Somerville Community Corporation

Somerville Community Corporation is a membership organization working to keep Somerville diverse and affordable for low- and moderate-income residents. Its work rests on three approaches: organizing residents to push for policies such as inclusionary housing, linkage and preservation of expiring-use housing; developing and preserving permanently affordable homes using green design; and building economic opportunity through financial education, counseling, asset-building programs and job placement. Its guiding goal is development without displacement as the city transforms.

Residents can tap several direct services, including the First Source Jobs Program, a first-time homebuyer program, and financial and digital literacy classes. The organization also hosts job and resource fairs that connect residents with employers, and it produces short videos telling the stories of neighbors facing displacement, financial strain and job searches. SCC, led since 2020 by Gonzalo Puigbo, has announced a leadership transition, and its values include diversity, empowerment, democratic participation, justice and compassion.

What to Know

• SCC received a $75,000 grant from LISC to support its First Source Jobs Program.
• Affordable units it develops are taken off the speculative real estate market.
• The group works with its members, the City of Somerville and other partners.
• Its programs aim to open access across economic, cultural and language barriers.