us achieve our goal of stronger, more inclusive Massachusetts economy.”

The bill signing took place in Boston’s Brighton neighborhood at the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg House, operated by Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly.

“Our goal is to ensure Massachusetts families and residents, despite their income, have access to safe, quality housing they can afford,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan. “Housing, in particular housing affordable to the spectrum of households, drives economic development, supports vibrant and walkable downtowns, promotes neighborhood stability, and enables families and residents to thrive.”

“The Housing Bond Bill will continue to give the Commonwealth the tools it needs to continue confronting its housing challenges and produce and preserve the housing we need in a growing economy,” said MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay. “The legislation will also allow MassHousing to increase the number of the Commonwealth’s residents who can have access to stable, quality housing. We thank the Legislature for their important leadership on this issue.”

“Preserving and producing affordable housing is central to sustaining the Commonwealth’s economic prosperity,” said Senator Boncore, Senate Chair Joint Committee on Housing. “This bond bill makes thoughtful and innovative investments that will serve as tools for municipalities and developers in the modernization and production of our state’s housing stock.”

“We are all well aware of the housing crisis in Massachusetts” said Representative Kevin G. Honan, chairman of the Joint Committee on Housing. “This Housing Bond Bill is a tangible commitment to affordable housing. The provisions of this bill are the tried and true affordable housing tools that are at our disposal. Through this bill, we will recommit ourselves to housing the elderly, disabled and homeless.”

“Today is a great day for the Commonwealth.  This bond bill will allow us to continue to make important investments in housing for years to come,” said Assistant Minority Leader Bradley Hill. “I am proud to have been a part of passing this legislation and am thankful to the Governor and Lt. Governor for their leadership.”

“The housing bond bill expands opportunities for children, seniors, people with disabilities, and families at risk of homelessness to find safe, healthy, and affordable homes,” said Rachel Heller, chief executive officer of Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association. “This legislation is the result of strong partnerships among advocates, the Legislature, and the Administration who worked together to pass the bill. As one of the first bond bills filed and passed this session, the Housing Bond Bill demonstrates that creating and preserving more affordable housing is a top priority in the Commonwealth.”

“Today’s signing of the $1.8 billion Housing Bond Bill reflects the collective determination of the Baker-Polito Administration, the Legislature and housing advocates to address the need for affordable housing in Massachusetts,” said Clark Ziegler, executive director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership. “The combination of a strong state economy, high housing demand and low production has created one of the largest affordability gaps in the U.S.  More than 240,000 low-income individuals and families in Massachusetts now pay more than half of their income on rent.  Private housing production alone will not solve that problem. The programs authorized in this bill are one of the few ways we can close this gap. Congratulations to all those who worked so hard to address the Commonwealth’s housing needs.”

“It is an incredible honor for JCHE to host this historic bill signing,” said Amy Schectman, president and chief executive officer of Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly. “Prior bond bill funds have allowed us to build our award-winning supportive, affordable housing and these new funds will be vital to creating additional opportunities for older adults to age in community.  Kudos to Governor Baker and Chairmen Honan and Boncore for their brilliant leadership on this life-or-death issue.”

The housing bond bill includes:

  • State Low-Income Housing Tax Credit: Extends the state’s ability to commit $20 million per year in tax credits to affordable housing projects until 2025 and authorizes an additional $5 million per year in tax credits specifically to support preservation of existing affordable housing. Current law would cut the size of this tax credit to $10 million on January 1, 2020.
  • Housing Development Incentive Program: Extends the state’s ability to commit $10 million per year in tax credits to market-rate housing projects in Gateway Cities until 2024. Current law would cut the size of this tax credit in half, to $5 million, on January 1, 2019.
  • Accessory Dwelling Unit Construction and Landlord Modifications: Authorizes the use of home modification funding to construct accessory dwelling units for elders and individuals with disabilities and also authorizes up to 10% of the funds to be used to support landlord expenditures to modify units for tenants with disabilities, implementing recommendations of the administration’s Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness.
  • MassHousing Services: Expands MassHousing’s authorizing language, to allow the quasi-public agency to provide contract administration, loan servicing, and other services to other states’ housing finance agencies.
  • Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) Capital Fund Facilities Improvement Grant Program: Provides funding to non-profit child care programs licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care to renovate, acquire, or construct high-quality child care program facilities that serve low-income families and communities, fostering high quality child care environments that support positive outcomes for children.

The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to meeting Massachusetts’ housing challenge through key investments, new initiatives and program reforms. With the addition of the FY19 capital plan, the Administration will have dedicated $884 million to housing from FY16 to FY19, an increase of $100 million over the previous four years’ capital plans.

In December 2017, the administration announced the Housing Choice Initiative, a comprehensive proposal to create 135,000 new housing units by 2025. The initiative, which is currently pending before the Legislature, includes a new set of incentives and rewards for municipalities committed to sustainable housing growth in their communities. The Housing Choice Initiative is a multi-pronged effort that includes a program to designate Housing Choice municipalities and new technical assistance opportunities through MassHousing, in addition to proposed legislative changes that will help deliver smart, effective zoning at the local level.

Additionally, the highly effective MassWorks Infrastructure Program continues to be a key catalyst for housing production, supporting the creation of more than 3,000 housing units. The Open for Business Initiative will drive the production of more than 2,200 units of housing on state land. MassHousing’s $100 million Workforce Housing Initiative has advanced the development of 2,309 housing units across a range of incomes, including 616 workforce housing units. And, the administration reformed the Housing Development Incentive Program, which is on track to facilitate more than 900 new units in Gateway Cities.

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SourceOffice of the Governor

Massachusetts Early Education and Out-of-School Time Leaders Celebrate Passage of Critical Funding to Benefit Low-Income Children

BOSTON – Leaders from four leading organizations focused on improving the quality of early education and out-of-school time programs today celebrated the passage of critical funding for the construction and renovation of facilities serving low-income children in the Commonwealth. The Children’s Investment Fund, Massachusetts Association of Early Education and Care (MADCA), Strategies for Children and United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley today praised the Baker Administration, the Massachusetts State Senate and the Massachusetts House of Representatives for including the re-authorization of the Early Education and Out-of-School Time Capital Fund in the Housing Bond Bill signed into law today.

The Early Education and Out-of-School Time Capital Fund program is a unique source of funding for early education and care and afterschool programs throughout the Commonwealth. It supports major renovation and construction projects for facilities serving low-income children.  The Housing Bond Bill signed into law today re-authorizes the EEOST Capital Fund through 2023.

The results of an assessment of the quality of early education and out of school time learning spaces across the Commonwealth, conducted in 2011 by the Children’s Investment Fund were alarming:

  • 20% had one or more classrooms without windows.
  • 34% had inadequate heating and cooling,
  • 65% lacked appropriate technology for teachers

Additionally, as of December 2017, 20,873 children were on waiting lists for early education and care or afterschool care.

“The Commonwealth needs an improved and expanded supply of facilities to meet the demands of families across the state who are looking for convenient, high-quality centers for their children,” said Michael K. Durkin, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley.

Access to safe, stable housing and affordable high-quality child care provide the critical foundation and peace of mind for individuals and families to seek and retain jobs that will allow them to support themselves and their families.”

Chris Martes, CEO and President of Strategies for Children added, “What a great day for children, families and programs across the Commonwealth. Facilities are a critical – and often overlooked – element to quality early education and afterschool centers. We have seen such dramatic results and positive outcomes for children from the Early Education and Out-of-School Time Capital Fund know that there is a long list of programs that could use funding.”

Since its original passage in 2013, the EEOST Capital Fund has:

  • Distributed over $15M to 21 projects, helping organizations modernize their spaces and improve the quality of learning environments for children.
  • Served children from primarily low-income families (more than 86%) and added 448 slots to the early education and care system.
  • Improved the quality of learning for 2,036
  • Created an estimated 34 full-time educator jobs and 360 construction jobs.
  • Leveraged $44M in additional investment from foundations, banks, and other sources.

Communities that have benefited to date from EEOST funding include Beverly, Lynn, Lowell, Revere, Attleboro, Southbridge, Boston, Lawrence, Chicopee, Cambridge, Webster, Worcester, Belchertown, North Adams and New Bedford.

Bill Eddy, Executive Director of MADCA, the MA Association for Early Education and Care which represents early education and school age providers who serve low income families across the state, said, “This is an exciting renewal of the Early Education and Out of School Time Facilities Fund with $45m over the next five years to continue to improve the facilities and playgrounds where our youngest children are educated and cared for every day. These facility improvement funds create state-of-the-art spaces designed for young children and allow providers to expand facilities creating additional access to early education for low income children and their families, which also expands our workforce by creating new teaching positions. We are grateful that the Legislature included this once again and we applaud Governor Baker for signing this comprehensive bill with this Early Education Facilities Fund included.”

There is a strong demand for additional capital, with new projects emerging every year. Since 2014, 24 organizations, which collectively serve 3,500 low-income children, have applied to EEOST but were not funded.

“EEOST is unique in the country for providing a large-scale public source of funding for facilities,” noted Theresa Jordan, Director of Children’s Facilities Finance for the Children’s Investment Fund. “The reauthorization of an additional five years places Massachusetts further ahead as a national leader in the provision of high-quality early education and care.”

SourceUnited Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley

Brookview House breaks ground on affordable rentals

Assembled for last Tuesday groundbreaking for Brookview III were, from left: Roger Herzog, executive director, Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation; Pamela Feingold, senior VP of Eastern Bank; Mayor Martin J. Walsh; Deborah Hughes, president & CEO of Brookview House; Governor Charlie Baker; Representative Russell E. Holmes, and City Councillor At-Large Annissa Essaibi-George.
Randy H. Goodman photo

With Gov. Charlie Baker and Mayor Martin Walsh looking on approvingly, Brookview House, a Dorchester-based provider of services to homeless women and children, broke ground on a new affordable housing building on Hansborough Street last Tuesday. The building, dubbed “Brookview III,” will include a dozen new two- and three-bedroom apartment units, bringing the total number at Brookview to 54.

“We recognize that family homelessness is a multi-faceted issue, but one of the primary causes of the high rate of family homelessness in Massachusetts is the lack of affordable housing for low-income families,” said Deborah Hughes, the president and CEO of Brookview House Hughes. “This new building will help us assist even more families each year in addressing the trauma of homelessness and set them up for long-term stability and independence.”

The need to address family homelessness has grown more urgent in recent years, with a 2017 Boston Foundation study showing that more than 60 percent of the 13,000 homeless individuals in Massachusetts are children. Family homelessness in the state has nearly doubled since 2016, with Boston ranking as the city with the fourth most homeless families nationwide. Hughes said she hopes Brookview’s new facility with help address this crisis.

Brookview III will be located off Blue Hill Avenue on Hansborough Street, just north of Mattapan Square and a block from the original 12-unit building at 2 Brookview St.

Each year, the facility provides 370 homeless women and children with a safe, supportive living environment as well as a variety of programs and services including health, education, life skills, employment training, civic engagement, and financial, emotional, and behavioral support.

Established in 1990, Brookview House has garnered nationwide acclaim for its successful model; 92 percent of mothers who have lived there maintain permanent housing after leaving and 88 percent of the children who participate in Brookview’s Youth Development Program graduate from high school, compared to the national average of only 25 percent.

In addition to commercial loans and Brookview’s own fundraising, the $5.5 million needed to finance Brookview III was secured with $1.5 million from the city of Boston’s Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) and Boston Community Development, and a $450,000 grant from the Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) facilities improvement fund, which is financed through the state’s capital budget and jointly administered by the Department of Early Education and Care and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), and its affiliate, the Children’s Investment Fund (CIF).

Mayor Walsh acknowledged the importance of planning for future affordable housing. “In Boston, we are committed to making sure that every person has a place to call their home,” he said. “Providing families a roof over their heads and the wraparound services needed to build a better life is critical to tackling homelessness. I thank Brookview for their role in creating stable, affordable housing that is vital to the health and success of our neighborhoods.”

Brookview III is slated for occupancy starting next June.

SourceDorchester Reporter

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $8 Million in Funding to Support Nearly 100 Units of Supportive Housing

Seven housing projects will provide comprehensive supportive services for individuals, families and seniors

 

Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
Housing and Community Development
Office of Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito

DENNIS, MA — Today, the Baker-Polito Administration awarded nearly $8 million in funding to support the creation or preservation of almost 100 units of supportive housing. Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan joined Roger Herzog, Executive Director of Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), Kathy Ohman, President of FORWARD, and members of the Legislature to announce the awards which include $5.5 million in state funding, 28 project-based state housing vouchers, and will leverage $2.5 million from the National Housing Trust Fund. These seven developments will provide housing with supportive services for vulnerable populations across the state, including homeless families and individuals, veterans, persons with disabilities and adults with autism. Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has supported the creation or preservation of more than 600 units of housing with comprehensive support services, including today’s awards.
“The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to creating housing opportunities across Massachusetts that meet the needs of all our residents,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The awards we are announcing today will create, expand and preserve critical housing resources for those who need it most and our Administration is proud to continue supporting these developments throughout the Commonwealth.”“I am proud to join FORWARD in Dennis to announce these important awards, which will provide services to communities across the Commonwealth, from here on Cape Cod, to Pittsfield,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration looks forward to continuing to working with our partners at the local level to develop new housing opportunities for cities and towns in Massachusetts.”Lt. Governor Polito and Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan made the announcement at the future site of FORWARD at the Rock. The development will create eight units of supportive housing for adults with autism. FORWARD, Friends or Relatives With Autism and Related Disabilities, is an advocacy group founded in 2013, and will work with Housing Assistance Corporation on Cape Cod to develop the project with specific supports for this community.

“Today’s awards will provide critical, wraparound services for low-income individuals with disabilities, formerly homeless veterans, families, and adults with autism,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan. “These projects will provide residents with long-term stability and opportunities to thrive by locating comprehensive services where they live.”

The National Housing Trust Fund is a federal program to support the development of affordable housing for low-income individuals and households, with supportive services. The Department of Housing and Community Development worked in coordination with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC) to make the combined $8 million available for the seven projects. Comprehensive support services, may include education, skills training, childcare, substance abuse treatment, mental health services, and comprehensive case management.

“CEDAC is pleased to work with DHCD on these important supportive housing projects benefitting veterans, disabled persons, elders, and other low income families in seven Massachusetts communities,” said Roger Herzog, Executive Director, CEDAC.  “We continue to look for new opportunities to work with local communities and non-profit organizations to create and preserve affordable housing options that meet the needs of all families and individuals in Massachusetts.”

“In 2013, the Town of Dennis perceived a need for affordable housing for adults with autism and identified Town-owned land that could be dedicated to fill that need. At age 22, adults with autism “age out” of special education programs in public schools. This results in 80 percent of adults with autism living at home with little opportunity for social interaction. As parents age, they may no longer be able to care for their children with autism.  There is not enough support or resources for adults with autism, particularly with regards to long term living arrangements,” said Paul McCormick, Chairman of the Dennis Board of Selectmen. “Dennis is committed with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in supporting our adults with autism through this partnership with Project FORWARD.”

“The partnership between FORWARD, The Housing Assistance Corporation, and the Town of Dennis to create a residential community for adults with autism is an extraordinary accomplishment and an innovative model for other communities to emulate,” said State Senator Julian Cyr. “I want to extend a special thank you to Kathy Ohman, President of FORWARD, for her dogged commitment and leadership of the project; Kathy’s vision of a residence where adults with autism can age-in-place with dignity and respect is now one step closer to reality.”

“I’d like to thank the Baker-Polito Administration, as well as Secretary Jay Ash for their continued commitment to serving persons on the autism spectrum and ensuring access to safe and supportive housing,” said Representative Tim Whelan. “This has been a fantastic collaboration between local, concerned citizens and their state government.”

“HAC is excited to be a part of this project which has received significant support from the community, local representatives and the state,” said Housing Assistance Corporation CEO Alisa Galazi. “Our region badly needs affordable housing and especially for the autistic adults, and this project is exemplifies the kind of housing we need.”

“FORWARD is a unique collaboration of non-profits, state and local agencies to provide much needed affordable housing for cape cod adults with autism and related disabilities here in Dennis,” said Kathy Ohman, FORWARD. ”We are thankful to Undersecretary Chan and the Baker-Polito Administration, and congratulations to the other recipients of these important funds.”

In 2017, the Baker-Polito Administration unveiled the new Housing Choice Initiative, which created a new system of incentives and rewards for municipalities that deliver sustainable housing growth; created a new technical assistance toolbox to empower cities and towns to plan for new housing production; and proposed legislative changes, through An Act to Promote Housing Choices, to deliver smart, effective zoning at the local level.

The Baker-Polito Administration is deeply committed to meeting this housing challenge, through key investments, new initiatives and program reforms. In April, Governor Baker filed a housing bond bill seeking $1.287 billion in additional capital authorization to advance the administration’s commitment to affordable housing and has increased funding for affordable housing by 19 percent and is on course to invest $1.1 billion over five years in affordable housing. The highly effective MassWorks Infrastructure Program continues to be a key catalyst for housing production, supporting the creation of more than 3,000 housing units. The Open for Business Initiative will drive the production of more than 2,200 units of housing on state land. MassHousing’s $100 million Workforce Housing Initiative has advanced the development of 2,309 housing units across a range of incomes, including 616 workforce housing units. And, through An Act Relative to Job Creation and Workforce Development, the administration reformed the Housing Development Incentive Program, which is on track to facilitate more than 900 new units in Gateway Cities.


2018 Supportive Housing Awards

FORWARD at the Rock, Dennis        

FORWARD at the Rock is a production project that will create eight units of permanent supportive, single-room-occupancy (SRO) housing for adults with autism. The project sponsor, FORWARD (Friends Or Relatives With Autism and Related Disabilities), is an advocacy group founded in 2013 for the specific purpose of developing housing for this vulnerable population, and has partnered with the Housing Assistance Corporation on Cape Cod.  CapeAbilities will provide comprehensive supportive services.

Carlos Vega Townhomes, Holyoke

Carlos Vega Townhomes will preserve 18 units of family housing for farmworkers in Western Massachusetts, and provide necessary accessibility improvements to the property, allowing existing households to age in place. The project is owned by Valley Housing Development Corporation. Wayfinders is the project sponsor and will provide resident services to tenants.

Sergeant House Expansion, Northampton

Sergeant House Expansion will update and expand a traditional 15-room SRO owned by Valley Community Development Corporation, and create 31 enhanced SRO units (16 new units; 15 preserved units), each with its own kitchenette and bathroom.

Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Village Phase II, Pittsfield

Gordon H. Mansfield Veterans Village Phase II, sponsored by Soldier On, Inc., is a new production project that will create 14 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless female veterans. Soldier On will provide supportive services targeted to female veterans who have experienced trauma, including military sexual trauma and post-traumatic stress.

Germantown House, Quincy

Germantown House will produce a five-unit congregate home for extremely low income adults with physical and developmental disabilities. The project sponsor is NeighborWorks of Southern Mass., and 24-hour on-site services will be provided by Work, Inc.

Headwaters Replacement Housing, Wareham/Sandwich

Headwaters Replacement Housing, sponsored by Residential Rehabilitation Housing, Inc., will produce 10 units of SRO housing for very low income adults with disabilities. The project design is highly responsive to the particular physical and environmental needs of the population to be served. Twenty-four hour on-site supportive services will be provided by Latham Centers.

149 Belmont Street Preservation and Stabilization, Worcester

149 Belmont Street is an existing supportive housing project owned by Worcester East Side Community Development Corporation. The project currently provides nine studio apartments for formerly homeless adults with disabilities.

 

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Source Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development Housing and Community Development