Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities - Boston, MA

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities: Building Stronger Neighborhoods

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), formerly known as the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), is the primary state agency responsible for housing policy and community development in Massachusetts. Located at 100 Cambridge Street, the agency's mission is to create more homes, lower housing costs, and ensure that every resident has access to safe, affordable, and stable housing. EOHLC oversees a vast array of programs that support municipalities, housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and low-income individuals.

Housing Stabilization and Emergency Assistance

One of the agency's most critical functions is managing the state's safety net for families facing homelessness. EOHLC administers the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter program, which provides temporary shelter and support services to eligible pregnant women and families with children. The agency also oversees the HomeBASE program, which offers financial assistance to help eligible families pay rent, utilities, and moving costs to avoid entering the shelter system or to exit shelter into stable housing.

Rental Assistance and Public Housing

EOHLC is the regulatory body for the state's public housing system, working with over 240 Local Housing Authorities (LHAs) to manage more than 43,000 state-aided public housing units. Additionally, the agency administers federal and state rental assistance programs, including:

• Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers: Federal subsidies that help low-income families rent modest apartments in the private market.
• Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP): A state-funded program providing long-term rental subsidies.
• Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP): Helping vulnerable households pay their winter heating bills through a network of local community action agencies.

Community Development and Planning

Beyond individual assistance, EOHLC invests in the physical and economic revitalization of communities. The agency manages the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for smaller cities and towns, funding infrastructure improvements, housing rehabilitation, and social services. It also supports the creation of affordable housing developments through the allocation of tax credits and subsidies to developers.

Visiting the Office

The EOHLC main office is located in the Saltonstall Building at 100 Cambridge Street, near Government Center. As a state government building, visitors must undergo strict security screening upon entry. While the headquarters houses administrative staff, many direct services (such as applying for fuel assistance or shelter) are best accessed through local field offices or regional non-profit partners.