HRI’s portfolio includes 113 unique properties, including many smaller, scattered-site buildings built before World War II. Renovations offer the opportunity to reduce carbon output and reliance on fossil fuels, and to improve indoor air quality for residents of our buildings.

Since 2021, HRI has partnered with Resonant Energy to install solar PV arrays at properties we own. As part of this effort, HRI reviewed our 113-building portfolio to identify unused roof space for solar PV systems. We installed 21 arrays in 2023, and by the end of 2024, we anticipate that more than half of HRI buildings will have arrays on their rooftops. Our $3.9 million investment in solar technology will create 855 kW of solar PV energy annually for HRI’s portfolio. This is equivalent to the energy used by 133 homes powered by other energy sources in one year. The energy generated by our new solar panels will allow HRI to offset electricity usage from the grid, and will help reduce our properties’ electric bills.

Property Sale by Lesley University will Create Needed Affordable Housing

[Cambridge, MA] Homeowner’s Rehabilitation, Inc. (HRI), a non-profit community development corporation in Cambridge, Massachusetts, has purchased a property that houses a former dormitory and rental apartments from Lesley University with plans to build new, affordable housing.

“Andrea”, a low-income client facing several health challenges, sought assistance to renovate her aging single-family home. Unable to obtain a loan from a bank, Andrea reached out to HRI’s Home Improvement Program (HIP) after receiving a referral from a local fuel assistance program. HIP staff helped Andrea explore options to address her housing needs.

HRI congratulates Jane Carbone, retired HRI Director of Development, for receiving the 2023 BE+ Green Building Change Maker of the Year award. This award recognizes Jane’s mentoring and leadership in sustainable practices in the built environment.

Harvey St.

One of the last lodging houses in Cambridge, 35 Harvey Street, is undergoing a complete renovation thanks to funding from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and the City of Cambridge. A longtime part of the CASCAP portfolio, the 1895 Mansard Victorian currently contains sixteen lodging rooms with shared kitchens and baths.

“Ranjana” is an older adult living in an HRI property. A series of falls and a lost green card led to difficulty recertifying her housing subsidy, loss of other public benefits, and a substantial rent arrearage. With Ranjana’s housing in jeopardy, a referral from a Wingate property manager kicked off a response by HRI’s community engagement team and our Cambridge-based partners.

Steadfast Solutionz, owned by Osayi Erhabor and David Veiga, launched programming at the Juanita Saunders Computer and Activity Center at Rivermark in February of 2023. The state-of-the-art center was opened after completion of Rivermark’s multi-million-dollar renovation. Since then, 40 young people in 1st-12th grade have participated in after-school and summer programs including homework assistance, computer classes, digital music, art, and chess club.

In 2024, HRI and the Cambridgeport Neighborhood Association (CNA) will co-host a series of six “Locally Led Brave Spaces” conversations. This past October, three HRI residents and a representative from the CNA joined HRI staff at the 2023 NeighborWorks America’s Community Leadership Institute. There, participants learned about comprehensive approaches to community development and strategies for resident outreach as well as leadership development.