Concord Housing Authority - Concord, NH

Affordable Housing and Redevelopment

Mission and Community Impact

The Concord Housing Authority, operating as Concord Housing + Redevelopment (CH+R), is a quasi-governmental agency dedicated to providing safe, decent, and affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families, the elderly, and individuals with disabilities. Established in 1961, the agency has grown from a manager of public housing units into a dynamic force for community revitalization. CH+R plays a pivotal role in the region's housing market by administering federal rental assistance programs and developing new housing stock. Beyond simply acting as a landlord, the agency strives to foster economic independence and social well-being among its residents through various support services and self-sufficiency programs.

Housing Programs and Vouchers

The core of the agency's operations revolves around two primary federal programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). First, the Public Housing Program manages hundreds of apartments across the city, including family townhomes and high-rise buildings designated for seniors and people with disabilities. Properties such as the John F. Kennedy Apartments and Haller Apartments provide stable living environments with rents based on household income. Second, the Housing Choice Voucher Program (formerly Section 8) offers rental subsidies that allow eligible families to rent privately owned housing in the community. This program provides flexibility, enabling participants to choose neighborhoods that best suit their needs while ensuring their housing costs remain affordable.

Real Estate and Economic Development

True to its name, Concord Housing + Redevelopment is also a catalyst for urban renewal. The agency actively engages in the acquisition, renovation, and construction of properties to eliminate blight and increase the supply of workforce housing. CH+R has been instrumental in several high-profile redevelopment projects in downtown Concord, transforming underutilized spaces into vibrant residential and commercial assets. As a 'Moving to Work' (MTW) agency—one of only a select few in the nation granted this designation by HUD—CH+R has the flexibility to design and test innovative strategies to use federal funds more efficiently, help residents find employment, and increase housing choices.

Resident Services and Compliance

The agency provides comprehensive resident services designed to help families achieve long-term stability. This includes the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program, which helps voucher holders build assets and achieve financial goals such as education or homeownership. The administrative staff handles strict compliance monitoring, ensuring that all properties meet federal quality standards and that applicants meet income eligibility requirements. Potential tenants undergo rigorous screening, including background checks, to ensure the safety and security of the housing communities.

• Public Housing: Direct management of affordable apartment complexes.
• Section 8 Vouchers: Rental assistance for private market housing.
• Redevelopment: Revitalizing properties to improve city infrastructure.
• Senior Housing: Dedicated facilities for elderly and disabled residents.
• Moving to Work: Innovative federal pilot program status.