“Housing First for Families” Audrey Nelson – Best Practices Session 1/20/2012 Quincy, Massachusetts

Overview Quincy: 92,000; $1.9M CDBG; $863K HOME (5 communities) Developer: Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc. (1 of 2 CHDOs) City’s designated anti-poverty agency; partner on fair housing (CDBG); HPRP Project has created 5 new units of housing for VLI and “at-risk” families.

Background The building was used as a Swedish Baptist Church from , and then used by other church groups for many years after the Baptists outgrew this space and moved to another location.

Background Over the years, renovations were made to the building and the steeple was removed. QCAP purchased in 1986 – used as com. center, food center, and office space.

Project All project funds were used for substantial rehabilitation and site improvements. Energy efficient features were incorporated into the design (appliances, HVAC, plumbing fixtures, lighting, recycling bin, bike rack, rain water collection/re-charge system)

Rehabilitation

“After”

Funding $ 468,000 HOME $ 150,000 Quincy Aff. Housing Trust $ 393,517 Hsg. Innovations (State) $ 393,518 Hsg. Stabilization (State) $ 398,000 Developer’s Equity $1,803,035 ($1.3 Million Leveraged)

Addressing Needs Tenants receive case management to help them achieve self-sufficiency. All families are below 30% AMI, but pay their own utility bills. Residents pay 30% of income towards rent (adjusted for utilities). Utilizes the “Housing First” model – stabilize with housing first, THEN work on short-term and long-term goals.

Site Benefits Safe, comfortable, affordable housing Each unit pre-wired for phone; cable Every unit has a modern kitchen; individual HVAC unit; stacking washer/dryer Bus stop within 50’; walk to MBTA Close to emergency food center, parks, indoor community pool (at elem. school)

Neighborhood Revitalization This project is part of an overall neighborhood revitalization effort: - Sidewalk/curb reconstruction - Water main reconstruction - Handicapped accessibility - Pedestrian amenities - Roadway resurfacing/repaving - New signalization

Before / After

Grand Opening Ribbon-cutting event was held in April 2009, as part of CD Week Over 100 people in attendance HUD Deputy Regional Director was in attendance and said, “We at ‘HUD’ think Quincy leads the way and is a model in developing creative ways to make their housing programs work, and we're very proud to be a partner in that.”

Grand Opening Ceremony

Ribbon-Cutting

“Epilogue” Building was fully leased up by July 2009 All families have made progress in achieving short-term goals, including budget counseling, maximizing resources, and furthering education (1 CNA)