Housing Corporation of Arlington History

The Housing Corporation of Arlington was founded 20+ years ago (1986) in response to what was then perceived as out-of-control housing prices, especially for first-time homebuyers. A small group of Town leaders and residents noticed an increasing problem with housing prices that outpaced growth in income. Prices were already escalating at 10% per year. Median single-family home prices were approaching $200,000—out of reach for many of Arlington’s renters and young adults who grew up here. The lack of open land for development added to the need for creative solutions. The Housing Corporation of Arlington was formed in response to an opportunity to receive a donated two-family house that was scheduled for demolition. This project was not successful, but the Housing Corporation was born, and a vehicle created for addressing Arlington’s housing crisis.

For many years HCA’s sole program was providing down-payment assistance loans for first-time, moderate-income homebuyers. In June of 1990, HCA was awarded tax-exempt status pursuant to Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. By the late 90’s the housing market began to shift with the growing acceptance of condo conversions of two-family houses. Suddenly Arlington was facing the loss of its existing affordable rental stock, as older owners began selling their properties for record amounts to realtors and developers. The Housing Corporation stepped in and purchased the first of its two-family houses in 2001. By 2005, the number of units owned by HCA was 28, all in two-family homes. With a recent purchase of 18 units in 4 buildings, HCA now owns 46 units of affordable rental housing. All of this was made possible by the very strong support of the Arlington Board of Selectmen, which has routinely allocated the largest single portion of Community Development Block Grant funds to affordable housing.

Starting in 2000, HCA also partnered with the Town of Arlington to create Arlington’s Homelessness Prevention Fund. Entirely through private donations, this fund provides one-time grants to Arlington residents experiencing an emergency housing crisis that may lead to homelessness. By the end of 2006, more than 200 families have received assistance, totaling more than $200,000 in grants.

HCA and its network of friends and supporters have worked to ensure that affordable housing remain a top priority for Arlington's future. The Housing Corporation continues to be a strong advocate for affordable housing today, and through its recent efforts, helped to adopt Arlington's Inclusionary Zoning Bylaw, which guarantees future real estate developments in Town set aside at least 15% of housing units as affordable. HCA raises the issue of affordable housing in Arlington through annual meeting events, which most recently featured Congressman Barney Frank, and our Walk for Affordable Housing, which takes place every spring.