DHCD Announces Funding for Supportive & SRO Housing

The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) recently announced two affordable housing funding rounds - one for supportive housing and another for single room occupancy (SRO) housing. 

Supportive Housing Funding Round

DHCD will make up to $7 million available to create affordable rental housing for vulnerable populations, who often need support services in order to access and maintain stable housing. Funding will come from the National Housing Trust Fund. About 100 project-based vouchers through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) will be available, with the potential of $1,500 per unit per year in service funding attached to each MRVP. Sponsors may also seek other DHCD capital resources, primarily through the Housing Innovations Fund (HIF).

Project Sponsors interested in participating in the November 2020 funding competition must submit a pre-application to DHCD by September 17, 2020. Full applications must be submitted by Thursday, November 19, 2020. DHCD anticipates making award announcements for this funding in March 2021.

For more information, download the Supportive Housing Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA)

SRO Housing Funding Round

DHCD, in collaboration with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), will make up to $10 million in capital resources available for SRO project sponsors to create permanent supportive housing for individuals experiencing homelessness. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has made clear the need for more permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness to avoid living in overcrowded congregate emergency shelters.

Resources for this funding round will be made available primarily through HIF and the Housing Stabilization Fund. Additionally, DHCD will make 4% federal low income housing tax credits available. MRVP vouchers will also be set aside to support this initiative. 

Applications for this funding round will be accepted on a rolling basis. Interested project sponsors should contact DHCD and CEDAC staff.

For more information, download the SRO Housing NOFA.