Housing Programs
Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV)
Visit our Applications page to apply.
Section 8 Documents
The HCV Program is a federally-funded program that assists very low income families, elderly households, and disabled individuals to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. These mobile vouchers provide housing assistance on behalf of the family or individual, therefore participants are free to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in subsidized housing developments. Participants are able to rent privately owned housing, including apartments, townhouses and single-family homes. The Leased Housing Department oversees one thousand three hundred and seventy-two (1372) vouchers.
For the convenience of those currently in the Section 8 Program, we maintain a current listing of one, two, three, four and five bedroom units.
If you have a Section 8 voucher and want to learn more, please contact David Hospedales at 617-625-1152 ext. 309 or davidh@sha-web.org.
How does the program work?
Eligible households will be issued a voucher and given up to 120 days to locate suitable housing which can be located anywhere in the United States or they can remain in their current unit provided it meets program requirements. All units must meet minimum standards of health and safety. The rent for the unit must be reasonable in comparison to rents charged for similar, unassisted apartments in the area. Subsidy is determined by the family’s income. The family pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized they the Section 8 program.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on the family’s total annual gross income and family size. At least 75% of all vouchers issued by the SHA must be targeted to households whose total income does not exceed 30% of the area median income. Median income levels are published by HUD and may change from year to year.
How do I apply?
The Somerville Housing Authority is participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Centralized Waitlist. For detail about the list and how to apply visit our applications page.
Section 8 Programs
Program Description
Mainstream vouchers enable families whose head of household or spouse has a disability to lease affordable private housing of their choice.
How it works
The program operates exactly like the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program with the exception that the head of household or spouse has a disability.
Who is eligible?
Individuals or families whose head of household or spouse have a disability and are income eligible. Applicants will be selected from the SHA’s waiting list.
How do I apply?
Visit Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Centralized Waitlist for applications and more information.
Program Description
The program provides rental assistance vouchers to non-elderly disabled individuals. The purpose of this program is to provide alternative housing opportunities for those disabled individuals who may not receive assistance at developments which have established preferences for the admission of elderly families
How it works
Once selected, Section 8 program requirements apply.
Who is eligible?
Single applicants under the age of 62 with a disability who are on the SHA elderly/disabled federal public housing waiting list are eligible.
How do I apply?
Visit our our applications page to apply.
Program Description
Family unification vouchers are made available to families for whom the lack of adequate housing is a primary factor in the separation, or threat of imminent separation, of children from their families or in the prevention of reunifying the children with their families. Family unification vouchers enable these families to find safe and sanitary housing hat is affordable in the private housing market.
How it works
Eligible households are issued a Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher to locate rental housing
Who is eligible?
Applicants must have an open case with the DCF at the time of referral, selection, and when the voucher is issued
How do I apply?
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Children and Families refers eligible clients to the Somerville Housing Authority. For further information, please contact:
Program Description
The Section 8 Project-Based Voucher (PBV) program is a component of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCVP) program that provides long term –project-based affordable housing for very low and extremely low households. The SHA currently has eight-two (82) PBV units throughout the City
How it works
Unlike the HCVP, project-based subsidies are not mobile. The subsidy is tied to a specific unit for the term of a Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) contract. Owners select families for occupancy of a particular unit after screening each family
Who is eligible?
Very low or extremely low-income households or any eligible family that is interested in moving into a specific project are eligible. Some developments give preference in selection to households where one or more members have a special need or meet other additional selection criteria.
How do I apply?
The Somerville Housing Authority has implemented site-based waiting lists for its Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) Project Based (PBV) units. This means, you can apply directly to the Project(s), Families who applied directly will be referred by the PBV owner to the SHA and placed on the SHA-maintained PBV site-specific waiting lists. Families could also apply directly with the SHA.
Visit our our applications page to apply.
Program Description
The purpose of the Shelter-Plus Care Program is to help hard-to-serve disabled homeless persons who are currently living on the streets. In emergency shelters or who meet McKinney’s definition of homelessness by providing linked rental assistance and supportive services for them. The Somerville Housing Authority with the assistance of the Somerville Homeless Coalition administers seven Shelter-Plus Care Vouchers.
How it works
HUD provides rental assistance subsidies for housing and the community matches the dollar value of the rental assistance with equal or greater dollars of supportive services.
Who is eligible?
Eligible program participants targeted by the Shelter-Plus Care Program include disabled homeless persons with preference to those homes persons (and their families) who have serious mental illness, chronic alcohol or other drug problems, AIDS, severe physical disabilities or some combination of these disabilities.
How do I apply?
Contact The Somerville Homeless Coalition at (617) 623-6111.
Program Description
The FSS Program is a voluntary program designed to help Section 8 families become more self-supporting and economically independent by linking the Section 8 HCV tenant-based vouchers with the help of both private and public resources, families are able to receive job training, educational services, and other much-needed assistance over a five-year period. The goal is to eliminate the clients’ need for public assistance and enhance their ability to achieve homeownership, if desired
How it works
A five year Contract of Family Participation is tailored for each participant. This contract outlines the participant’s goals and describes the various work-related activities in which the participant agrees to participate. The participant is allowed to modify their goals as they gain more perspective on their future and gain more experience.
As the participant’s income and rent share increases, an escrow account is established by the SHA in order to set aside funds for the participant at the end of the program. Upon successful completion of the program, the participant can use these funds for any purpose.
Who is eligible?
Current SHA Section 8 HCV participants in good standing who are willing to agree to sign a five year Contract of Family Participation.
Section 8 Homeownership
The Homeownership Program allows families with Section 8 vouchers to use their vouchers to help pay the mortgage on a home they buy. The SHA will subsidize the mortgage for 15 years after purchase. The Homeownership option is intended for all eligible Section 8 Voucher participants. This includes single persons, elderly and disabled families. HUD regulates accommodations for elderly and disabled families to make sure the program is accessible for all.
The initial eligibility requirements are as follows:- You must have a Section 8 Voucher.
- You must be a first time homebuyer.
- Be continuously employed full time for 1 year. (Excludes elderly and disabled).
- Not owe any debt to the SHA or any other Housing Authority.
- Must not have been part of a household that previously defaulted on a mortgage.
- Attend a First Time Homebuyer workshop.
- Have at least 1% of the cost of the down payment from your own resources.
For more information on Section 8 Homeownership, contact Homeownership Coordinator Janine Lotti at 617-625-1152 ext. 325 or janinel@sha-web.org.
If you do not have a Section 8 voucher but would like to apply, you may fill out the MA Section 8 Centralized Waiting List Preliminary Application or apply for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program at affordablehousing.com. You may also contact Tenant Selector Kezia Baxter at 617-625-1152 ext. 335 or email keziab@sha-web.org.
Federal Public Housing
Mystic View
River Road/Canal Lane
The Mystic View Development is a 215 unit federal family housing development located in the Winter Hill section of Somerville. The Mystic View Development is located on the same grounds as the SHA administration offices and the 240 unit state family housing development, Mystic River. The Mystic View Development features one, two, three, four, and five bedroom apartments, and off-street parking is available. The apartments include a stove.
The Mystic View Development is close to public transportation. A bus from Mystic Ave can bring you to the Sullivan Station T of the Orange Line, and to Medford Square. Additionally a short walk to Broadway can give you bus access to Davis Square, and the Lechmere T station of the Green line.
Located right onsite of these two developments, you will also find the Mystic Activity Center (MAC). Housed in the MAC is a state of the art Computer Education Center. The Activity Center also has a large community room which is available for use of Community groups and private rentals by residents. SHA staff, Resident Association, the Welcome Project, and Mystic Learning Center are also located in the MAC.
If you live in the Mystic View Development and want to learn more, please contact Suze Montina at 617-625-1152 ext. 356 or SuzeM@sha-web.org.
Brady Towers
252 Medford Street
Brady Towers is an 84 unit federal senior/young disabled development located right near the intersection of McGrath Highway, Highland Ave and Medford Street.. Brady Towers features private balconies, one-bedroom apartments, and off-street parking. All apartments include utilities, a refrigerator, and a range. Brady Towers also has a large community room as well as laundry facilities. The Manager of this development can be reached at (617) 666-2117. Brady Towers has an active resident association as well as many resident opportunities. Activities include Bingo 2 nights per week and the weekly coffee hour held Tuesdays at 9 am offers a great opportunity to meet and socialize with your neighbors.
Brady Towers is conveniently located near MBTA transportation and shopping. The bus stop is right outside your door with easy access to Davis Square and Lechmere Station.
For more information regarding an application or your eligibility, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Ciampa Manor
27 College Avenue
Ciampa Manor is a 53-unit federal senior/young disabled housing development located in West Somerville. Ciampa Manor features one-bedroom apartments, which include utilities, refrigerator, and stove. Ciampa Manor is conveniently located right in the heart of Davis Square near MBTA bus transportation, the T red line and shopping. Ciampa Manor has a large community room and off-street parking. There is also an active resident association and many resident opportunities.
The Manager of this development can be reached at (617) 666-2117.
For more information regarding application or your eligibility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Properzi Manor
13-25 Warren Avenue
Properzi Manor is a 110-unit federal senior/young disabled housing development located in the Union Square area. Properzi Manor features one bedroom apartments, community room and off-street parking. All apartments include utilities, refrigerator, and stove. Properzi Manor offers a supportive housing program located onsite. Residents can access homemaking and personal care services through Cambridge/Somerville Elder Services. Personnel are onsite 24/7. A noontime lunch program is also onsite. For a donation of $1.50 participants receive a nutritious lunch, and have the opportunity to socialize. Properzi also boasts an active resident association as well as many resident opportunities.
A MBTA Bus stop is nearby bringing you to Lechmere T Stop of the Green line or to Porter Square giving you access to the Red line.
Union Square offers many fine restaurants and shops all within walking distance. In addition, Market Basket supermarket is located nearby.
The Manager of this development can be reached at (617) 625-1152. For more information on the application process or your eligibility, please see the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Weston Manor
15 Weston Avenue
Weston Manor is an 80 unit federal senior/young disabled housing development located in West Somerville between Teele Square and Rte 16. (Alewife Brook Parkway). Weston Manor features 74 one-bedroom apartments, 6 two-bedroom apartments, as well as a large community room and off-street parking. All apartments include utilities, stove, and refrigerator. The Manager of this development can be contacted at (617) 666-2117. Weston Manor has an active resident association and many resident opportunities. Their weekly coffee hours on Monday mornings at 10am offer a great opportunity to meet and socialize with other residents. Weston Manor is conveniently located near MBTA transportation and shopping. The bus stop is just a short walk away and offers access to Arlington Center, Davis Square, and Lechmere T Station. A variety of local restaurants and shops are also close by.
For more information regarding applications or your eligibility please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
State Public Housing
Clarendon Hill
North Street/Powderhouse Blvd./Alewife Brook Parkway
For more information about the Clarendon Hill Redevelopment, please visit https://clarendonhill.org/
Mystic River
Mystic Avenue/Memorial Road
The Mystic River Development is a 240 unit state family housing development located in Winter Hill section of Somerville. The Mystic River Development is located on the same grounds as the SHA administration offices and the 215 unit federal family housing development, Mystic View. The Mystic River Development features two and three bedroom apartments, and off-street parking is available. The apartments include utilities refrigerators, and stoves.
Located right onsite of these two developments, you will also find the Mystic Activity Center (MAC). Housed in the MAC is a state of the art Computer Education Center. The Activity Center also has a large community room, which is available for use of Community groups and private rentals by residents. The Tenant Selection Dept of SHA, Resident Association, the Welcome Project, and Mystic Learning Center are also located in the MAC. For more information about opportunities in the MAC, contact your Resident Services Coordinator.
The Mystic River Development is close to public transportation. A bus from Mystic Ave can bring you to the Sullivan Station T of the Orange Line, and to Medford Square. Additionally a short walk to Broadway can give you bus access to Davis Square, and the Lechmere T station of the Green line. The Broadway Health Center is close by as well as the Post Office, and local restaurants.
The Manager of Mystic River Development can be contacted at (617) 625-1152. The Mystic River Development has an active resident association and has many resident opportunities including on-site Mental Health Care Clinic.
For more information on the application process or check on your eligibility please see the Frequently Asked Questions page.
James J. Corbett Apartments
125 and 32 Jaques Street
The James J. Corbett Apartments are located in the Winter Hill Section of Somerville on upper and lower Jaques Street. Upper Jaques Street, or 125 Jaques Street and lower Jaques Street, or 32 Jaques Street are both State senior/young disabled housing developments. Both Jaques Street developments feature one-bedroom apartments, which include utilities, a refrigerator, and a range stove. Both developments have large community rooms and off-street parking. Each development also has active resident associations and many resident opportunities. Jaques Street is conveniently located just a short distance from Broadway where MBTA bus transportation is readily accessible. Many small shops and local restaurants are located on Broadway.
The Manager of these developments can be reached at (617) 625-1152. For more information on the application process or your eligibility please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.
LIHTC Affordable Housing
Capen Court
One Capen Court
Capen Court is a 95-unit state senior/young disabled environment located in West Somerville directly off Route 16.
Capen Court features one-bedroom apartments. This development offers parking, laundry facilities, and a large community room space which is available for resident use. All apartments include utilities, refrigerator, and stove.
Capen Court is located at One Capen Court , Somerville , at the rotary intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway (Route 16) and Mystic River Parkway.
Capen is adjacent to the Visiting Nurse Facility at 405 Alewife Brook Parkway, across from Dilboy Stadium. This development is located up the hill from MBTAtransportation and can easily bring you to nearby shopping.
This first of its kind facility, offers an affordable, active living environment with the added security of supportive and assisted living services available at the adjacent Visiting Nurse Facility.
Interested applicants may contact SHA Section 8 division at 617-625-1152 for more information. You may also refer to Frequently Asked Questions page.
Waterworks
Waterworks provides 25-units for Elderly and Non-Elderly Disabled Families and is located in West Somerville directly off Route 16.
Waterworks features one-bedroom, full kitchen and bath and includes refrigerator and stove. Common laundry facilities, community space and on-site parking on a limited basis. Tenants are responsible for electric utility charges.
Waterworks is located at 485 Mystic Valley Parkway, Somerville, at the rotary intersection of Alewife Brook Parkway (Route 16) and Mystic River Parkway.
Waterworks is adjacent to SHA’s Capen Court and the Visiting Nurse Facility. This development is located close to MBTA transportation and can easily bring you to nearby shopping
This facility offers an affordable, active living environment with the added security of supportive and assisted living services available at the nearby Visiting Nurse Facility.
Interested applicants may contact SHA Section 8 division at 617-625-1152 for more information. You may also refer to Frequently Asked Questions page.
Section 8/New Construction
Bryant Manor
75 Myrtle Street
Bryant Manor is a 134 unit state senior/young disabled housing development located in East Somerville. Bryant Manor features one bedroom apartments and private balconies. All apartments include utilities, refrigerator, and stove. Bryant Manor has a large community room, library, and off-street parking. This development is conveniently located near MBTA transportation and shopping. Bryant Manor has an active resident association as well as many resident opportunities.
The Manager of this development can be reached at (617) 625-1152.
For more information on the application process or your eligibility please see the Frequently Asked Questions page.
Hagan Manor
268 Washington Street
Hagan Manor is a 24-unit senior/young disabled housing development in the heart of Union Square area. There is a MBTA bus stop directly in front of the building. Hagan Manor features one, two, and three bedroom apartments, a congregate unit, as well as a community room and off-street parking. Hagan Manor has an active resident association. It’s location in Union Square offers T accessibility to Lechmere T station or Porter Square as well as many restaurants and shops within walking distance. Market Basket supermarket is located a short distance away on Somerville Ave.
The Manager of this development can be reached at (617) 666-2117. For more information about the application process or your eligibility, please refer to the Frequently Asked Questions page.