Boston — The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities awarded more than $4 million this month to help improve living conditions for public housing residents in three communities. The awards are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing efforts to repair, rehabilitate and modernize public housing throughout the state.

“These awards have a positive and tangible impact on the quality of life for public housing residents,” said Ed Augustus, Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities. “For too long, our public housing system has been underfunded. Thanks to the Affordable Homes Act, we can reinvest in our communities and make public housing a place where people can life with pride and dignity.”

Governor Maura Healey signed the $5 billion Affordable Homes Act in 2024, which included $2 billion in authorizations to make capital improvements across the more than 43,000 units of state-aided public housing, including $150 million dedicated to the decarbonization of public housing and $15 million for accessibility upgrades.

The most recent public housing awards include initiatives in three communities that will improve lives for seniors through infrastructure and safety improvements, energy efficiency and comfort.

The Everett Housing Authority was awarded $3,453,605 to replace plaster ceilings that are collapsing as well as for roof replacement and insulation work at a 120-unit development for seniors.

“I am excited to see these state funds help the Everett Housing Authority get the necessary resources they need to keep residents safe and warm,” said Senator Sal DiDomenico. “This investment will ensure my home city can preserve critical public housing for my constituents living there now and for all future tenants to come. I want to thank Secretary Augustus and the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities for awarding this significant funding to support a critical public housing renovation project in my district.”

The Gloucester Housing Authority was awarded $275,138 from EOHLC’s Emergency Reserve Fund to cover a gap on a project that will upgrade electrical and fire alarm systems at a public housing development for seniors. The award will supplement $799,343 in funds from the American Rescue Plan Act for a total estimated cost of $1,074,480.

"Our state continues to face a serious housing shortage, and we can't afford to lose units from our public housing inventory because of deferred maintenance or other unmet needs," said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr. "These funds, placed in the capable hands of housing authority officials, will prevent that from happening, modernize these units, and ensure that they continue to be safe and available for the people that need them."

"Senior public housing is a vital part of our community, and it is essential that these homes remain safe and secure for our residents," said Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. "Thank you to the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities for investing in critical safety upgrades like the new fire alarm system at the Sheedy Building."

The Lynn Housing Authority was awarded $350,000 through the state’s decarbonization program to install heat pumps at a 47-unit public housing development for seniors. The award will support a pilot program for using window-mounted heat pumps. Heat pumps reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions compared with other types of heating and cooling systems.

“We must continue to work towards a future of sustainability and clean energy that also helps to lower costs for our residents,” said Senator Brendan Crighton. “We are thankful to the Healey-Driscoll administration for these funds which will support the great decarbonization work being done by the Lynn Housing Authority.”

"This grant funding is crucial for addressing the urgent need to replace individual heating and cooling systems," said Representative Dan Cahill. "I want to thank Charlie Gaeta and his team for their advocacy on behalf of the residents of Lynn, and I look forward to ongoing discussions with Lynn Housing about the site's long-term plans."

“Making our housing stock more efficient helps reduce long-term costs, supports healthier living conditions, and advances our climate and equity goals,” said Representative Sean Reid. “We are so thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Augustus and his team for this much-needed investment.”

Read EOHLC Press Release here