HomeMy WebLinkAboutAnnualreport07-Housing Authority North Andover Housing Authority
As Executive Director, I am pleased to submit, on behalf of the North Andover Housing
Authority Board of Commissioners, the Authority's 59th annual report for fiscal year ending
September 30, 2007. This report has been prepared in accordance with Chapter 121E of the
General Laws of Massachusetts, which govern housing authorities.
The Housing Authority owns and manages 295 income based rental units of Public
Housing in North Andover. The Authority-owned low rent units are distributed in six elderly
and two family developments, which consist of:
State funded:
Fountain Drive 40 units of elderly/disabled
Bingham Way 42 units of elderly/disabled
Foulds Terrace 52 units of elderly/disabled
O'Connor Heights 20 units of elderly/disabled
10 units congregate housing
Veteran's Housing 14 two bedroom units
10 three bedroom units
Ashland Street 2 three bedroom family units
Federally funded:
McCabe Court 45 units of elderly/disabled
Morkeski Meadows 60 units of elderly/disabled
In addition to owned units, the Authority also administers rental subsidy programs
through the use of Federal and State funds. These programs are designed to provide a subsidy
for housing to eligible elderly/disabled, low-income families, and single individuals. The
Authority currently administers 133 Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers and 3 Mass Rental
Vouchers (MR VP).
The Authority offers the Family Self-Sufficiency program (FSS) to those individuals
participating in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. FSS is a HUD funded social
service program designed to promote employment and increase assets for low-income families
receiving Section 8 rental subsidies. During a five year period,participants work individually
with a case-manager on such goals as education, money management,job training, childcare,
transportation, and homeownership education. A key component of the FSS Program is the
establishment of an escrow or savings account that accumulates as earned income increases.
Families receive the funds after they successfully complete the program. Many FSS families
have used their escrow to purchase homes. FSS is unique because of its individual approach to
supporting families and is one of the few asset building government programs in existence.
All housing administered by the Authority is subject to the following income limits:
State/Federal
I person household $41,700.
2 47,700.
3 53,650.
4 59,600.
5 64,350.
6 69,150.
7 73,900.
8 or more 78,650.
The state minimum age requirement for elderly is 60, or disabled. The federal minimum
age requirement for elderly is 62, or disabled. The minimum head of household age for family
housing is 18 or over. Neither program has an asset limit. Income from assets is added to total
income and that must remain within the above thresholds. North Andover residents receive a
preference for these programs.
Future Plans/Goals:
• Construction of two 3 bedroom modular units on Ashland Street. One of the units will be
barrier free.
• Continue modernization improvements to housing authority properties.
• Educate residents on available community resources and services.
• Promote community and intergenerational activities for the elderly.
• Partner with the private and public sector to maximize services and resources for
residents.
• Provide financial education to housing authority residents and Section 8 participants to
promote financial independence.
• Promote home-ownership education for public housing tenants and Section 8
participants.
The North Housing Authority is dedicated to serving the housing needs of the community.
The mission of the North Andover Housing Authority is to promote adequate and affordable
housing, economic opportunity, and a suitable living environment free from discrimination.
Working together with the staff, board of commissioners, residents, and community members, the
North Andover Housing Authority strives to create neighborhoods where residents continue to be
a valuable part of the community.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanne Comerford
Executive Director
Ted Snell, Chairman
John Driscoll, Vice Chair
Anna O'Connor, Treasurer
Helen Soucy, Assistant Treasurer
Madeleine Sutcliffe, State Appointee