Affordable Housing Programs:

Homeownership Development

Just-A-Start develops affordable homes for first-time homebuyers.  These units are affordable to families with incomes at 60% - 80% of the area median income.  All of the units are purchased pursuant to an Affordable Housing Agreement with the City of Cambridge, allowing the City to repurchase the units when sold at a restricted resale price.  Future housing opportunities from Just-A-Start include 823 Main Street Condominiums a development of 10 condominium units currently under construction between Central Square and Kendall Square.

823 Main Street Condominiums

The 10 units of housing being produced will be sold to eligible first-time homebuyers through a lottery in the late fall; applications will be available this October. Eligible applicants must earn below 80% of the Area Median Income, this will vary based on household size. Please see qualifying guidelines for a complete set of eligibility requirements. To be added to the mailing list, please contact the Project Manager Sharon Cowan at 617-494-0444 ext. 340 sharoncowan@justastart.org

Projected Occupancy

May 2009

Units available

10 (2- one bedroom, 2-two bedroom & 6- three bedroom)

Sale prices:   

Income Limits:

One Bedroom
Type A (+/- 915 SF)

 

$145,000

Two Bedroom
Type B (+/- 1160 SF)

 

$175,000

Three Bedrooms
(+/- 1390 SF)

 

$200,000

Family Size

Max Income

1

 

2

$52,950

3

$59,550

4

$66,150

5

$71,450

6

$76,750

This development is made possible thanks to financing from the City of Cambridge, the Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, the Massachusetts Department of Community Development, Harvard University, U.S. Department of Housing Urban Development, and Cambridge Savings Bank.

If you have any questions about the development, please contact Project Manager, Sharon Cowan at 617-494-0444 ext. 340 sharoncowan@justastart.org.

Other recent additions to the City of Cambridge affordable housing stock developed by Just-A-Start include. 


picGateview Condominium
The new affordable homes at Gateview Condominium located at 2495 and 2597 Massachusetts Avenue were fully occupied as of February 1, 2007. With subsidy provided by the City of Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, and the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Trust Fund, 14 families at 60 – 80% of the area median income have secured housing in a beautifully designed complex nestled in an established North Cambridge neighborhood.

Rental Housing Development

JAS develops and owns affordable rental housing targeted for lower income households. These units are managed by two management companies. SC Management Company manages the 273-unit JAS-affiliated housing at 402 Rindge Avenue (shown right). This is a 100% HUD-funded building with a waiting list that is controlled by HUD and MHFA. The waiting list is opened periodically for applications by specific categories of households, but it is generally closed to new applications. To inquire about vacancies at 402 Rindge Avenue, please call SC Management at 617-876-5855.

All other JAS-affiliated rental units (269 total) are managed by LE Smith Management Company. The waiting list for these properties are open at all times for new applications. We particularly encourage Section 8 mobile voucher holders to apply for these units. Please call LE Smith Management Company at 617-661-7190 to inquire about an application.

Past Projects

Affordable Homeownership Development Portfolio.
Affordable Rental Development Portfolio.