Baker-Polito Administration Announces 2.1 Million At-Home COVID Tests for 102 High-Need Communities
The Baker-Polito Administration announced plans to increase access to at home COVID-19 test kits for residents across the Commonwealth. The Administration has secured 2.1 million iHealth Labs over-the-counter (OTC) at-home rapid antigen tests that will be delivered to 102 towns with the highest percentage of families below the poverty level. These free tests will be available for distribution to the public by each municipality, with an emphasis on increasing access for individuals and families who are facing financial hardship.
Affordable Housing Trust Vacancy
The Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust (the Trust) works to expand and protect affordable housing opportunities in Cambridge. The Trust administers and oversees most City funds allocated to create and preserve affordable rental and homeownership housing, and to support housing programs that address the city’s affordable housing needs.
Cambridge Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant
The Small Business COVID-19 Recovery Grant Program is a complementary grant program to the city’s Small Business COVID-19 Relief Grant. It is a special program helping Cambridge’s U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) eligible for-profit retail, food, personal services, and creative businesses with a grant up to $10,000 per brick and mortar business. The program provides short-term working capital assistance to support businesses with inventory purchases (perishable and non-perishable), Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) purchases or upgrades, and rent payments to enable businesses to open and ensure the retention of jobs after the severe interruption of business related to COVID-19 social distancing requirements.
Curbside Food Waste Pickup
In 2009, the City set a goal to reduce residential trash disposal by 30% by 2020, and by 80% by 2050. With that goal in mind, the City expanded curbside food waste pickup to all buildings with 1 to 12 units. 25,000 households (8,100 buildings) are now eligible to participate.
Clean Energy Cambridge
How Cambridge is reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 by transitioning to clean energy.
Homeownership Program Term Changes
The Housing Department is updating the program. Current homeowners can choose to sign an amendment (update) to their Affordable Housing Restriction.
Food Assistance
The health and safety of the Cambridge community is our top priority during this unprecedented time. While many of the city’s food pantries have temporarily closed, we are working to ensure that Cambridge residents have access to food during the COVID-19 outbreak.
For Homebuyers
The City of Cambridge has many programs to assist potential homebuyers.
October is National Women's Business Month
The City of Cambridge will celebrate National Women’s Business Month during October to recognize the importance of women-owned businesses and highlight the women entrepreneurs who contribute so much to the local Cambridge economy.