Housing Rehab Programs:

Home Improvement Program

This program provides up to $50,000 at 0-3% interest rate for rehab.  Just-A-Start also provides assistance in preparing plans and specifications, and bidding on and monitoring the renovation.  This program uses HUD CDBG funds. 

Applications are accepted at all times.  Applicants must be owner-occupants of a 1-4 unit residential property, including condo units, in Cambridge whose income is at or below 80% of the median income or 120% in a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA).

Cambridge Savings Bank Home Improvement Loan

Provides up to $10,000 per unit at 3% interest rate for rehabilitation. Applications are accepted at all times. Applicants must be owner-occupants of a 1-4 unit residential property, including condo units, in Cambridge whose income is at or below 80% of the median income. 

Program Contact:
Joe Youngworth (joeyoungworth@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x316)
Alan LaBella (alanlabella@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x314)

Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area (NRSA)

Provides up to $50,000 at 0-3% interest rate for rehab. JAS also provides assistance in preparing plans and specifications and bidding on and monitoring the renovation. This program uses HUD CDBG and Cambridge Savings Bank funds.

Applications are accepted at all times.  Applicants must be owner-occupants of a 1-4 unit residential property, including condo units, in Cambridge, whose income is at or below 120% of the median income (for properties within NRS Area).

Program Contact:
Joe Youngworth (joeyoungworth@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x316)
Alan LaBella (alanlabella@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x314)

Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency Home Improvement Loan

Provides low interest loans for home improvement. Applications are accepted at all times. Applicants must be Cambridge or Arlington owner-occupants of 1-4 unit residential property whose income is at or below $123,750 for 1-2 member families, and below $142,312 for 3+ member families.

Program Contact:
Joe Youngworth (joeyoungworth@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x316)
Alan LaBella (alanlabella@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x314)

Second Chance Program

Low interest rate program for refinancing of existing mortgages, plus rehab. Applications are accepted at all times. Applicants must have credit history problems, and have 1-2 unit owner-occupied residential property in Cambridge and must have income at or below 120% of median.

Program Contact:
Joe Youngworth (joeyoungworth@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x316)
Alan LaBella (alanlabella@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x314)

Get the Lead Out Program

Provides low interest loans for lead removal using HUD funds.  Applications are accepted at all times.  Must be Cambridge or Arlington owner-occupants of 1-4 unit residential property whose income is at or below $123,750 for 1-2 member families, and below $142,312 for 3+ member families. 

Program Contact:
Joe Youngworth (joeyoungworth@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x316)
Alan LaBella (alanlabella@justastart.org or 617-494-0444 x314)