State Sen. Brendan P. Crighton (D-Lynn) is one of two Massachusetts legislators honored for their work in ensuring affordable housing.

Crighton and state Rep. Andy X. Vargas of Haverhill were presented with the Citizens’ Housing & Planning Association’s (CHAPA) Housing Hero Award for their leadership on affordable housing, housing production and their joint role in passing the most significant zoning reforms in a generation.

Crighton also represents Lynnfield, Marblehead, Nahant, Saugus, and Swampscott. During the last legislative session, Crighton, as Senate chair of the Joint Committee on Housing, spearheaded legislation on Housing Choices through the process to become law.

During the present session, Crighton and Vargas have teamed up to file legislation on housing production and will work to see the measure through the process.

“CHAPA is glad to present Senator Crighton with our 2021 Housing Hero Award,” the organization said in a news release. “As the Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing last session, Senator Crighton helped pass the most significant zoning reforms in a generation, which will create thousands of new homes across Massachusetts.”

CHAPA also commended Crighton on “craft(ing) the strongest protections against eviction and foreclosures in the nation” and made special note of his creation of “millions in new resources for affordable housing and rental assistance programs in the state budget.”

“We sincerely thank Senator Crighton for his work to ensure a safe, healthy, and affordable home for all,” the organization said.

“Thank you to CHAPA for honoring me with their Housing Hero Award along with Representative Vargas,” said Crighton. “CHAPA has been an invaluable partner and working together, we have made historic progress on zoning reform and protected those facing housing insecurity due to the pandemic. I look forward to continuing the fight for equitable access to safe and affordable housing for all.”

CHAPA is a leading housing advocacy and programming organization in Massachusetts. Its mission is to encourage the production and preservation of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families and individuals, and to foster diverse and sustainable communities through planning and community development.

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