Somerville Housing Authority

The Somerville Housing Authority provides subsidized housing to eligible low- and moderate-income families and elderly residents of Somerville. It oversees more than 1,400 units of affordable housing across the city and aims to keep every property decent, safe and sanitary. Beyond managing apartments, the authority works with Section 8 participants and offers resident services, connecting tenants with resources and community programs around its residential developments, including the Mystic development.

As a public housing agency, the SHA updates federal and state Annual Agency Plans each year, as required by the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998. Public housing residents and Section 8 participants can join a Resident Advisory Board that reviews those plans. Staff also show up at community events such as Somerville’s Night Out to talk with current and prospective residents about available resources and public safety. A newsletter keeps Mystic development residents informed.

What to Know

• Resident Advisory Board membership is a voluntary position.
• The resident services team includes a Director of Resident Services and a Resident Services Coordinator.
• The annual plan process gives the community a chance to learn about the authority’s operations and policies.