(BRIGHTON, MA) — On Wednesday, July 18th, Governor Charlie Baker and Undersecretary Janelle Chan of the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), announced the 2019 annual affordable rental housing funding awards. B’nai B’rith Housing’s Senior Residences at the Machon development was one of the 28 funding recipients. The complete list of funded projects was announced at an event held in Swampscott next to the site of the former Machon School.
“We are pleased to announce these Affordable Rental Housing Awards to advance the production and preservation of more than 1,500 rental housing units throughout the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker.
Funding from the DHCD is an exciting next step bringing BBH closer to breaking ground on The Senior Residences at the Machon. The development is an adaptive re-use of the now vacant Machon School located at 35 Burpee Road. The building will feature common spaces such as a library and fitness center. In keeping with BBH’s high quality, service-enriched housing model, residents will have access to an on-site resident service coordinator who will partner closely with Swampscott area senior-service agencies to promote wellness, health, and educational programs for all the residents of the building.
Said B’nai B’rith Housing Executive Director, Susan Gittelman, “We truly appreciate the State’s support and are excited to continue working with the Town of Swampscott and area service providers to bring much-needed affordable housing to seniors and older adults in Swampscott.”
Almost 25% of Swampscott households have a senior member and over 50% of these households are a senior living alone. With a third of Swampscott households over 65 years old earning less than $40K a year, and with seniors projected to make up over half of total Swampscott households by 2030, the need for affordable housing options for seniors is critical.
“Housing that meets the needs of residents is the foundation for thriving communities, supporting strong neighborhoods and vibrant downtowns,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan.
Among the commitments, BBH will receive Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) funds, State HOME funds, Affordable Housing Trust Funds, Housing Stabilization Funds, North Shore HOME Consortium funds, and other support.
“We commend the Baker-Polito administration for making affordable housing a priority and we are grateful to the DHCD and the Town of Swampscott for supporting this project,” remarked Gittelman.
