News  Governor Healey Awards $17 Million to Make Homes More Energy Efficient, Lower Costs

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced nearly $17 million in Climate Ready Housing awards for 15 projects in nine Massachusetts communities to make homes more energy efficient, lower energy bills and reduce carbon emissions.

The funding will support major upgrades to affordable housing properties, including improved insulation and ventilation, more efficient heating and cooling systems, electrification and renewable energy. The projects will help lower energy use while making homes healthier and more comfortable for residents.

The Climate Ready Housing program is administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC), in collaboration with Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), MassHousing and Local Initiatives Support Corporation Massachusetts (LISC MA).

 “We have homes across Massachusetts that need upgrades, and this funding is helping communities get that work done,” said Governor Maura Healey. “From better heating and cooling systems to insulation, ventilation and clean energy improvements, these projects will make homes more efficient and more comfortable, while lowering energy usage and bills for years to come.”

“These investments will make a real difference in homes across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “They will help preserve hundreds of affordable homes while making them healthier, more comfortable and more sustainable for the families and seniors who live there. We’re making sure these homes can continue serving residents well into the future.”

“Preserving affordable housing means making sure the homes we already have can continue to serve residents for decades to come,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “Through Climate Ready Housing, we’re investing in improvements that will lower energy costs, improve indoor air quality and make homes more comfortable while dramatically reducing energy use and carbon emissions. These awards are about improving quality of life for the families, seniors and residents who call these communities home and ensuring they have safe, comfortable and affordable homes for years to come.”

“Upgrading our affordable housing stock with energy-efficient solutions means less wasted energy and lower bills for families,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This program ensures residents can count on more efficient homes and bring real savings and greater security to those who need it most.”

The Climate Ready Housing program works to advance physical upgrades to a crucial segment of the state’s affordable housing stock, improving indoor air quality and comfort for residents. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s 2024 Affordable Homes Act increased annual Climate Ready Housing funding tenfold from the program’s earlier pilot rounds.

Projects receiving funding pursued one of two approaches:

• Deep Energy Retrofits (DER): This approach requires extensive building envelope improvements, electrification of building systems, and maximization of on-site renewable energy production. Projects achieve at least 50 percent in energy savings and significant carbon emissions reductions.
• Zero Carbon Emissions Over Time (ZOT): This approach focuses on projects with thoughtful strategies for reducing emissions over time in alignment with planned upgrades. Projects propose strategic, short-term interventions that contribute to a long-term, comprehensive plan to achieve zero carbon emissions by 2050.

This funding round includes 10 Deep Energy Retrofit projects and five Zero Over Time projects. Projects were selected based on factors including their ability to reduce energy use and carbon emissions, strategically sequence building improvements and incorporate low-carbon technologies.

“MHP is excited to continue its partnership with the Healey-Driscoll Administration in preserving and modernizing affordable homes across the Commonwealth,” said MHP Executive Director Rachel Heller. “This $16.9 million investment will reduce emissions, improve resilience to extreme weather, and create healthier, more energy-efficient homes, demonstrating that climate action and affordable housing preservation can work together to improve quality of life for residents across the state."

“MassHousing is proud to support Governor Healey’s efforts to make homes more affordable to heat and cool and more comfortable to live in, while lowering carbon emissions and confronting climate change,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “The work to transition Massachusetts homes away from costly and dirty fossil fuels helps to create a cleaner, more affordable and more sustainable Massachusetts.”

"Affordable housing owners are leading the way in lowering energy use, reducing utility bills, and building healthy and resilient homes for current and future generations of residents," said LISC Massachusetts Executive Director Gustavo Quiroga. "The Healey-Driscoll Administration's continued investment in Climate Ready Housing and related programs provide critical resources to make those important housing and energy goals possible for more communities across the Commonwealth. LISC Massachusetts is proud of our work and partnership on this program for five years running, supporting ever-more inclusive and resilient communities of opportunity across Massachusetts."

The decarbonization of Massachusetts’ existing buildings is a key component of the state’s strategy to achieve net zero emissions by 2050. The Climate Ready Housing program will catalyze significant investments in the built environment sector, and leverage other federal, state, and local funding resources to help affordable housing developments lower emissions and energy use. For more information about the program, application materials, and deadlines, go to www.lisc.org/climatereadyhousing.

Climate Ready Housing awardees for 2026:

Pond Street Apartments — Boston Housing Authority: $1,500,000

The Boston Housing Authority will use CRH funding to modernize a public senior housing community in Jamaica Plain. The project will improve 44 apartments with energy-saving and climate-friendly upgrades, including networked geothermal heating and cooling, solar power, and resilience improvements. These efforts are expected to reduce annual site energy use by 74%.

25 West Street — Bridge Over Troubled Waters: $1,000,000

Bridge Over Troubled Waters plans to convert a vacant commercial building in downtown Boston into a mixed-use facility with office space, emergency shelter beds, transitional housing, and 63 supportive housing units. CRH funds will be used to implement supportive housing upgrades, including building envelope enhancements, electric heating and cooling systems, and mechanical system improvements that will target an energy use intensity (EUI) of 40.

Simon C. Fireman Community — Hebrew SeniorLife: $2,000,000

Hebrew SeniorLife will receive CRH funding for a Zero Over Time decarbonization strategy at its 160-unit affordable senior housing community in Randolph. As the initial phase of its long-term decarbonization strategy, the funds will support building envelope upgrades that target a 27% energy savings for the property.

CAST — Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc.: $750,000

Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc. will receive CRH funding for a deep energy retrofit that will modernize 51 multifamily affordable housing apartments in Cambridge. The scope will incorporate insulation and ventilation improvements and HVAC and range electrification that will seek to reduce the annual site energy use by 76%.

5 Auburn Street — MetroWest Collaborative: $500,000

MetroWest Collaborative plans to preserve and redevelop a historic school into 32 affordable multifamily units in Natick. The CRH funds will be used to support a deep-energy retrofit scope that will include HVAC electrification, ventilation improvements,  and building envelope reinforcements that aim to achieve an EUI of 22.

145-157 St. Alphonsus Street — Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services: $341,000

Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services will receive CRH funding as it plans to redevelop a currently vacant townhouse into seven units of multifamily affordable housing in Boston. The deep-energy retrofit scope incorporates comprehensive energy efficiency improvements, full mechanical system electrification, and interior upgrades for resident comfort. The project is targeting annual site energy use reduction of 62%.

Seabeds Way — Needham Housing Authority: $379,273

The Needham Housing Authority will receive CRH funding to support solar integration at its 46-unit senior/disabled federal public housing community in Needham. This renewable energy integration is expected to reduce the annual site energy use by 24%.

Dartmouth Hotel-Sargent Prince — Planning Office for Urban Affairs: $1,000,000

The Planning Office for Urban Affairs will receive CRH funding for a deep energy retrofit of two historic mixed-use properties in Boston. The renovation scope seeks to preserve and modernize 95 units of multifamily affordable housing, with comprehensive energy efficiency and electrification improvements, reinforced building envelopes, and in-unit upgrades that will target a 54% annual site energy use reduction.

Mission Park: Cluster R — Roxbury Tenants of Harvard: $450,000

Roxbury Tenants of Harvard will receive CRH funding for a deep energy retrofit of a 5-unit building in Boston. Cluster R is part of a larger 775-unit multifamily property and is intended to serve as a demonstration project that will be replicated across the larger complex in the future. The scope proposes significant insulation and envelope enhancements, fully electrified mechanical systems, and roof reinforcements to support future solar which will enable the project to target a 56% reduction in annual site energy use.

68 Homes Preservation Project — Southwest Boston CDC & Dorchester Bay EDC: $1,600,000

Southwest Boston CDC and Dorchester Bay EDC will receive CRH funding for the Zero Over Time decarbonization of a scattered site development in Boston. The project will incorporate various building envelope and ventilation upgrades for 68 units across eight sites that targets a project-wide annual energy use reduction of 29%.

The Putnam — The Community Builders, Inc.: $1,050,000

The Community Builders, Inc. will receive CRH funding for a deep energy retrofit and adaptive reuse that will create 38 multifamily apartments in a historic building in Greenfield. The scope includes comprehensive decarbonization work, including envelope enhancements, full mechanical system electrification, and incorporation of a building management system that will target an EUI of 24.

Theroch Apartments Phase 2 — Urban Edge Housing Corporation: $1,333,333

Urban Edge Housing Corporation will receive CRH funding for the deep energy retrofit and modernization of 50 units in Boston. Part of a larger 191-unit property, the retrofit scope will include building envelope improvements, full mechanical systems electrification, an electrical service upgrade, and in-unit upgrades with a 56% energy savings target.

186-190 Highland Ave — VNA of Eastern Massachusetts: $3,000,000

VNA of Eastern Massachusetts will receive CRH funding for a Zero Over Time decarbonization project for its 137-unit senior housing community in Somerville. The scope will include mechanical systems electrification, building envelope enhancements, ventilation upgrades, and the integration of solar energy to pursue a 45% reduction in annual site energy use.

Rainville — Way Finders, Inc.: $1,000,000

Way Finders, Inc. will receive CRH funding for a Zero Over Time decarbonization project in Springfield that includes 43 units of stable housing for vulnerable, low-income households. The project targets a 32% energy savings and includes window replacement, ventilation upgrades, and partial electrification that will pave the way for full future electrification.

Brown School — Zeta InSite LLC: $1,000,000

Zeta InSite LLC will receive CRH funding for a deep energy retrofit and adaptive reuse of a historic school into 29 units of senior housing in Newburyport. The comprehensive decarbonization scope will incorporate envelope sealing and enhancements, full mechanical systems electrification, and the integration of solar on site. The project is pursuing an EnerPhit certification and targeting an EUI of 26.

Awardee Statements:

Kenzie Bok, Administrator and CEO, Boston Housing Authority: 

“The Modernization of Pond Street will revitalize a garden style elderly public housing community with new heating, cooling, and building improvements, create more comfortable apartments, and house distribution equipment that improves electric reliability for the Jamaica Plain neighborhood. With the first geothermal network owned and operated by the Boston Housing Authority, this project is projected to halve energy costs and reduce emissions by over 80%. Thank you to EOHLC and the entire Climate Ready Housing team for your support.” 

Elisabeth Jackson, President and CEO, Bridge Over Troubled Waters:

“Bridge is very grateful for this award, which will be an important resource in the redevelopment and conversion of an underutilized office building into much-needed housing and program space for youth experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This high-impact redevelopment advances many of the Climate Ready Housing program’s goals, including bringing a historic building up to current energy standards and creating a fully electric renovated building. We are excited for the opportunity not only to expand our programs and services for young people, but also to contribute to the Commonwealth’s decarbonization efforts.” 

Adam Scott, President and CEO, Hebrew SeniorLife:

“We are honored to receive a 2026 Climate Ready Housing Program award to help fund roof, siding, and insulation improvements at our Simon C. Fireman Community in Randolph. The award will help us give residents a better living space, improve the property’s overall energy efficiency, and reduce our carbon footprint – changes that will have a lasting impact.”

Sara Barcan, Executive Director, Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc. (HRI):

“HRI's planned renovation of its CAST property will balance historic preservation with ambitious energy reduction goals, pursuing historic tax credits while improving the building envelope performance and electrifying mechanical systems. The project will improve resident comfort, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and maintain the buildings' historic character. The Climate Ready Housing funding is crucial for this project to succeed, and we hope that it serves as a model for other historic properties in Massachusetts looking to reduce their energy usage.”

Barney Heath, Executive Director, Metro West Collaborative Development:

“Metro West Collaborative Development is grateful to have received support through the Climate Ready Housing program for the redevelopment of 5 Auburn Street in Natick. This funding will contribute to the adaptive reuse of the Eliot Elementary School building into affordable rental housing, preserving its historic character while significantly enhancing the building’s energy efficiency and climate resiliency through upgrades that will reduce energy usage by 72%.”

Ricardo Sanchez, Director of Real Estate, Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services:

“Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services is thrilled with the announcement of the Climate Ready Housing award. This funding, when coupled with the significant and important funding support recently awarded by the Mayor’s Office of Housing and EOHLC, will allow us to reclaim formerly speculative, market rate, student housing and convert it to fully renovated, highly sustainable, and deeply affordable, rental housing for families and handicapped individuals. We are now ready to move forward on this small but highly impactful project for the Mission Hill community!”

Reginald C. Foster, Chair, Needham Housing Authority Board of Commissioners:

"The Town's Sustainable Needham Climate Action Roadmap aims to electrify 20% of residential and 25% of commercial buildings by 2030, up from 2% and 1% in 2023, and calls for partnering with the Needham Housing Authority on sustainability upgrades to our affordable housing. Thanks to the Commonwealth's Climate Ready Housing Program, Seabeds Way will become the first large multifamily apartment complex in Needham to be fully electrified. We are deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this investment in our residents and our community.”

Bill Grogan, President, Planning Office for Urban Affairs:

“We are incredibly grateful for the ongoing support of MHP, MassHousing, and LISC, with this Climate Ready Housing award for Dartmouth Hotel and Sargent Prince, in a historic neighborhood of Roxbury. Partnerships with state funders are critical to fill funding gaps in our affordable housing developments that serve underserved populations like those living in these buildings that have been long neglected, and that require both rehabilitation of the buildings, and services for their residents.” 

Karen T. Gately, Executive Director, Roxbury Tenants of Harvard Association (RTH):

“RTH is honored to receive this important Climate Ready Housing award from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities. This $450,000 investment is an important step in helping us ensure that we take the necessary steps to remain a safe, healthy, and resilient place for our residents. We know that climate change can have a disproportionate impact on affordable housing communities, and we are committed to taking meaningful steps today to protect our residents and strengthen our homes for the future. We are grateful to EOHLC for recognizing the importance of this work and for partnering with us to build a more resilient community.”

Mary Celeste Brown, Interim Executive Director, Southwest Boston Community Development Corporation; and Kimberly R. Lyle, Chief Executive Officer, Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation:

"The 68 Homes Preservation Project is about protecting affordable homes and preparing them for the decades ahead. Together, Southwest Boston CDC and Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation are preserving 68 homes across Hyde Park and Roslindale and making them healthier, more energy efficient, and more resilient for the people who live there. This $1.6 million Climate Ready Housing award allows us to make meaningful improvements now while preparing these properties for the transition to zero carbon over time. EOHLC’s investment affirms a model of preservation that treats affordability, resident well-being, and climate readiness as one goal."

Rachana Crowley, Vice President of Real Estate Development, The Community Builders:

“The Community Builders is grateful to receive a 2026 Climate Ready Housing Program award for The Putnam project. Funding will help advance our vision of creating affordable homes that will be high quality, accessible, and sustainable, strengthening the community for years to come.”

Emilio Dorcely, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Edge:

“Urban Edge is pleased to have been awarded funding through the 2026 Climate Ready Housing Program as we continue our work to ensure the long-term preservation of affordable housing while responding to climate change. This is the kind of critical funding needed to help us implement climate-resilient strategies that protect our properties, strengthen our communities, and support the health and well-being of the residents we serve.”

Linda S. Cornell, President and CEO, VNA of Eastern Massachusetts:

"Visiting Nurse at Highland provides a home for over 130 seniors who would otherwise be in a nursing home, institution, or worse, homeless. Our deepest gratitude goes out to Governor Healey, Somerville Mayor Jake Wilson, Senator Jehlen, Representative Uyterhoeven, and EOHLC’s Climate Ready Housing Program. This award will help us modernize aging building systems, advance electrification and energy efficiency, and make the Highland Avenue VNA community more sustainable and resilient for the future. These improvements are designed to support healthier, more comfortable homes and a better quality of life for our most needy and deserving senior residents, while preserving critically needed affordable senior housing in Somerville for decades to come."

Jamie Gruber, Senior Project Manager, Way Finders:

"Way Finders, Inc. is thrilled to receive a Climate Ready Housing funding award to help assist with the preservation and extend the affordability of the historic Rainville building, a key milestone in ensuring the climate resiliency of our overall Craftsmen Crossing fka Newcourt Rainville scattered-site project. This investment will allow the Rainville property to continue serving residents for years to come while advancing very low-carbon emissions through targeted, energy-efficient improvements to the existing building stock." 

Zeina Talje, Founder and Managing Partner, ZETA INSITE:

"The Climate Ready Housing program award is a critical component of the George W. Brown School's adaptive reuse into 29 affordable, energy-efficient units serving low- and moderate-income seniors. This award will support our ambitious energy reduction goals during construction and operations, as well as the integration of renewables. Affordable preservation projects like the Brown School are only possible through strong partnerships, and we're grateful for the support of this Administration, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, LISC Massachusetts, MassHousing, and Massachusetts Housing Partnership.”