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Answers to Your Questions about Affordable Housing
What is affordable housing?
Affordable housing is housing created by federal, state, or local government and made available to low- and moderate-income households. In Cambridge, there are a number of organizations participating in providing affordable housing. The Cambridge Housing Authority manages public housing and the Section 8 program in Cambridge. Other affordable rental and ownership units are developed and managed by local nonprofit agencies. Finally, private developers, through the City’s Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance, create affordable units.
How affordable is affordable housing?
Affordable housing is defined as housing that costs no more than 30% of a household’s annual income. For instance, affordable housing for a family earning $48,000 per year would be housing that costs about $1,200 per month, while affordable housing for a family earning $24,000 per year would be housing that costs about $600 per month. The actual cost of an affordable apartment or affordable home may vary by program, owner, and household income.
Who is eligible for affordable housing and assistance?
Some programs and services are open to everyone at all income levels – such as Cambridge’s first-time homebuyer education classes. Other housing programs have eligibility requirements, most commonly in the form of income limits. If you are interested in a specific program, please contact the Community Development Department for more information.
What are income limits?
At least once a year, the US Department of Housing and Urban Development publishes data on median incomes throughout the country. Income limits in Cambridge are based on percentages of the Boston Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. Current income limits can also be found on the Community Development Department web site.
How do I get notification about affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge?
The City maintains a mailing list of residents who want to be notified when affordable rental and ownership units are being marketed by the City. To register your household with the Affordable Housing Database, please click here. Please note that putting your name on the list is not a substitute for applying when units become available.
For More Information
For more information about affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge, please call the Housing Information Line at 617/349-4622 or send an email to Michelle Moran at mmoran@cambridgema.gov. The Community Development Department TTY line is 617/349-4621.
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