Addressing the Housing Crisis

Southeastern Massachusetts is facing a severe housing crisis that is straining families, destabilizing communities, and threatening the region’s economic future.

See How We're Fixing That

Strengthening Community. Building Hope.

Community Action for Better Housing empowers individuals and families to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness by providing safe, comfortable, and affordable housing, along with essential resources for personal advancement. We serve low-income families and individuals in the New Bedford and Fall River, MA area, including those who are homeless, disabled, or elderly.

A growing housing crisis

From gateway cities like New Bedford and Fall River, to smaller towns across Bristol and Plymouth counties, the shortage of affordable housing is pushing residents, especially those with low incomes, to the brink.

Southeastern Massachusetts faces a severe shortage of affordable housing, part of a statewide gap of over 440,000 units.
Home prices have jumped over 70% since 2000, while incomes have barely grown, just 4% after inflation.
The state projects a need for 222,000 new housing units by 2035, with a significant share required in this region to meet demand.

The Human and Economic Impact

The consequences of the housing shortage are stark and far-reaching in cities like New Bedford and Fall River, and across Southeastern New England.

More than half of renters in Southeastern Massachusetts are cost-burdened, spending over 30% of their income on housing.
81% of very low-income households (30–50% of Area Median Income) do not live in affordable housing, often falling into the “missing middle”, earning too much for subsidies but too little for market-rate units.
Homelessness surged statewide by over 50% between 2023 and 2024, with family homelessness rising 74%. Southeastern Massachusetts has experienced similar or even higher increases.
Housing costs are driving labor shortages, as employers struggle to attract and retain workers in key sectors like healthcare, education, and manufacturing.

Why Housing Matters

In Southeastern Massachusetts, where more than 60% of extremely low-income renters are severely cost-burdened, the need for stable housing is especially urgent. Housing is more than just shelter—it’s a foundation for opportunity.

Stable, affordable housing:

Improves physical and mental health outcomes
Children in stable housing are 25% more likely to graduate high school
Fosters economic mobility and financial stability
Reduces stress and strengthens community bonds

Solutions for a Stronger Future

When communities invest in housing, they invest in people, and that’s the cornerstone of a stronger, more equitable future.