Lead Hazard Abatement Program

The Lead Abatement Program offers 0% interest forgivable loans for owner-occupied properties and investor-owned properties to assist in the abatement of lead hazardous materials. The program is designed to provide an incentive for property owners to comply with state and federal lead laws, create safe living environment for children and families and create or maintain affordable rental units. The amount of assistance is based on the number of eligible units and types of repairs. These funds benefit low to moderate-income households. The use of these funds requires that rental units be made affordable. A renter cannot participate in this program without the consent and participation if their landlord. Follow the link above for more information.

Tenant Rent Stabilization Program

Housing Division working with Somerville Community Corporation's (SCC's) Housing Assistance Program assists Somerville residents who are at risk of homelessness due to rent or utility arrears, high costs of housing, substandard housing, and other reasons. The program's primary goal is to stabilize families by helping them maintain their current housing. Follow the link above for more information.

Section 8 Affordable Rentals

Section 8 Housing is the federal government's major program for assisting very low income families, the elderly, and the disabled to rent decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.  Since the housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual, participants are able to find and rent privately owned housing, including single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments.  Section 8 Housing program is administered by the Somerville Housing Authority. Follow the link above for more information.

Housing for People with Disabilities

Regardless of whether you live in private or public housing, Federal laws provide the following rights to persons with disabilities: Prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities and requires housing providers to make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. For more information on Housing for Persons with Disabilities, please follow the links to the left or contact the Housing Division at 617-625-6600 x 2577. Follow the link above for more information.

Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP)

The state-funded Home Modification Loan Program provides loans to make modifications to the primary, permanent residence of elders, adults with disabilities, and families with children with disabilities. Such modifications allow people to remain in their homes and live more independently in their communities. Based on the income guidelines, from $1,000 up to $30,000 (inclusive of all costs) may be borrowed in either a deferred payment loan (DPL) or an amortized loan, which is secured by a promissory note and a mortgage lien, except in cases of loans that are under $2,500 which are only secured by the promissory note.  An HMLP loan may be obtained only one time per property.  Borrowers may not come back for more funding for the same property once their project is complete.