Rep. Bradley, Congressman Keating, Sen. Hedlund announce state funding for Hingham veterans housing project on Fort Hill Street

February 22, 2011

(Boston)  – State Representative Garrett Bradley, D-Hingham, Sen. Robert Hedlund, R-Weymouth, and Congressman William Keating, D-Quincy, today announced that Father Bills and MainSpring Inc. will use $750,000 in DHCD program subsidies to complete renovations and new construction of 6 Single Room Occupancy (SRO) units at Fort Hill that will house homeless veterans. Two of the units will be reserved for extremely low-income individuals.  The project is anticipated to create 5 jobs.

Rep. Bradley said the grant award is part of Governor Deval Patrick’s pledge of $71.37 million in resources from various affordable housing programs to support the construction of 31 rental developments in 21 communities across the Commonwealth. These funds will create an estimated 2,000 construction jobs statewide.

“The need for this project and this funding is clear, and will benefit not only local veterans who are struggling to survive, but also local construction workers and businesses.  Housing and jobs are two of the critical issues facing the region, and this funding addresses both at the same time,” said Rep. Bradley. “I applaud the Governor and his administration for providing this much-needed state funding for the community.”

“At a time when state budgets are being cut to close shortfalls it is important that we have recognized the need for and prioritized housing projects like these for vulnerable citizens, including the Fort Hill project in Hingham for homeless veterans,” Senator Hedlund said. “We have shown a commitment to the community that will continue despite these hard economic times.”

“The six projects receiving funding in my district will create affordable housing options at a time when they’re most needed,” said Congressman William Keating.  “One will be providing housing for homeless veterans; another is in the pre-construction phase and will thus create jobs in our community.  All in all, this funding is a win for the State’s South Shore and Cape communities.  I commend Governor Patrick for directing this funding to such worthwhile programs.”

According to the Governor’s press release announcing the awards, once completed, the developments will create or preserve 1,642 units of rental housing including 1,415 affordable units for low-and moderate income families. 246 of the affordable units will be targeted for families earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.

During the Patrick-Murray Administration’s first term, the Administration provided funding commitments to over 200 affordable housing projects, representing 9,417 total units. 8,543 of those units are affordable. Within the affordable unit count, 1,473 units are reserved for individuals or households earning less than 30 percent of the area median income.