Divisions & Programs

Home Improvement Program for One to Four Family Properties

Programs and Neighborhoods
Just-A-Start
Homeowners Rehab, Inc.
Link to Current Income Limits for Housing Programs
For More Information

Programs and Neighborhoods

In conjunction with two local nonprofit organizations, the City offers zero- and low-interest home improvement loans to income-eligible owners of one to four-family buildings through the Home Improvement Program.

For properties in East Cambridge, Wellington Harrington, Area 4, Cambridgeport and Riverside see the program offered by Just-A-Start.

For properties in Area 4, Mid-Cambridge, Agassiz, Area 9, West Cambridge, North Cambridge, Cambridge Highlands and Strawberry Hill see the program offered by Homeowner's Rehab, Inc.

Not sure where your property is located? Go to the Citywide Cambridge Neighborhood Map (PDF format, 740KB).

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Just-A-Start

Just A Start's Home Improvement Program provides loans to low and moderate income Cambridge homeowners to make improvements to their property. The program offers 0% to 3% interest rate loans. Borrowers may defer loans until the sale of the house or pay the funds back over a maximum of 15 years. All loans are secured by a mortgage.

Rehabilitation specialists guide you throughout the construction process. They conduct an initial survey, draw up a scope of work with cost estimates, and provide technical assistance. The rehab specialist will also monitor construction work in progress.

The type of improvements that are eligible include:

Correction of health and safety code violations;
Elimination of lead paint hazards;
Handicap access;
Installation of energy conservation measures;
Electrical and plumbing upgrades;
Repair of exterior walls and painting; and
Installation of windows and insulation.

For more information about the Just-A-Start Home Improvement Program, please call 617/494-0444.

Go to Current Income Limits for Housing Programs

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Homeowners Rehab Inc.

Homeowner Rehab 's Home Improvement Program serves low to moderate income resident homeowners of one to four family houses in target areas of Cambridge. The Home Improvement Program offers advice to eligible homeowners on financing, contractor selection, and technical matters free of charge.

Program eligibility criteria include:

Homeowner's income must be below 80% of Area Median Income;
House must be owner-occupied;
Applicant must have owned their home for at least one year; and
At least 50% of the floor area of the building must be residential.

Homeowners may receive either a scheduled payback loan or a deferred loan, depending on their income. Loans are secured by a mortgage on the property.

Priority is given to the following housing rehab needs:

Health and safety hazards;
Weatherization and energy conservation improvements;
Lead paint hazards;
Remodeling to accommodate the handicapped; and
Exterior upgrading.

For more information about the Homeowner Rehab, Inc. Home Improvement Program, please call 617/868-4858.

Go to Current Income Limits for Housing Programs

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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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