Housing Department Expands to Include Housing Services

Cambridge has expanded and restructured its Housing Department into five divisions across Housing Planning and Development, Affordable Housing Programs, and the new Housing Services division. Bringing all housing-related programs together will make it easier for residents to access support. Chris Cotter remains Chief of Housing, with Deputy Chiefs overseeing each area.

The Multi-Service Center, Office of the Housing Liaison, and DHSP Planning and Development have joined the department to form the coordinated Housing Services Division, led by Deputy Chief Maura Pensak. The Multi-Service Center is now the Housing Services Center, still led by Maria Melo, and the former DHSP team is now Homeless Program Planning, led by Elizabeth Mengers. These updates clarify and better reflect how teams work together on homelessness services, affordable housing, and planning.

Programs, services, hours, and the location of the Housing Services Center remain unchanged. The center can still be reached at 617-349-6340 and now has a new email: housingservices@cambridgema.gov. Services include eviction prevention, tenants’ rights resources, homeless services (C CAN), housing search assistance, and intensive case management. Staff and their contact information remain the same.

Housing Services Center Hours of Operation:

• Monday: 8:30 AM–8 PM
• Tuesday–Thursday: 8:30 AM–5 PM
• Friday: 8:30 AM–12 PM
• Walk-ins begin at 9 AM and end 30 minutes before closing

For questions, email housingservices@cambridgema.gov or visit the Housing Department website.