2020-2024 ConsolidatedAndActionPlan
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Executive Summary
ES-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The City of Northampton (City) is pleased to submit to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) this Year 1 Action Plan for the City's Five-Year Consolidated Plan 2020-2024. The
program year from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. The City is creating this Action Plan to meet the urgent
needs of low- and moderate-income residents and address the issues created by the Covid-19
pandemic. The City will receive $682,340 from the 2020 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
grant. This document outlines how the City will allocate and expend these funds to accommodate low-
and moderate-income (LMI) residents and address urgent needs. The City is committed to developing
community partnerships and working with service providers to assist those most in need of relief. The
Consolidated Plan will use the term, Latinx, where HUD uses the term Hispanic.
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2. Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment
Overview
The City will allocate the Program Year 2020 CDBG grant as follows:
Housing Activities
Financial assistance to first-time homebuyers: $12,000
Removing architectural barriers and rehabbing historic housing complex: $83,175
Land acquisition and soft costs for affordable housing: $1
Housing rehab program will continue to rehabilitate 4-6 houses this year, administered through either
PVPC or Community Action.
Public Facilities / Access
Construction of a playground at a public housing facility: $150,000
Public Infrastructure/ Access
Install wheelchair ramps installed at a local-nonprofit: $200,000
Repair ADA accessible bathroom at City owned property: $1
Public Services
A total of 13 Social Service Programs totaled at $206,627
Economic Development
Microenterprise grants, job retention/creation, and other economic development activities. Assistance
provided to businesses with five or less employees to retain/create new job opportunities: $30,000
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Administration and Planning
The City will allocate $136,468 for the administration of the CDBG Program and Housing and Community
Development activities.
Total Program Year Budget
CDBG 2020 Award: $682,340.00
Estimated Carry-Over Funds: $530,325.07
Reallocated Funds: $0.00
Total: $1,212,665.07
3. Evaluation of past performance
The 2019-2020 CDBG Program Year was extremely successful in addressing a myriad of City community
development goals. The Housing Rehabilitation Program administered through PVPC continued to
operate smoothly, improving the homes and dwelling units of income eligible residents for years to
come.
Valley CDC together with its partner Way Finders completed lease up of all affordable apartments at The
Lumber Yard in July and August. The two organizations started and are near completion of renovation
and addition of 16 units to the 15 unit Sergeant House SRO at 82 Bridge Street. This project leveraged
CPA dollars, as well as private bank financing, and LIHTC funds. This renovation addressed structural
defects, worn elements, lack of energy efficiency, and lack of accessibility. The post-construction
building comprised of 31 small studio units will house homeless individuals, as well as a variety of low
and moderate income persons. The Community Builders, with support of Valley CDC, is constructing 12
units for 35 Village Hill Road and is poised to start construction of 53 affordable rental units at Village
Commons, which received its full financing this year.
Habitat for Humanity has completed construction on two of the four homes on Glendale Road (lots 3 &
4). They are nearing completion of lot #2 and have just started framing for lot #1. The common driveway
that was built with CDBG funds serves lots 2, 3 & 4. They are almost done with billing for the grant. This
project would create four energy-efficient affordable homeownership opportunities for people unable
to access the market otherwise.
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Public services promoting housing stability, food security, economic empowerment and improved health
were delivered efficiently and compassionately to hundreds of Northampton residents.
4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process
Citizen input is an on-going process throughout the year and the first public meeting regarding the CDBG
Action and Consolidated plan 2020-2024 was held on March 26, 2020 via Zoom video meeting software.
Monthly meetings of the Northampton Housing Partnership, the Next Step Collaborative, the Disabilities
Commission, and the Community Preservation Committee are regular settings for the sharing and
exchange of information. These committees were reached out to get input regarding the Covid-19
pandemic and both the CARES Act and CDBG entitlement for 2020 were informed by these discussions.
All meetings are advertised, are open to the public, and until stay at home orders are lifted, will be
occurring over Zoom. Speech-to-text software was made available for those with hearing impairments.
Accommodations will be made to ensure people with mobility challenges can attend the meetings when
the City is allowed to meet in person again.
5. Summary of public comments
See attached public participation documents.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
All public input received through the Citizen Participation process of this Action Plan that was taken into
consideration.
7. Summary
The City of Northampton is committed to helping low- and moderate-income people and other
vulnerable populations most affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, and economic
conditions.
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The Process
PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies 24 CFR 91.200(b)
1. Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those
responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source
The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and
those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
Lead Agency NORTHAMPTON
CDBG Administrator Planning & Sustainability
HOPWA Administrator
HOME Administrator
HOPWA-C Administrator
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative
The City of Northampton administers the Community Development Block Grant Program through the
Office of Planning & Sustainability. Staffing consists of the Community Development Planner and the
Grants Administrator, who manages the fiscal responsibilities of the program. The entire process is
overseen by the Director of Planning & Sustainability. The CDBG program was previously administered
through the Office of the Mayor.
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Keith Benoit, Community Development Planner | City of Northampton | (413) 587-1288
| kbenoit@northamptonma.gov
Teresa Brockriedge, Grants Administrator | City of Northampton | (413) 587-1286
| tbrockriede@northamptonma.gov
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PR-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.110, 91.200(b), 91.300(b), 91.215(I) and
91.315(I)
1. Introduction
Northampton's community development strategy is informed by extensive local and regional
collaboration. Below is a list of organizations that the City regularly interacts with: Western MA Network
to End Homelessness: Regional network comprised of western MA counties formed to implement a
regional system that strives to end family and individual homelessness by providing housing and support
services; prevention, diversion, rapid re-housing strategies and stabilization of at-risk
households. Council of Social Service Agencies of Hampshire County: A membership organization of non-
profit providers working together for more than 30 years to support the coordination and effectiveness
of human services in the county. Monthly meetings are held focusing on resources, funding
opportunities, community education, outreach and advocacy. Three County Rural COC: Quarterly Board
meetings focus on uniform assessment, coordinated entry, Homeless Management Information System
data collection and analysis, McKinney funded homelessness programming and planning. Collaborative
applicants were taken over by Community Action of Pioneer Valley in 2019 from Hilltown CDC. Pioneer
Valley Planning Commission: Quarterly meetings of the Regional Housing Plan Implementation
Committee. Networking venue for those involved in preserving and creating affordable
housing. Hampshire County Jail Diversion Program: Quarterly meetings with the Dept. of Mental Health,
the Hampshire County House of Corrections and the Northampton Police Department to work on
service referrals for people as opposed to incarceration. Cot Management Program: Monthly meetings
from Oct. to May at Edwards Church with Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Board members and
community volunteers in conjunction with ServiceNet, Inc. to oversee shelter operation. Valley CDC /
Way Finders: Quarterly meetings with property managers and local service providers to ensure stable
housing for the residents of their affordable housing developments to prevent evictions. Next Step
Collaborative: Monthly meetings facilitated by the Community Development Planner for housing and
homeless service providers to monitor shelter capacity issues, numbers of unsheltered homeless,
identification of resource gaps, general advocacy. Northampton Housing Partnership: Monthly meetings
of Mayoral appointed advisory board to articulate the housing needs of the community, following the
implementation plan articulated in the 2019 Mayo Work Group Study Report on Panhandling and the
2011 Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Housing Plan. The partnership is composed of a landlord,
Community Legal Aid attorney, Housing Authority tenant, Smith College faculty, housing advocates,
Planning Board chair, clergy and interested citizens. REACH meetings: Regional Engagement and
Assessment for Chronically Homeless sessions held weekly with relevant service providers coordinate
case management and housing placements for those in need of housing and services, utilizing the by-
name list and the coordinated entry system. Mayor's Office: Monthly meetings with Mayor, Mayor's
Chief of Staff, Director of Planning and Sustainability, to insure a coordinated City community
development program.
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Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between
public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health
and service agencies (91.215(I)).
The Housing Partnership hosts the Valley Community Development Corporation (CDC), Friends of
Hampshire County Homeless Individuals, The Community Builders, Habitat for Humanity, the
Northampton Housing Authority, the Center for Human Development (CHD) and others periodically to
receive agency updates and identify ways the City and the Partnership can assist their efforts. These
meetings identify what housing units are in development and what resources might be needed to
provide on-site support services. A meeting was held in 2018 to identify how to create Housing First
units in Northampton. Follow up work is occurring with the Department of Mental Health to pursue
creating a Safe Havens program. Creating true Housing First, low threshold housing units is a prioritized
need still being worked on. The Community Development Planner communicates regularly with the
Senior Manager of Public Housing and Section 8 Programs and the Resident Services Coordinator at the
Northampton Housing Authority to enhance collaborative efforts. City staff attend the Valley CDC
provider meetings to identify how the City can be of service to their housing stabilization efforts. Those
meetings are attended by mental health professionals and clinicians. The SRO Outreach Coordinator, the
Veterans Agent, Veteran's Administration case workers, ServiceNet, Inc. Highland Valley Elder Services
and others who all focus on tenancy preservation and housing stabilization for their clients. Way Finders
have adopted this model of coordination of support services for the Live 155 development. Next Step
Collaborative monthly meetings include representation from Eliot Homeless Services, the mental health
agency that has the Department of Mental Health vendor contract for homeless street outreach and
clinical work, ServiceNet shelter providers, the Veterans Agent, Safe Passage (Domestic Violence), A
Positive Place (HIV/AIDS), Cooley Dickinson Social Workers, Peer Mentors from the Recovery Center,
formerly homeless, currently homeless, ServiceNet's Resource Center which includes Health Care for the
Homeless nurses, The SRO Outreach Worker, the Community Housing Support Services Coordinator, and
others. These meetings have been held monthly since 1994 and consistently provide a venue for
enhanced coordination with homeless, housing and social service providers.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of
homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness
Community Action Pioneer Valley runs the Three County Rural Continuum of Care (CoC). They look to
enhance the HMIS data collection, analysis and dissemination, creation of the coordinated entry system
and production and adoption of CoC policies and procedures. Successful annual funding submissions
have kept the regions transitional and permanent supportive housing resources in place. Community
Action has increased membership, board, and committee involvement to end homelessness in the Three
County area. In 2019, the Three County CoC was awarded as a youth homelessness demonstration
program for Franklin County and underwent an eight month community planning period to effect a
coordinated community plan for ending youth homelessness. The CoC was awarded $1.9 million for a
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two year demonstration period to fund projects to respond to the need and these projects will begin in
the fall of 2020, increasing the CoC total annual funding capacity to over $2.7 million annually. In 2020,
the CoC increased community effort in the annual point in time count and has demonstrated an increase
in the homeless population in our communities. There were 82 unsheltered individuals and 475
Sheltered counted on one night in January, 2020.
The CoC utilizes the both their own 5 committees (project ranking & evaluation, data & evaluation,
equity & inclusion, coordinated entry, and the youth action board) with 50 current members and
facilitated by CoC program staff and the committee structure of the Western Mass Network to End
Homelessness (WMNEH). The WMNEH addresses population specific needs through the Individual
Services Committee, the Family Services Committee, the Veteran's Services Committee and the
Unaccompanied Youth Committee. The Network also provides a Career Services Committee. All
committees meet monthly and are organized and facilitated by the Network Coordinator, who will work
closely with the CoC Coordinator. The Community Development Planner participates on the Project
Ranking Committee. The Three County CoC also partnered this year with the WMNEH to create a racial
equity working group and in consultation with Jo Consulting is providing leadership and community
trainings in racial equity and serving the LGBTQ community and will be providing our funded projects
with equity training for housing programs.
The Center for Human Development (CHD) took over responsibility as being the primary provider of
permanent supporting housing units through the Continuum from ServiceNet, Inc in 2019. The
McKinney award of roughly $700,000 each year, provides subsidies for 48 units in the three counties.
There was a gap in funding availability between the contracts, so people had to be relocated to other
units before CHD could step in. This effort was time consuming and stressful for all involved. Locally,
there were 8-10 clients affected. The City is grateful to CHD for coming forward to administer this
resource and appreciates ServiceNet's efforts over the past decade to house and provide services to
those exiting homelessness. ServiceNet will continue to administer its sheltering programs in all three
counties, and continues to be a vital partner in the Coordinated Entry process for housing our homeless
neighbors. In total, the Continuum currently funds 180 beds between transitional housing and
Permanent Supportive Housing programs. The City looks forward to continuing its close collaboration
with both agencies moving forward. During the peak of Covid in Northampton and the risk of emergency
shelters the City of Northampton, working with ServiceNet, took over the Northampton High School as a
homeless emergency shelter and day program. If conditions prevent the city’s existing homeless shelter
from providing safe conditions during cold weather and if schools are not in session, the City will move
the emergency shelter to is the Smith Vocational-Agricultural High School
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in
determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate
outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS
There are no municipalities in the Three County Continuum of Care that are ESG (Emergency Solutions
Grants Program) entitlement communities. ESG funding for the CoC is allocated by the State's
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Department of Housing and Community Development through a competitive process. As part of the CoC
governance structure, the CoC engages in an annual discussion about what the funding priorities should
be and supports applications for funds from appropriate agencies for activities that address the
identified priorities. Funds in the past few years have been allocated for prevention efforts and this year
our ESG providers hope to apply for additional funding for Rapid Rehousing.
The Collaborative Applicant for the Continuum of Care has had a data committee focused on the HMIS
system and the LSA submissions which have involved codifying the operation and administration of the
Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Community Action has recently been successful
progress in making our current HMIS system more effective with the coordinated entry and by-name
lists that HUD is requiring. With DHCD's assistance we were able to create a working By Names List in
the HMIS which is used for the majority of our data collection. This eliminates the need for each agency
to maintain and share their own lists of people who have been assessed for the coordinated entry
system in addition to entering them in the HMIS since we can now obtain the information directly from
the system. We are also making progress in engaging veteran service providers in the coordinated entry
system. We have had our data warehouse, Green River, build out the coordinated entry vulnerability
assessment in the warehouse which will allow VA case workers to conduct assessments for their
participants residing in Soldier On Grant Per Diem beds.
Our Coordinated Entry system capacity has increased extensively as well over the last few years. The
City is working to increase the number of agencies involved in performing vulnerability assessments, we
hold case conferencing meetings with homelessness service providers weekly in each county and have
developed strong partnerships with organizations serving this vulnerable population, looking for housing
opportunities within and beyond the CoC funded resources. ESG partners are participating in utilizing
the Coordinated Entry process when housing resources are available as well.
2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process
and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other
entities
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Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
1 Agency/Group/Organization CENTER FOR NEW AMERICANS (CNA)
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Education
Services-Employment
Regional organization
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Economic Development
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Center for New Americans was part of a
stakeholders meeting where resettlement between
the neighboring towns, affordable housing access,
regional housing, barriers such as transportation,
and mental health were all discussed. Solutions
offered were getting more in person consolation
(helpful for language barriers), piggybacking on
other services, better coordination between
agencies, rent control, and looking into the circles of
care model.
2 Agency/Group/Organization Office of Planning and Sustainability
Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Local
Planning organization
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homelessness Strategy
Economic Development
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
A group of city government employees including the
Mayor, Mayor's chief of staff, Director of Planning &
Sustainability, ADA coordinator, Senior Services staff,
and members of the Community Legal Aid. They
discussed the relationship between affordability and
protected classes, voucher programs, maintenance
issues, multi-family housing, market rate housing,
and the regional affect that this has. Solutions
suggested were creating fewer gaps in PVTA routes,
getting more funding for housing, working at a
greater regional level, allowing more flexibility in the
zoning, and creating a bigger investment
community.
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3 Agency/Group/Organization Community Action Pioneer Valley
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Services-Health
Services-Education
Services-Employment
Publicly Funded Institution/System of Care
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Economic Development
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner held a
listening session where the Community Action, Way
Finders, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, and
Valley CDC discussed housing affordability, barriers
to affordability, housing subsidies, development that
would be coming on line over the next two years,
maintenance issues in housing complexes,
concentrations of poverty, housing discrimination,
and job training. Solutions discussed were pre-
applications, creating an online housing platform,
coordinated entry, getting more bilingual staff at
housing agencies, and coordinating condos through
one nonprofit agency.
4 Agency/Group/Organization Community Legal Aid, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Services-homeless
Service-Fair Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Lead-based Paint Strategy
Public Housing Needs
Homelessness Strategy
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Anti-poverty Strategy
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner had a
listening session with members of Community Legal
Aid, Inc. and Amherst Housing Authority to discuss
several topics related to affordable housing, issues
with lead abatement strategies, ADA accessibility,
working with mental health providers in the context
of housing, and family housing. Several solutions
were discussed such as tenants having access to
Tenancy Preservation Program through the State,
meeting with landlords more regularly, giving
interest free loans to people wishing to delead their
homes, and having a more robust rental registration
program.
5 Agency/Group/Organization PIONEER VALLEY HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Regional organization
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner held a
listening session where the Community Builders,
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, and Valley CDC
discussed housing affordability, barriers to
affordability, housing subsidies, development that
would be coming on line over the next two years,
maintenance issues in housing complexes,
concentrations of poverty, housing discrimination,
and job training. Solutions discussed were pre-
applications, creating an online housing platform,
coordinated entry, getting more bilingual staff at
housing agencies, and coordinating condos through
one nonprofit agency.
6 Agency/Group/Organization Northampton Housing Authority
Agency/Group/Organization Type PHA
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Public Housing Needs
Homelessness Strategy
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Northampton Housing Authority took part in a
meeting with other housing authorities. Topics
discussed were the issues with mobility, low housing
stock, landlord relationships. Lack of bilingual staff at
agencies, housing voucher programs, mental health,
grievances, and housing discrimination. Solutions
discussed were creating a regional plan, creating
vouchers for homeless people, getting more staff
and money for various programs, and creating a
central housing database that is easier to navigate.
7 Agency/Group/Organization Valley Community Development Corporation (CDC)
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Regional organization
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Economic Development
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner held a
listening session where the Valley CDC, Community
Builders, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, and
members of Valley CDC discussed housing
affordability, barriers to affordability, housing
subsidies, development that would be coming on
line over the next two years, maintenance issues in
housing complexes, concentrations of poverty,
housing discrimination, and job training. Solutions
discussed were pre-applications, creating an online
housing platform, coordinated entry, getting more
bilingual staff at housing agencies, and coordinating
condos through one nonprofit agency.
8 Agency/Group/Organization SAFE PASSAGE
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Regional organization
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Domestic Violence Services
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Clients of Safe Passages had interviews with
members of PVPC as a way to help understand the
experience of protected classes. The need for
transitional housing for families experiencing
domestic violence was identified. City staff, in
consultation with service providers is looking into
what can be done to accomplish this.
9 Agency/Group/Organization ServiceNet, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
Services-Health
Regional organization
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Homelessness Strategy
Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner held a
meeting where several area service providers were
present. ServiceNet, Inc. Community Action, Cooley
Dickinson representatives, and community
advocates were in attendance. They discussed the
issues surrounding CORI checks to access housing,
looking into "self-sufficient" program like they have
in Holyoke, issues with Northampton Housing
Association website, fixed income renters, upfront
rentals costs, difficult applications process for
housing, issues with using Section 8, and training
formerly homeless people how to pay bills, maintain
their apartment etc. Solutions discussed were using
the bank as rep payee, increasing landlord outreach,
helping with move-in costs, and the need for more
housing.
10 Agency/Group/Organization Cooley Dickinson Hospital
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS
Services-Health
Health Agency
Major Employer
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homelessness Strategy
HOPWA Strategy
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Cooley Dickinson Hospital runs "A Positive Place", a
confidential and comprehensive AIDS treatment
facility in Northampton. Representatives from there
took part in a meeting discussing prescreening of
housing candidates, waiting lists for housing,
difficulty in housing sex-offenders, private rental
agencies, and mental health issues in housing.
Solutions offered were to using the banks as a
payee, education residents on different programs,
offering tax abatements for Section 8 housing, and
creating more housing.
11 Agency/Group/Organization Amherst Housing Authority
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
PHA
Services - Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Lead-based Paint Strategy
Public Housing Needs
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner had a
listening session with the Amherst Housing Authority
to discuss several topics related to affordable
housing, issues with lead abatement strategies, ADA
accessibility, working with mental health providers in
the context of housing, and family housing. Several
solutions were discussed such as tenants having
access to Tenancy Preservation Program through the
State, meeting with landlords more regularly, giving
interest free loans to people wishing to delead their
homes, and having a more robust rental registration
program.
12 Agency/Group/Organization CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF SPRINGFIELD, MASS
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Service-Fair Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homelessness Strategy
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Catholic Charities was part of a stakeholders meeting
where resettlement between the neighboring towns,
affordable housing access, regional housing, barriers
such as transportation, and mental health were all
discussed. Solutions offered were getting more in
person consolation (helpful for language barriers),
piggybacking on other services, better coordination
between agencies, rent control, and looking into the
circles of care model.
13 Agency/Group/Organization THE COMMUNITY BUILDERS
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Employment
Housing Nonprofit
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner held a
listening session where the Community Builders,
Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, and other
providers discussed housing affordability, barriers to
affordability, housing subsidies, development that
would be coming on line over the next two years,
maintenance issues in housing complexes,
concentrations of poverty, housing discrimination,
and job training. Solutions discussed were pre-
applications, creating an online housing platform,
coordinated entry, getting more bilingual staff at
housing agencies, and coordinating condos through
one nonprofit agency.
14 Agency/Group/Organization PIONEER VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Service-Fair Housing
Regional organization
Planning organization
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What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
Homelessness Strategy
Economic Development
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Pioneer Valley Planning Commission conducted
stakeholder interviews with several area
organizations. Topics discussed were: Northampton
Housing Authority, Rent NoHo website (rental
agency), regional collaboration for housing and ADA
coordination, private landlord trainings, renter
trainings, language barriers for housing, public
transportation, accessibility at housing units and
public infrastructure, and the availability of housing
stock.
15 Agency/Group/Organization Pioneer Valley Workers Center
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Service-Fair Housing
Local Nonprofit
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Anti-poverty Strategy
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Pioneer Valley Workers Center was part of a
stakeholders meeting where resettlement between
the neighboring towns, affordable housing access,
regional housing, barriers such as transportation,
and mental health were all discussed. Solutions
offered were getting more in person consolation
(helpful for language barriers), piggybacking on
other services, better coordination between
agencies, rent control, and looking into the circles of
care model.
16 Agency/Group/Organization Easthampton Council on Aging
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
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What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Transportation
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Easthampton Council on Aging met with local
and regional housing authorities. Topics discussed
were the issues with mobility, low housing stock,
landlord relationships. Lack of bilingual staff at
agencies, housing voucher programs, mental health,
grievances, and housing discrimination. Solutions
discussed were creating a regional plan, creating
vouchers for homeless people, getting more staff
and money for various programs, and creating a
central housing database that is easier to navigate.
17 Agency/Group/Organization HOLYOKE HOUSING AUTHORITY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
PHA
Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Holyoke Housing Authority met with other local
and regional housing authorities. Topics discussed
were the issues with mobility, low housing stock,
landlord relationships. Lack of bilingual staff at
agencies, housing voucher programs, mental health,
grievances, and housing discrimination. Solutions
discussed were creating a regional plan, creating
vouchers for homeless people, getting more staff
and money for various programs, and creating a
central housing database that is easier to navigate.
18 Agency/Group/Organization Stavros
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
Services-Children
Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Service-Fair Housing
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What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
Stavros met with the Northampton Disability
commission to talk about housing and ADA issues.
Topics discussed were fair housing, Section 8
vouchers, lack of training for residents, rental prices,
and stigmas associated with various housing types,
and policies of Northampton Housing Authority.
Recommendations made making a law to for
landlords to require reasonable accommodations,
creating information sessions for residents, having
better communication between housing and service
providers, and changing the zoning to accommodate
more units.
19 Agency/Group/Organization Way Finders, Inc.
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner held a
listening session where the Community Action, Way
Finders, Pioneer Valley Habitat for Humanity, and
Valley CDC discussed housing affordability, barriers
to affordability, housing subsidies, development that
would be coming on line over the next two years,
maintenance issues in housing complexes,
concentrations of poverty, housing discrimination,
and job training. Solutions discussed were pre-
applications, creating an online housing platform,
coordinated entry, getting more bilingual staff at
housing agencies, and coordinating condos through
one nonprofit agency.
29 Agency/Group/Organization Springfield Housing Authority
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
PHA
Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed
by Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Public Housing Needs
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How was the
Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes
of the consultation or areas for
improved coordination?
The Community Development Planner had a
listening session with the Springfield Housing
Authority Director to discuss several topics related
to affordable housing, issues with lead abatement
strategies, ADA accessibility, working with mental
health providers in the context of housing, and
family housing. Several solutions were discussed
such as tenants having access to Tenancy
Preservation Program through the State, meeting
with landlords more regularly, giving interest free
loans to people wishing to delead their homes, and
having a more robust rental registration program.
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
All agencies determined to have relevant input into the creation of this plan were consulted.
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Name of Plan Lead
Organization
How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the
goals of each plan?
Continuum of
Care
Community
Action Pioneer
Valley
Creation of permanent supported housing units and housing
support services. Homelessness prevention, housing
stabilization to reduce recidivism, increase services for
mentally ill and those abusing substances.
Unlocking
Opportunity: An
Assessment of
Barriers
PVPC Identify the impediments to fair housing. Identify actions to
remove impediments, thereby creating housing opportunities
that are accessed by all people; regardless of "disability,
national origin, sex, familial status, marital status, age, sexual
orientation, gender identity, military status, genetic
information, ancestry" or because they receive public
benefits.
A Downtown
Northampton for
Everyone (2019)
Office of the
Mayor
Identify the need of panhandlers and at-risk individuals in
downtown Northampton, including with stakeholder
interviews. Research and analyze the issues associated with
panhandling and make non-punitive recommendations to
help get people of off the streets, seeking gainful
employment, and find housing.
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Name of Plan Lead
Organization
How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the
goals of each plan?
Regional Housing
Plan (2015)
PVPC Identification of communities of opportunity that commit to
creating affordable housing to facilitate movement from
areas of concentration in Hampden County, primarily
Springfield and Holyoke, north and west.
Needs
Assessment &
Strategic Housing
Plan (2011)
City of
Northampton
Creating list of prioritized needs based on extensive data
compilation and citizen input during public participation
sessions for plan development. Needs Assessment in Housing
Plan very thorough, provides direction for resource allocation
for Community Preservation Committee and Housing
Partnership.
ADA Self-
Evaluation and
Transition Plan
(2019)
Northampton
Disability
Commission
The needs of low- and moderate-income people and those
with disabilities often overlap. The Disability Commission
identified several areas where the City can build institutional
capacity and fix specific non-accessible sidewalks, amenities,
and buildings.
Increasing
Accessibility for
People w
Disabilities
City of
Northampton
The needs of low- and moderate-income people and those
with disabilities often overlap. This report also identified
areas within parks and recreation areas that are not
accessible and proposed possible solutions.
Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Describe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any
adjacent units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan
(91.215(l))
Narrative (optional):
Goals are to:
• End chronic homelessness
• End homelessness among people of color
• End homelessness among Veterans
• Prevent and end homelessness for families, youth, and children
Performance Measures Include:
• Reduction in the length of time that people experience homelessness
• Reducing the number of people and families who are homeless
• Reduce the number of people and families that return to homelessness
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• Job and income growth
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PR-15 Citizen Participation – 91.105, 91.115, 91.200(c) and 91.300(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting
The City held two public hearings, Next Step Collaborative meetings, Housing Partnership meetings, conduced community surveys, in depth
personal interviews, and received Request for Proposals in a competitive application process to select public service grantees. All hearings and
meetings were publicly posted and open to everyone. All information gathered was taken into consideration for the selection of public facilities
and infrastructure projects as well as housing projects and public social services grants.
The input informed the community planning process by identifying strengths and weaknesses in the service delivery system. Targeting resources
and enhancing the collaborations needed to address the weaknesses and grow the strengths impacted the five-year planning strategy. City staff
find that emails followed up with appointments made for telephone interviews with targeted questions is highly effective. General public
hearings tend to be less well attended, although substantive discourse occurs in those settings as well.
City staff prefer presenting open ended questions and having round table discussions that evolve organically, as opposed to formal power point
presentations and limited interactive conversation. This approach works well with our City size and the universe of participants. The public
services grantees are monitored annually and those sessions present well utilized opportunities for detailed information sharing about the needs
of clients and how to address them moving forward.
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Citizen Participation Outreach
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 25
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
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1 Public
Hearing
Minorities
Persons with
disabilities
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
Residents of
Public and
Assisted
Housing
Public Service
Providers
Twelve
individuals
showed up
to the first
meeting on
February
25, 2020.
The
Director of
Planning &
Sustainabilit
y, Wayne
Feiden and
Grants
Administrat
or, Teresa
Brockriede.
Wayne
Feiden gave
summer of
HUD's
CDBG grant,
previous
awards, and
the City's
plans to
accomplish
goals.
Judith
Roberts,
The
Literacy
Project:
Stated that
they
worked
with 50
students
and have
seen them
progress
towards
becoming
better
prepared
for the
world.
Victor,
Student at
The
Literacy
Project:
Stated his
confidence
in going
from
reading at
3rd grade
All
comments
were
accepted.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 27
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level to a
6th grade
level from
the
Literacy
Project
work.
Laurie
Millman -
Center for
New
Americans:
Stated
many
refugees
and
asylum
seekers
need help
with
English
and their
program
greatly
benefits
their
communit
y. They will
also
educate
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 28
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them on
the
Census.
Noemi
Lasalandra
,
Communit
y Action
Pioneer
Valley:
Stated
their
program
will give
youth
opportunit
ies to work
and get
training.
Dee Dice,
Valley
CDC:
Stated
funds
would
allow them
to give
workshops
and
training to
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people
looking to
start a
business.
Janna
Tetreault,
Communit
y Action
Pioneer
Valley: Last
year they
helped 140
residents
of
Northampt
on, mostly
with
benefits
coordinati
on, utility
assistance,
and health
insurance
application
s. Dorothy
Nemetz,
Northampt
on
Communit
y Arts
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Trust: They
run an art
building
and are
leasing
space to
local
artists.
They are
looking for
funding for
infrastruct
ure
improvem
ents. Jess
Daly,
Communit
y Action
Pioneer
Valley: Big
Brothers
Big Sisters,
they serve
40 kids in
Northampt
on a year,
paring
them with
adult
mentors.
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Wayne
Feiden
further
discussed
communit
y
developme
nt needs.
Dee Dice
discussed
the need
within
Valley CDC
for more
document
ation on
the Job
Descriptio
ns and
numbers
that are
associated
with what
the
position
entails.
The
Annual
Action Plan
Public
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
Hearing
was
scheduled
for
Thursday,
March 26,
2020
located at
the
Northampt
on Senior
Center 67
Conz
Street.
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2 Public
Hearing
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
Public Service
Providers
The second
public
hearing
were held
on March
26 2020 via
Zoom
meeting
software
due to
Covid
where there
were 16
participants
who
attended.
The
meeting
was
announced
in the
newspaper
and was put
on the City's
website.
The
meeting
was
recorded
and citizen
-What are
the
definitions
of low- and
moderate-
income
people? -
Clarify the
numbers
on the
spreadshe
et. How
likely will
people get
funded
with this
draft? -
Where in
the
fiscal/prog
ram year
do you
want us to
give you
updates
on? -
Where
does food
insecurity
come in? It
All
comments
were
accepted.
http://archive.northamptonit.info/WebLink/Browse.aspx?i
d=689354&dbid=0&repo=CityOfNorthampton
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have the
opportunity
to watch
the
recording
and send in
comments
during the
comment
period.
was an
issue
before but
will only
get worse
with the
pandemic.
-How
quickly can
these
funds be
moved if
another
organizatio
n deliver? -
Adult
literacy is
just as
important
as food
security to
make
someone
self-
sufficient,
please
don't
forget it. -
United
Way has a
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
great plan
on
prioritizing
projects.
How will
the City
balance
urgent
needs and
chronic
needs? -
Where can
we find
this chart
and
PowerPoin
t
presentati
on on the
website?
See full
minutes
attached.
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3 Public
Hearing
Minorities
Persons with
disabilities
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
Residents of
Public and
Assisted
Housing
The
Northampt
on Housing
Partnership
has met
monthly
and is
considering
how the
needs of
the City as
identified in
the
Assessment
of Barriers
to Fair
housing, the
Mayor's
Panhandling
report, and
through
other
consultatio
ns can be
addressed
with CDBG
funds.
Membershi
p
recruitment
Monthly
agendas
and
minutes
are taken
and posted
on the
City's
website.
All
comments
are
accepted.
https://northamptonma.gov/1054/Housing-Partnership
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
was
identified as
a goal for
the
following
year to
diversify the
Partnership
compositio
n. There are
currently
three
vacancies.
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4 Invited
Participan
ts
Public Service
Providers
The Next
Step
Collaborativ
e meets
monthly
and has
since 1994.
All local
housing and
homeless
service
providers
and
consumers
are
welcome.
Typical
attendance
is 10-15
people. The
groups
discusses
needs and
works
together to
solve issues.
Service
providers
look for
efficiencies
Discussion
s focus on
identifying
new
resources,
gaps in
resources,
assessing
shelter
capacity
and issues,
monitoring
and
conducting
outreach
to
unsheltere
d living
outside in
encampme
nts, and
assessing
resident
needs
living in
the City's
affordable
housing
and Single
Room
All
comments
are received.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 39
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
and see
where there
are gaps in
CDGB
funded
services
that their
service can
provide.
Occupancy
units.
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5 Invited
Participan
ts
Minorities
Non-English
Speaking -
Specify other
language:
Spanish
Persons with
disabilities
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
Residents of
Public and
Assisted
Housing
The survey
was created
on
SurveyMon
key and
distributed
through
email lists,
Facebook,
the Mayor's
Twitter
account,
and through
various
community
partners.
Hard copies
were also
made
available at
several
social
service
providers
and at
Northampt
on's Forbes
Public
Library. The
survey was
The main
housing
challenges
were
identified
as
affordabilit
y and lack
of housing
for
Northampt
on. -The
City is not
equally
distributed
with all the
features
that
people like
Northampt
on for-
Access to
decent
paying jobs
and
reliable
public
transporta
tion were
identified
All
comments
were
accepted.
http://www.pvpc.org/plans/unlocking-opportunity-
assessment-barriers-fair-housing-northampton
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available in
both English
and
Spanish. A
total of 204
responses
were
collected;
203 in
English and
1 in
Spanish.
The typical
profile of
people who
responded
were that
they were
between
55-74 years
old, white,
and more
highly
educated.
as a need-
Rising
rents and a
lack of
employme
nt
opportunit
ies are a
barrier -
Housing
discriminat
ion was
identified
as an issue
by over
90% of
responden
ts -Only
13% of
responden
ts reported
having
been
discriminat
ed against
while
looking for
housing -
People in
Section 8
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or public
assistance
recipients,
families
with
children,
and people
with
disabilities
were
people
most likely
to face
discriminat
ion -Only
21% of
people
who faced
discriminat
ion sought
help -
Although
Northampt
on is highly
desirable
to live in, it
is too
expensive
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6 Invited
Participan
ts
Minorities
Persons with
disabilities
Homeless/pa
ndhandling
One-on-one
interviews
of
individuals
on
Northampt
on's
sidewalks
aimed at
gathering
direct input
from the
downtown
at-risk
population.
The survey
was
administere
d by
individuals
known and
trusted by
people on
the City's
sidewalks,
including
the Pastor
of Cathedral
in the Night,
staff at
-All but
one of
those
interviewe
d reported
being
homeless
or housing
insecure-
Seven
people
said they
were living
in tents
and five
said they
were
couchsurfi
ng.-The
average
age of
responden
ts was 36-
56%
identified
as male,
39% as
female,
and one
person as
All
comments
were
accepted.
https://www.northamptonma.gov/1861/Mayors-Work-
Group-on-Panhandling
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ServiceNet's
Hampshire
County
Resource
Center, the
coordinator
of
Hampshire
HOPE, and
Community
Police
Officers.
The Work
Group'
experts
estimate
that at any
given time
there are
about 20
people
actively
soliciting
money
downtown.
The survey
team was
able to
complete
interviews
other-35%
have less
than a high
school (or
equivalent
)
education,
24% have
a high
school
degree,
and 41%
reported
having
some post-
high
school
education.
-All
interviewe
es said
they are
not
currently
employed,
with only a
third
saying they
had
performed
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with 18 of
these
individuals,
or 90%,
providing
the Work
Group with
substantive,
high-quality
information
.
some kind
of work in
the past
year-When
asked
about drug
and
alcohol
use, over
half said
they had
experience
d drug or
alcohol
abuse
problems,
with over a
quarter
saying they
are
currently
experienci
ng drug or
alcohol
abuse
problems.-
Many of
those
interviewe
d talked
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about the
dehumaniz
ing nature
of
panhandlin
g and cited
rude or
disrespectf
ul
treatment
from those
walking on
Main
Street
sidewalks-
Responden
ts reported
that they
panhandle
in
Northampt
on more
because of
the
kindness
and
generosity
of
Northampt
on people
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 47
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
than
because of
the
availability
of services
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7 Invited
Participan
ts
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
There were
5,300 (18%
of
population)
responses
from
Northampt
on residents
and 2,000
respondent
s outside
the City.
The
demographi
cs of the
respondent
s tracked
fairly closely
with
Northampt
on
demographi
cs. People
who
responded
tended to
have
opinions
about
downtown,
People are
attracted
to
Northampt
on's
downtown
by its mix
of
restaurant
s, arts, and
the
diversity of
people
downtown
. Also
identified
was its
walkability
, rallies,
protests,
and by
events like
Sidewalk
Sales and
Arts Night
Out. The
people of
Northampt
on are
proud of
All
comments
were
received.
https://www.northamptonma.gov/1861/Mayors-Work-
Group-on-Panhandling
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rather than
respondent
s selected in
a totally
random
process.
The survey
was
administere
d online, so
responses
probably
underrepres
ented
individuals
with no
computer
or without
Internet
access. This
would be a
barrier to
low-income
people, the
elderly, and
those living
in housing
authority
properties.
the
vibrancy
and
diversity of
the City's
downtown
streets and
sidewalks
where on
any given
day one
will find
shoppers
from all
over,
musicians,
students,
workers,
tourists,
and
families.Ol
der
responden
ts saw
panhandlin
g as one of
the major
contributo
rs to the
decline of
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downtown
. They see
panhandlin
g as a
chosen
lifestyle
and who
believe
that
aggressive
responses
are
necessary
to crack
down.
Younger
people are
not
bothered
by the
atmospher
e of
downtown
or
panhandlin
g on the
sidewalks.
They
believe
that
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societal
issues can
explain the
presence
of
panhandlin
g, and that
a hands-off
approach
should be
taken.-29%
reported
visiting
less than
they used
to, 16%
say they
visit more
than they
used to,
and 54%
reported
no change
in their
visiting
patterns.-
70% of
responden
ts say the
mix of
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
businesses
downtown
is about
right.-36%
of
responden
ts say they
think
downtown
Northampt
on is
headed in
the right
direction
(these
responden
ts tend to
be
younger),
while 29%
say they
think
downtown
is going in
the wrong
direction
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8 Invited
Participan
ts
Persons with
disabilities
The
Disabilities
Commission
meets
monthly to
discuss
issues
related to
access,
policies,
and give
recommend
ations to
the City. Per
Massachuse
tts law "the
majority of
commission
members
shall consist
of people
with
disabilities;
one
member
shall be a
member of
the
immediate
family of a
-The
Commissio
n
discussed
previous
grants
dealing
with
disabilities
to show
institution
al capacity
and
progress
towards
removing
barriers.
One of
these
grants
helped
take
accessibilit
y surveys
of
buildings
and the
other
grant
helped
All
comments
were
received.
https://northamptonma.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1283
3/DRAFT-ADA-Self-Evaluation-and-Transition-Plan-Update
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person with
a disability,
and one
member of
said
commission
shall be an
elected
official." All
its meetings
are open to
the public.
carry out
repairs on
the
pedestrian
environme
nt around
City hall. -
Recomme
nded that
ADA
Coordinato
r is able to
carry out
essential
ADA
complianc
e functions
-Define
procedure
s for the
City, the
ADA
Coordinato
r, and the
commissio
n to
remove
barriers
around the
City -
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
Identified
specific
buildings
and areas
around the
City that
need
repair
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9 Invited
Participan
ts
Persons with
disabilities
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
Agency
Represenativ
es
The City's
"Open
Space,
Recreation
and Multi-
Use Trail
Plan"
outlined
goals and
objectives
for
increasing
access to
people with
disabilities.
The City
held two
outreach
events
where 32
respondent
s took
surveys,
nine
interviews
with people
with
disabilities,
and three
working
Of all of
the survey
and
interview
responses,
accessible
picnic
tables and
pads was
the most
prevalent
answer.
The next
categories
were:
accessibilit
y and
warning
signs and
related
sign posts;
repair bike
path
accessibilit
y gaps;
and,
accessible
concrete
and
asphalt
All
comments
were
accepted.
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groups
were
convened.
The working
group
comprised
of
representati
ves from
agency and
community
representati
ves. They
met over a
period of six
months in
2019.
paths.
Fully
accessible
bathrooms
and an
accessible
water
fountain at
Pulaski
Park were
also
defined in
the
informant
interviews.
The
highest
priority
improvem
ent was
the multi-
use trail.
Other
items for
improvem
ent were: -
Develop
Better
Systems
for Snow
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Removal-
Protect,
Maintain
and
Expand
Green
Spaces and
Gardens
near
Affordable
Housing-
Improve
Accessibilit
y at the
Connecticu
t River
Greenway-
Prioritize
Bench
Seating
and
Shading-
Improve
Accessibilit
y at
Schools-
Link Public
Transporta
tion to
Recreation
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of Out
reach
Summary o
f
response/a
ttendance
Summary
of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL (If applicable)
al Sites-
Support
Economic
Access for
People
with
Disabilities
to
Participate
in Existing
Programs-
Support
Programm
atic
Sustainabil
ity of
Existing
Programs
that Serve
People
with
Disabilities
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
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Needs Assessment
NA-05 Overview
Needs Assessment Overview
With an overall inventory of 11,485 households (6,229 ownership units and 5,177 rental units), 38% of
renter households are paying over 50% of their income on rent and 84% of those making less than
$20,000 a year are severely housing-cost burdened. Although the population (28,568) has remained
stable, the citizenry is aging and a high percentage of households (11%) claim some type of disability.
The housing stock is generally in good condition although the majority of housing units were built before
1980 and many contain lead paint. The incidences of overcrowding are minimal, however the Asian and
Black/African American populations are disproportionately impacted in some categories. Lack of
availability and affordability for renters and homeowners are critical issues in Northampton. The primary
issue is that of cost burden.
• 1,705 or 14.7% of all households have a "severe cost burden"
• 120 or 19.5% of all Latinx households have a "severe cost burden"
• 95 or 53.07% of all Black, Non-Latinx households have a "severe cost burden", compared to
23.35% for the state
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NA-10 Housing Needs Assessment - 24 CFR 91.205 (a,b,c)
Summary of Housing Needs
The production of all types of housing units will be a focus over the next five years. Northampton has a
population of 28,600 and 11,485 households. The population has increased by 51 people between the
last two American Community Surveys (ACS) 5-Year Estimates and the number of households has
declined during that same time period. The number of housing units that are owner-occupied has
decreased down to 54.6%. With 2,035 (17.7%) of households having incomes of 0-30% of area median
income (AMI) and 4,960 (43%) having incomes below 80% of AMI. Of all households, there are 1,184
(10.3%) that experience severe housing cost burden. Another 1,230 (10.7%) of households have one or
more of the four housing problems.
With the vacancy rate at a very low 3.6% and the housing demand high, both the rental and
homeownership supply is very stressed, making affordability and availability the most pressing housing
needs. The City continues to be a desirable place to live. The housing stock is in generally good condition
and foreclosure rates are stable. Asian and Black/African American populations are experiencing
disproportionate housing problems. For houses that are deemed "substandard condition but suitable for
rehabilitation" there are only 70 households that are defined by lacking complete plumbing or kitchen
facilities, but 1,625 households that are cost-burdened at the 0-50% AMI level that can be considered
standard condition. A building is considered to be substandard if it fails to comply with minimum
standards of habitability according to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, M.G.L. c.111, section 127
A-I. A building that is suitable for rehabilitation is one where the overall condition of the building is not
structurally deficient and not a threat to public safety.
Demographics Base Year: 2009 Most Recent Year: 2015 % Change
Population 28,549 28,600 0%
Households 11,881 11,485 -3%
Median Income $51,018.00 $59,274.00 16%
Table 5 - Housing Needs Assessment Demographics
Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS (Base Year), 2011-2015 ACS (Most Recent Year)
Number of Households Table
0-30%
HAMFI
>30-50%
HAMFI
>50-80%
HAMFI
>80-100%
HAMFI
>100%
HAMFI
Total Households 2,035 1,125 1,800 1,010 5,515
Small Family Households 380 235 430 355 2,730
Large Family Households 80 50 35 35 155
Household contains at least one
person 62-74 years of age 315 335 395 315 1,250
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0-30%
HAMFI
>30-50%
HAMFI
>50-80%
HAMFI
>80-100%
HAMFI
>100%
HAMFI
Household contains at least one
person age 75 or older 215 230 365 100 285
Households with one or more
children 6 years old or younger 125 59 94 155 610
Table 6 - Total Households Table
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
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Housing Needs Summary Tables
1. Housing Problems (Households with one of the listed needs)
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Substandard
Housing -
Lacking
complete
plumbing or
kitchen
facilities 70 0 0 0 70 0 0 4 0 4
Severely
Overcrowded -
With >1.51
people per
room (and
complete
kitchen and
plumbing) 20 10 0 0 30 0 0 0 0 0
Overcrowded -
With 1.01-1.5
people per
room (and
none of the
above
problems) 0 4 0 0 4 0 4 0 0 4
Housing cost
burden greater
than 50% of
income (and
none of the
above
problems) 730 290 105 0 1,125 260 180 160 10 610
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Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50% AMI
>50-
80% AMI
>80-
100% AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50% AMI
>50-
80% AMI
>80-
100% AMI
Total
Housing cost
burden greater
than 30% of
income (and
none of the
above
problems) 390 215 460 135 1,200 60 145 245 245 695
Zero/negative
Income (and
none of the
above
problems) 120 0 0 0 120 55 0 0 0 55
Table 7 – Housing Problems Table
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
2. Housing Problems 2 (Households with one or more Severe Housing Problems: Lacks kitchen
or complete plumbing, severe overcrowding, severe cost burden)
Renter Owner
0-
30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-
30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Having 1 or more of
four housing problems 815 310 105 0 1,230 260 185 165 10 620
Having none of four
housing problems 690 345 820 315 2,170 95 290 705 685 1,775
Household has
negative income, but
none of the other
housing problems 120 0 0 0 120 55 0 0 0 55
Table 8 – Housing Problems 2
Data Source:
2011-2015 CHAS
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3. Cost Burden > 30%
Renter Owner
0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total 0-30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Small Related 260 90 99 449 65 70 195 330
Large Related 80 25 0 105 0 4 4 8
Elderly 140 170 125 435 220 225 150 595
Other 695 235 340 1,270 44 20 60 124
Total need by
income
1,175 520 564 2,259 329 319 409 1,057
Table 9 – Cost Burden > 30%
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
4. Cost Burden > 50%
Renter Owner
0-30% AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total 0-30% AMI
>30-50%
AMI
>50-80%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Small Related 165 25 4 194 45 45 90 180
Large Related 35 0 0 35 0 4 0 4
Elderly 75 110 70 255 185 105 45 335
Other 515 155 30 700 40 20 25 85
Total need by
income
790 290 104 1,184 270 174 160 604
Table 10 – Cost Burden > 50%
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
5. Crowding (More than one person per room)
Renter Owner
0-
30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total 0-
30%
AMI
>30-
50%
AMI
>50-
80%
AMI
>80-
100%
AMI
Total
NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS
Single family
households 20 4 0 0 24 0 4 0 0 4
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Renter Owner
0-
30% AMI
>30-
50% AMI
>50-
80% AMI
>80-
100% AMI
Total 0-
30% AMI
>30-
50% AMI
>50-
80% AMI
>80-
100% AMI
Total
Multiple,
unrelated family
households 0 10 0 0 10 0 0 0 0 0
Other, non-family
households 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total need by
income
20 14 0 0 34 0 4 0 0 4
Table 11 – Crowding Information – 1/2
Data
Source:
2011-2015 CHAS
Renter Owner
0-
30% AMI
>30-
50% AMI
>50-
80% AMI
Total 0-
30% AMI
>30-
50% AMI
>50-
80% AMI
Total
Households with
Children Present 316 306 573 1,195 157 103 216 476
Table 12 – Crowding Information – 2/2
Data Source Comments:
Describe the number and type of single person households in need of housing assistance.
The number of non-family households, which is what the U.S. Census use to define as single-person
households or unmarried partners or roommates makes up 37% of all households in Northampton. Of
those households, 1,080 (18.6%) have a severe housing cost-burden.
At the >30% cost burden level, there are many more individuals than other cost burdened housing
types:
Individual renters = 1,080
Elderly homeowners = 595
Small household renters = 449
Small households owning= 330
Elderly renters =435
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With regard to types of individuals, they may be residents living in non-subsidized SRO units, small
owner occupied rentals, retirees with limited income in condominium units or small apartments in single
family homes. The population has decreased slightly, and the number of homes has decreased - driving
up housing cost.
Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance who are disabled or
victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking.
According to the City’s Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan, of the 2,000 residents aged
between 5 and 20, 539 or 9.1 % had some disability. Of those aged 21-64, 2,650 residents or 15% of the
people those ages claimed a disability. About 58% of this group was employed, leaving another 42% or
1,100 residents unemployed, likely due to their disability. For those aged 65 and older, 1,227 seniors, or
37.9% of those in that age group claimed a disability. These levels of disability represent significant
special needs in Northampton and mandate that the City make a concentrated effort to integrate special
needs housing, units that are handicapped accessible and housing with supportive services into
affordable housing development planning.
According to Stavros, the regional disability advocacy organization, finding affordable, accessible
housing can be one of the biggest challenges faced by persons with disabilities. They report receiving
over 100 requests for housing availability in Hampshire County. Most of the requests are for the
Northampton/Amherst area. The rent at most apartments is out of reach for many people with
disabilities. Stavros provides the resources and assistance people need to find housing that works for
them.
Stavros’ Housing Services division provides information on and keeps updated lists of accessible,
subsidized and market rate housing in western Massachusetts. Stavros sends lists of housing
opportunities and related material to consumers interested in living in the area. Stavros also provides
information about modifications and financing. Stavros holds monthly workshops on topics such as:
subsidized housing, governmental programs, tenants’ rights and responsibilities, reasonable
accommodation and how to search for housing. Attendees receive informational packets at the sessions.
The problems their clients face are limited availability of units in elderly/disabled housing (communities
put caps on the number of younger disabled who can live there), aging housing stock not accessible for
persons with mobility impairments, very limited subsidies (and the disconnect between actual rents and
the subsidies) and limited public transportation beyond the larger communities.
According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, on a single night in January 2016, 12 percent of
the homeless population, or about 70,000 people, reported having experienced domestic violence.
While Safe Passage supported 17 adults and 19 children in their confidential emergency shelter in 2019,
most of those served in the agency’s community program also present with economic, basic, and
housing needs. In 2019, Safe Passage served 1,622 community-based clients; many had no incomes
when they presented for services and 33 identified themselves as being homeless. 70 clients received
housing advocacy and placement support and 34 of those 70 identified as being survivors with a
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disability. In 2019, Safe Passage provided over $8,000 to community-based clients to prevent
homelessness in the Northampton and Hampshire-County area.
Between 60-95% of persons with specific disabilities have been victims of interpersonal violence. Data
indicates that among homeless women, more than 85% have a history of DV, dating violence, sexual
assault, and stalking. Re-housing victims is challenging due to the safety risk. For survivors who want to
stay in their own communities due to jobs, school, family and children’s needs, finding safe and
affordable housing is often impossible. Many families placed in Northampton from other communities
desire to stay. Estimating the need is difficult.
What are the most common housing problems?
Data indicates that cost burden and lack of affordable housing availability are the primary challenges for
those with lowest incomes in Northampton. Despite the subsidized housing inventory, as calculated by
the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, exceeds that of many
communities at 10.9% (Fair Housing Assessment, 2019), there is still a need for affordable housing -
especially for families and populations experiencing homelessness. The lack of tenant turnover is partly
to blame. The age of the housing stock does not seem to be problematic regarding to kitchen and
plumbing facilities but may have unreported amounts of lead paint.
The renter population expending more than 50% of income for housing costs is the highest category of
being cost burdened, with renters paying more than 30% of household income running close behind.
The homeowner income categories of 50-80% AMI paying more than 30% of their income is the next
highest category, with homeowners at 0-30% AMI paying more than 50% of their income the next
highest category.
According to the Impediments to Fair Housing Assessment (2019) by PVPC, multi-family housing
production, lack of 2+ bedroom housing, housing discrimination, and presence of lead paint were all
identified as housing problems. Other issues identified in the Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic
Housing Plan of 2011 were: homelessness prevention, the need to support the existing homeless
shelters and rapid re-housing efforts, production of rental housing for individuals and families,
preservation of existing affordable housing stock, housing rehabilitation resources, affordable
homeownership opportunities for smaller households and housing for at-risk special populations.
Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems?
Individual renters and elders seem to be struggling the most with cost burden. The order of need based
cost burden of paying 30% or more for housing (all but one increased):
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Individual renters 1,270
Elderly homeowners, 595
Small Related Renters 449
Small Related Owners 330 (decrease)
Elderly renters 435
For cost burden of paying more than 50% of income for housing (all but one decreased):
Individual renters 700
Small related household owners 194
Elderly homeowners 335 (increase)
For clients of the Department of Mental Health, secure housing is the base for recovery for many but
most need a subsidy in order to afford rent in Northampton. Most clients have only SSI or SSDI to cover
all of their living expenses. The rental market here has too few units to make securing even an efficiency
apartment possible without rental assistance. Often clients whose services are in the City are forced to
live in surrounding towns and then commute in to receive services. Part of a mental health crisis and
subsequent hospitalization may be the loss of housing. Such episodes can fracture relationships and
impact financial stability which negatively impacts housing options. Many individuals experience
extended lengths of stay in DMH crisis respite beds (former rest home, Community Support Options in
Florence) because there are no affordable units available. The highest need is for one bedroom or
efficiency units as most clients are individual households. Currently, for three of the four DMH clients in
respite, housing is the major reason the individuals have not transitioned to their own homes in the
community. There are currently 72 units in Northampton set aside for DMH clients, including five
recently created at Way Finders Pleasant Street project. Challenges faced by households experiencing
domestic violence are described above. Individuals and families with family members that have been
incarcerated also have an extremely difficult time accessing housing. Criminal records are a huge barrier
to housing, particularly for someone with a sex offender history. As the former home to two mental
health hospitals (Northampton State Hospital and the VA Medical Center) and the current home to a
House of Correction, Northampton a significant number of residents with mental health, substance
abuse, and criminal records to add to their housing challenges.
Describe the characteristics and needs of Low-income individuals and families with children
(especially extremely low-income) who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of
either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered 91.205(c)/91.305(c)). Also discuss the
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needs of formerly homeless families and individuals who are receiving rapid re-housing
assistance and are nearing the termination of that assistance
According to the CoC HMIS Administrator, locally and regionally, families who are currently housed but
at imminent risk are disproportionately Latinx (up to 40%), mostly one parent families headed by single
mothers (up to 90%) who tend to be ages 30 and younger. These families are typically small, with one or
two children, and most receive so sort of assistance. Individuals who are currently housed but who are
at risk are disproportionately impacted by illness, especially mental health problems or mental illness,
which undermines their stability in housing and can lead to issues that jeopardize their housing
stabilization.
Although HomeBASE funding and employment initiatives go a long way towards increasing families
income and self-sufficiency, market rate rents are still outside the grasp of families earning minimum
wage or receiving public benefits. An income of $38,000 (assuming $100 per month for utility bills and
expenses no more than 30% of income) is needed to afford a one bedroom apartment (median rent
$850) and $41,400 to rent a two bedroom apartment (median rent $900). Someone earning minimum
wage of $9.00/hr. for 40 hours a week would yield a gross annual salary of $18,720. Households with
two earners at minimum wage still fall short. The scarcity of affordable rentals, particularly those with
support services, was identified as the foremost housing need during the Housing Plan, the Assessment
of Barriers to Fair Housing from 2019 and this Consolidated Plan.
It is difficult when a program that has provided resources for housing search, placement, rental
assistance and support services ends. When HomeBASE and RAFT funds get exhausted, the State usually
adds allocations in supplemental budgets to avoid sending all those successfully housed back into the
shelter system. There is no formal Rapid re-housing program operating in Northampton or Hampshire
County. Most of the funds that come into the region for these purposes get utilized for prevention
If a jurisdiction provides estimates of the at-risk population(s), it should also include a
description of the operational definition of the at-risk group and the methodology used to
generate the estimates:
The operational definition of the at-risk population would be an individual or family who: (i) has an
annual income below 30% of median family income for the area; and (ii) Does not have sufficient
resources or support networks immediately available to prevent them from moving to an emergency
shelter or another place defined in Category 1 of the "homeless" definition; AND (iii) Meets one of the
following conditions: 2 or more moves within the last 60 days; being doubled up; being asked to leave or
being evicted and losing housing within the next 21 days.
The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development declares that imminent risk
includes the loss of housing within 14 days with no other options/no support system.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 72
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Estimating populations at risk could be done by using the National Alliance to End Homelessness criteria
which includes determinant the number and rate of 1.) people in poor households who are doubled up;
and 2.) poor renter households with severe housing cost burden. The methodology would rely on US
Census data, American Community Survey data, and data from the Massachusetts Department of
Education on doubled-up children.
Specify particular housing characteristics that have been linked with instability and an
increased risk of homelessness
Housing that is unaffordable or pose as health and safety increases the risk of displacement for
households. Tenants that complain about the conditions of their units may also face repercussions from
landlords unwilling to make the improvements. There are families and individuals that enter shelter in
the CoC that are forced out due to their housing having code violations. It is less a problem in
Northampton than in other areas. Up to 40% of families entering shelter come from doubled up
situations. 20-25% of individuals report being doubled up prior to shelter entry, usually in couch surfing
situations. Doubling up puts tenants of units holding the lease at jeopardy if they host people not on the
lease. The CoC also reports that households most at risk are poor renter households at 125% of poverty
level who are severely cost burdened, paying more that 50% of their income towards rent.
Discussion
Housing cost-burden is the number one issue facing people living in Northampton. Some of this burden
disproportionately falls on some groups, and no single solution will solve all the housing problems.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 73
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2)
Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to
the needs of that category of need as a whole.
Introduction
To ensure a diverse community that affords opportunity for all population segments, it is important to
analyze disparate impacts. According to HUD, disproportionately greater need is experienced when the
percentage of a racial/ethnic group's households being negatively impacted exceed the percentage of
the total number of households at that income level in the community by 10%.
The data below does not indicate that any one sub-population group has a disproportionately greater
need compared to the total number of households in the community at that income level. The
breakdown in the four charts below reflect the same ratios as the number of people in each racial and
ethnic group compared to the total population in the City and the calculated percentages are shown in
discussion boxes below each chart. This does not mean that no actions are required to remediate the
impacts, despite the fact that no group met HUD's disproportionately greater need threshold.
0%-30% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 1,525 335 175
White 1,180 245 115
Black / African American 55 0 0
Asian 60 0 10
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 205 90 50
Table 13 - Disproportionally Greater Need 0 - 30% AMI
Data
Source:
2011-2015 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 74
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
30%-50% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 845 275 0
White 755 255 0
Black / African American 10 0 0
Asian 40 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 45 10 0
Table 14 - Disproportionally Greater Need 30 - 50% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
50%-80% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 980 825 0
White 870 735 0
Black / African American 0 0 0
Asian 40 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 69 75 0
Table 15 - Disproportionally Greater Need 50 - 80% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 75
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
80%-100% of Area Median Income
Housing Problems Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 390 620 0
White 320 590 0
Black / African American 0 10 0
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 65 4 0
Table 16 - Disproportionally Greater Need 80 - 100% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
*The four housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per
room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30%
Discussion
The four housing problems defined by HUD are: 1.) Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2.) Lacks complete
plumbing facilities, 3.) More than one person per room, and 4.) Cost burden greater than 30%. None of
the 11,485 housing units in Northampton are experiencing a disproportionate need. The primary
problem being experienced by households in Northampton therefore is housing cost-burden.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 76
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems – 91.205
(b)(2)
Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to
the needs of that category of need as a whole.
Introduction
According to the data below, several racial/ethnic sub-populations in Northampton are experiencing one
or more housing problems. These housing problems are defined as severe cost burden, severely
overcrowded, or both. The levels of households affected are most pronounced at the less than 30% AMI
level where 135 Latinx, 40 Black/African American and 60 Asian households are experiencing issues.
Only Latinx households come close to being disproportionately affected at 12% for this income level. At
the 30-50% AMI, there are 30 households each of Asian and Latinx that experience housing issues. At
the 50-80% of AMI, only Latinx households experience one or more housing problems. From the
numbers, it can be deduced that housing cost-burden is the primary issue for most of these families.
For each area median income breakdown category below, the racial/ethnic group is compared to the
total number of households in the community at that income level. HUD defines disproportionate need
as when one group exceeds the percentage of persons in the category as a whole, by 10 percentage
points. This section differs from the one prior by breaking out more severe problems which are defined
as: overcrowding being more than 1.5 persons per room (as opposed to more than one person per room
in NA-15) and households paying 50% or more of their incomes for housing costs as opposed to 30% or
more (as in NA-15). The information HUD provides in the charts is by household, not number of persons.
0%-30% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 1,075 785 175
White 845 580 115
Black / African American 40 15 0
Asian 60 0 10
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 135 160 50
Table 17 – Severe Housing Problems 0 - 30% AMI
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 77
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
30%-50% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 495 635 0
White 435 580 0
Black / African American 0 10 0
Asian 30 10 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 30 25 0
Table 18 – Severe Housing Problems 30 - 50% AMI
Data
Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
50%-80% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 270 1,525 0
White 245 1,350 0
Black / African American 0 0 0
Asian 0 40 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 24 120 0
Table 19 – Severe Housing Problems 50 - 80% AMI
Data
Source:
2011-2015 CHAS
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 78
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
80%-100% of Area Median Income
Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more
of four housing
problems
Has none of the
four housing
problems
Household has
no/negative
income, but none
of the other
housing problems
Jurisdiction as a whole 10 1,000 0
White 10 905 0
Black / African American 0 10 0
Asian 0 0 0
American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0
Hispanic 0 70 0
Table 20 – Severe Housing Problems 80 - 100% AMI
Data
Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
*The four severe housing problems are:
1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per
room, 4.Cost Burden over 50%
Discussion
For the 0-30% of area median income level, the Black/African American and Asian communities are
experiencing a need. Although the numbers of households impacted are small, these scenarios could
indicate this population may not be living in Northampton because of affordability. The numbers of
households experiencing overcrowding and the numbers of substandard housing units is minimal,
therefore households that are cost-burden is the largest problem.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 79
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NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens – 91.205 (b)(2)
Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to
the needs of that category of need as a whole.
Introduction:
Only Black/African American (33%) and Asians (21%) households are disproportionately affected by
housing cost burden at the above 50% AMI compared to the jurisdiction as a whole (15%). Additionally,
although Black/African American (45%), Asian (52%), and Latinx (50%) households are cost burdened in
high levels at the below 30% AMI, these are not disproportionate to the jurisdiction (63%).
Housing Cost Burden
Housing Cost Burden <=30% 30-50% >50% No / negative
income (not
computed)
Jurisdiction as a whole 7,275 2,235 1,800 175
White 6,490 1,885 1,500 115
Black / African
American 55 25 40 0
Asian 195 90 80 10
American Indian,
Alaska Native 0 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0 0
Hispanic 445 205 180 50
Table 21 – Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens AMI
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
Discussion:
The data indicates that 19% of households in the City are cost-burdened (30-50% AMI) and 63% are cost
burdened (less than 30%AMI).
According to the CHAS data, 55 of the 120 Black/African American households (45%) are experiencing
cost burden at less than 30% AMI and 40 (33%) are cost burdened at more than 50% AMI. For Latinx
households, 445 (51%) are experiencing cost burden at less than 30% AMI and 205 (23%) are cost
burdened at 30-50% AMI. For Asian households, 195 of the 375 households (52%) are experiencing cost
burden at less than 30% AMI.
Both of these groups are experiencing a disproportionately greater burden.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 80
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NA-30 Disproportionately Greater Need: Discussion – 91.205(b)(2)
Are there any Income categories in which a racial or ethnic group has disproportionately
greater need than the needs of that income category as a whole?
Only Black/African American (33%) households are disproportionately affected by housing cost burden
at the above 50% AMI compared to the jurisdiction as a whole (15%). Asian households are affected at
15% of households. Additionally, although Black/African American (45%), Asian (52%), and Latinx (50%)
households are cost burdened in high levels at the below 30% AMI, these are not disproportionate to
the jurisdiction (63%). For housing problems at the 0-30% AMI level, Latinx households do experience a
disproportionate need at 13% of households for the area. No group experienced disproportionately
greater need for severe housing problems.
If they have needs not identified above, what are those needs?
Due to the low numbers of housing units with incomplete kitchen and/or plumbing facilities, or units
with overcrowding, the conclusion is that the primary housing problem as defined by HUD being
experienced is cost burden.
Additionally, the Mass. Fair Housing Center and the City's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
indicate a significant racial gap in access to homeownership in Northampton. The Non-Latinx White
homeownership rate is 60% while 26% for Blacks and 12% for Latinxs. Northampton is in the Springfield
Metropolitan Statistical Area it ranks first in the nation for the degree of segregation between Latinxs
and Whites, and 22nd in the nation for segregation between African Americans and Whites.
Northampton is located 10-20 miles north of Holyoke and Springfield and is considered a "community of
opportunity" to deconcentration of poverty and expansion of housing options.
Rental housing units in Northampton with three or more bedrooms has been identified as a need by the
Assessment to Barriers from 2019. These units are needed by families of color, where over 40% of Black
and Latinx households had four or more people living together. Over 34% of Asian family households
had four or more people living together. In comparison, only 28% of White Non-Latinx households were
made up of 4 or more people.
Are any of those racial or ethnic groups located in specific areas or neighborhoods in your
community?
According to the CPD maps, Smith College neighborhood has 13% Asian population, due to the college.
No neighborhood was shown to have a concentration of African Americans. The neighborhood
containing most of King St. and up through Laurel Park was shown to have up to 16% Latinx households.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 81
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
NA-35 Public Housing – 91.205(b)
Introduction
The Northampton Housing Authority (NHA) manages 618 public housing units consisting of 110 federal and 508 state funded, and 871 leased
housing program vouchers.
Totals in Use
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family Unification
Program
Disabled *
# of units vouchers in use 39 28 108 573 1 443 129 0 0
Table 22 - Public Housing by Program Type
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Characteristics of Residents
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Average Annual Income 11,223 7,357 12,835 13,704 0 13,730 13,720 0
Average length of stay 5 2 6 5 8 6 0 0
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 82
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Program Type
Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Average Household size 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 0
# Homeless at admission 1 26 0 140 0 11 129 0
# of Elderly Program Participants
(>62) 8 6 28 76 0 66 10 0
# of Disabled Families 23 10 46 286 0 219 67 0
# of Families requesting
accessibility features 39 28 108 573 1 443 129 0
# of HIV/AIDS program
participants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
# of DV victims 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 23 – Characteristics of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Race of Residents
Program Type
Race Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
White 38 25 104 494 1 411 82 0 0
Black/African American 1 2 3 69 0 22 47 0 0
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 83
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Program Type
Race Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
Asian 0 0 1 4 0 4 0 0 0
American Indian/Alaska
Native 0 1 0 5 0 5 0 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0
Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 24 – Race of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Ethnicity of Residents
Program Type
Ethnicity Certificate Mod-
Rehab
Public
Housing
Vouchers
Total Project -
based
Tenant -
based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive
Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
Hispanic 5 2 35 137 0 123 14 0 0
Not Hispanic 34 26 73 436 1 320 115 0 0
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 25 – Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 84
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Section 504 Needs Assessment: Describe the needs of public housing tenants and applicants
on the waiting list for accessible units:
All NHA elderly and disabled housing developments meet or exceed Section 504 standards for
accessibility. All other NHA developments, including family projects, are at standard 504 levels and are
handicap accessible to the extent that building construction allows. Florence Heights and Hampshire
Heights (the two public housing developments for families) are not handicap accessible because
bedrooms and bathrooms are on the second floor. Two handicapped accessible were completed at
Hampshire Heights in 2012. Both units used state construction and project 200-1 subsidy commitments
from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development.
Most immediate needs of residents of Public Housing and Housing Choice voucher holders
Federal Public Housing Waiting list: total eligible = 538
• Extremely low Income < 30% ami = 451 or 84% of total families
• Very Low Income <30% ami but <50% = 65 or 12% of total families
• Low Income >50% but < 80% ami = 22 or 4% of total families
• Families with Children 206 or 34% of total families
• Elderly Families 332 or 22% of total families
• Families with Disabilities 131 or 24% of total families
326 or 61% are in need of one-bedroom units
150 or 28% are in need of two-bedroom units
50 or 9% are in need of three-bedroom units
12 or 2% are in need of four-bedroom units
Section 8 Waiting list: total eligible = 232
• ELI = 232 or 100% of total families
• VL = 0% of total families
• LI = 0% of total families
• Families with Children = 125 or 54% of total families
• Elderly Families = 28 or 12% of total families
• Families with Disabilities = 108 or 47% of total families
107 or 46% are in need of one-bedroom units
59 or 25% are in need of two-bedroom units
58 or 25% are in need of three-bedroom units
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 85
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
7 or 3% are in need of four-bedroom units
1 or <1% is in need of a five-bedroom unit
How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at large
The Housing Authority waiting list information reflects the City and regional needs. The highest demand
for units is from families with the lowest incomes. These may be households struggling with cost burden
in this community, the surrounding cities and towns, or because of universal applications, could be
applying from anywhere in the state or nation. There is an over representation of Latinx families on the
waiting list. 33% of applicants are Latinx, 30% of Northampton Housing Authority Federal residents,
8.7% are represented in the total City population. The NHA stats also indicate the large demand for one-
bedroom units which are in short supply in the City.
100% of all the families on the Section 8 Waiting list have the lowest incomes (<30% ami). Section 8
waiting list show a disproportionate number of families presenting with disabilities. These could be
physical or mental health. Further investigation of this data would reveal the need for physical unit
modifications, vs. types of supportive services needed.
The Federal public housing developments are Florence Heights (50 units) for families and McDonald
House (60 units) for elderly/younger disabled. Florence Heights has no one bedroom units, 23 two-
bedroom units, 22 three-bedroom units and 4 four-bedroom units. McDonald House has 54 one-
bedroom units and 6 two-bedroom units
Discussion
The number of handicap accessible apartments at NHA properties is not sufficient, and there may be
more need as people live longer or decide to age in place. NHA should use CDBG or other funds to
convert more units to be accessible/visitable. The number of elderly housing in not sufficient either.
Elderly who want to downsize from a house to an apartment will find it difficult to do so. The wait list of
public housing is long, where most people are requesting one-bedroom apartments (61%), 28% are
requesting two-bedroom apartments, and 9% are requesting three-bedroom apartments. There is still a
great need for family housing in Northampton however. Most of the people on the waiting list are
extremely low-income (84% of total families).
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 86
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment – 91.205(c)
Introduction:
With targeted intervention efforts and the evolution of the HMIS system, many chronically homeless have been identified, tracked, and housed.
In Hampshire County, the emergency and short-term shelters in Northampton, Amherst, and Easthampton have been able to house those
individuals seeking shelter, with a minimal number of turnaways. The number of unsheltered in Northampton fluctuates between 6 and 20
depending on the season, although it appears to have risen significantly with Covid-19 since the last homeless counts were done. With the
outreach clinician from Eliot Homeless Services, the City is able to have an accurate assessment of the number and locations of those living
outside. There is no short-term shelter for families in Northampton, although there is homeless transitional family housing at Paradise Pond
Apartments, nor for those with special needs such as AIDS.
The Northampton Police Department is a partner in these outreach efforts. Those living outside have, in most cases, been offered services, if not
housing, but for a myriad of reasons they have not availed themselves of those resources. The Resource Center is always available for securing
benefits, such as MassHealth and Foodstamps, as well as attention from the Health Care for the Homeless nurse and doctor. Case Managers are
there to link people with housing and employment search. Efforts to end Veterans homelessness are progressing with area partners. The biggest
challenge remains family homelessness. Although there are no emergency shelter beds for homeless families in Northampton, the City is striving
to help ameliorate the epidemic by creating new affordable housing units for low income families. There is currently no data on rural homeless
in Northampton. The nature and extent of homelessness by race data is not available at the City level.
Homeless Needs Assessment
Population Estimate the # of persons
experiencing homelessness
on a given night
Estimate the #
experiencing
homelessness
each year
Estimate the
# becoming
homeless
each year
Estimate the #
exiting
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
of days persons
experience
homelessness
Sheltered Unsheltered
Persons in Households with
Adult(s) and Children 0 0 0 0 0 0
Persons in Households with Only
Children 0 1 0 0 0 0
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 87
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Population Estimate the # of persons
experiencing homelessness
on a given night
Estimate the #
experiencing
homelessness
each year
Estimate the
# becoming
homeless
each year
Estimate the #
exiting
homelessness
each year
Estimate the #
of days persons
experience
homelessness
Sheltered Unsheltered
Persons in Households with Only
Adults 19 44 290 222 91 94
Chronically Homeless Individuals 19 3 5 1 2 470
Chronically Homeless Families 0 0 0 0 0 0
Veterans 2 1 22 18 14 145
Unaccompanied Child 1 3 15 11 7 71
Persons with HIV 0 0 11 3 5 51
Table 26 - Homeless Needs Assessment Alternate Data Source Name:
CHAS Data for Northampton 2012-2016 Data Source Comments:
Indicate if the homeless population
is:
Has No Rural Homeless
If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming and exiting homelessness each year," and "number of
days that persons experience homelessness," describe these categories for each homeless population type (including chronically
homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth):
For people with HIV, the average numbers of days experiencing homelessness was 51, followed by unaccompanied youth (71), persons with only
adults (94), veterans (145), and the chronically homeless with 470 days. There are no housing specifically for people with AIDS/HIV, there is a
shelter for youth (8-12 beds) in Northampton, regular yearlong/winter shelter capacity, and Soldier On (housing for veterans).
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 88
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Nature and Extent of Homelessness: (Optional)
Race: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional)
White 0 0
Black or African American 0 0
Asian 0 0
American Indian or Alaska
Native 0 0
Pacific Islander 0 0
Ethnicity: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional)
Hispanic 0 0
Not Hispanic 0 0
Data Source
Comments:
Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance for families with
children and the families of veterans.
There are 43 extremely low-income families and 31 Veterans using emergency shelters across
the Continuum of Care. Of those 43 families, 26 are considered chronically homeless. These families are
typically small, with an average of 3 persons per household, including one parent, almost always a single
mother. HUD uses national data to indicate that 25% of homeless persons resolve their own
homelessness and 35% need some other type of intervention, which leaves 40% in need of housing.
There doesn't appear to be strategies specific to estimating family homelessness, so the strategy for
individuals was applied. An alternate strategy would be to report that 100% of homeless families are in
need of housing assistance. (HMIS Administrator for the CoC)
Describe the Nature and Extent of Homelessness by Racial and Ethnic Group.
Homeless individuals in the City and within the region are mostly white males, whose race and ethnicity
reflect the race and ethnicity of the general population. The demographics of the homeless across the
COC was: 58% White (168), 15% Black/African American (43), 24% Latinx (69), 2% Multi-Racial (7), and
2% American Indian/Alaskan Native (5). In contrast, homeless families are significantly more likely to be
Latinx than not. The average length of stay is at low of 51 for people who have HIV, to high of 470 days
for those who are chronically homeless.
Describe the Nature and Extent of Unsheltered and Sheltered Homelessness.
Unsheltered Homeless - There are 6-20 unsheltered individuals living outside in Northampton at any
given point. Camps tend to be scattered in isolated lands along the Connecticut River, in the woods
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 89
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
easily accessible from the city’s rail trails and main roads, at various locations at the edge of downtown,
and in other isolated wooded locations. The Street Outreach clinician (Eliot Homeless Services) visits the
camps and is familiar with the population. Many are mental health issues or are actively using
substances. Some come in to the Inter-Faith Shelter during the winter, then go back outside during the
warmer months. The population consists primarily of older males, rarely youth or females.
At the monthly Next Step Collaborative meetings, City staff stay attuned to the trends. Regular updates
are given on shelter capacity, street & unsheltered counts, and issues in the SRO’s. If there is increased
activity in Hampden County, it has repercussions for the numbers in Hampshire County. The City does
see many individuals coming to the Interfaith Shelter with reports they do not want to stay at the
Worthington Street Homeless Shelter in Springfield. That facility accommodates around 165 people
nightly. The Worthington Street location also experience influx from the Worcester area as a result of
the shelter closing there. The local programs (Inter-Faith winter shelter and the Grove Street Inn year
round shelter, both for individuals) are each 20-24 in capacity and tend to be less chaotic.
Since Amherst opened their winter shelter, many individuals that used to stay in Northampton cross the
bridge and opt to stay outside in Amherst for the summer. An unsheltered family has never been
located during any Northampton Point in Time count. The assumption is they are doubled up, or living in
their vehicles and undetected. The City does not have an emergency shelter for families. Those that are
identified are referred to Jessie’s House in Amherst.
Sheltered Homeless - During the extreme cold, guests are accommodated on couches in order to keep
people from being outside. The City set up a shelter at Northampton High School during the local Covid-
19 peak. When the winter weather gets severe, ServiceNet staff will put in extra hours keeping the
Resource Center and shelters open so people can be inside. The Inter-Faith Shelter has served almost
300 individuals in the six month winter program and the Grove Street Inn served over 100 in their year
round program. The winter shelter is open from November 1 to April 30th. Case management, Benefits
Analyst, and the Health Care for the Homeless Nurse occurs at the Resource Center. More new faces are
being seen, some for short periods of stay and more are Spanish speaking than ever before. The
numbers of women have increased to the point where dorm rooms are switched around to
accommodate that influx.
Discussion:
When ServiceNet added the six beds at the Easthampton annex and Amherst opened their shelter
several years ago, the City's capacity issues stabilized, although new Covid-19 increases may put new
stress on the system. The primary reason to turn away at the Interfaith Shelter was for intoxication
rather than for lack of capacity. Tracking the numbers of unsheltered during the late summer helps plan
for the fall and winter season. Amherst coming on line with their facility, and the increase in beds for
women there, was a huge contribution to the regional system. The city supports the existing emergency
shelter system through CDBG allocations to the Inter-Faith Winter shelter and the Grove Street Inn. Safe
Passage operates their emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence and does extensive local and
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regional fundraising. Soldier On has 17 emergency shelter beds funded by the grant per diem program
from the U.S. Veterans Administration.
With the intensive work the City of Springfield is doing to house their chronically homeless and
homeless individuals, and the work of the REACH Program, (monthly meetings with case advocates
doing housing search and placement for the chronically homeless) Northampton's numbers have stayed
relatively constant. With Soldier On increasing their housing programs at the Leeds Campus, and the
coordinated case management efforts occurring through the CoC and Western Mass. Network to End
Homelessness, the need for additional shelter beds is not anticipated for the next five years currently.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic may create more homeless or at-risk households in the future. The
City's focus is on not only on sustaining the current shelter system, but on creating permanent
supported housing opportunities.
With the intensive work the City of Springfield is doing to house their chronically homeless and
homeless individuals, and the work of the REACH Program, (monthly meetings with case advocates
doing housing search and placement for the chronically homeless) Northampton's numbers have stayed
relatively constant. With Soldier On increasing their housing programs at the Leeds Campus, and the
coordinated case management efforts occurring through the CoC and Western Mass. Network to End
Homelessness, the need for additional shelter beds is not anticipated for the next five years currently.
However, the Covid-19 pandemic may create more homeless or at-risk households in the future. The
City's focus is on not only on sustaining the current shelter system, but on creating permanent
supported housing opportunities.
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NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Assessment - 91.205 (b,d)
Introduction:
Special needs populations considered in program planning in Northampton include the elderly, the
disabled, people with mental health and/or substance abuse issues, people inflicted with HIV/AIDS,
people with developmental disabilities, and people experiencing domestic violence (DV).
Describe the characteristics of special needs populations in your community:
Elder Households: The populations of people ages 65 and above is projected to increase by 94% bt 2035
and the population of those with disabilities will likely increase. The numbers of children are declining.
The number of people aged 55 and over was 30% of the populations in 2015. For those able to remain in
their own homes, the Northampton Senior Center, Meals on Wheels, Highland Valley Elder Services, and
home modifications for accessibility will become increasingly important resources.
Households with Disabled Members: According to the ACS, 11.9% of Northampton residents had some
disability. These rates were highest for "American Indian/Alaskan" (67%), "Black/African American"
(26%), and "Some other race" (21%). For those residents aged 18-34, only 7% claimed a disability
representing a 2% increase since the 2015 ACS estimate. More than 70% of these groups were
employed. For those 65 to 74 years old, 19% some form of disability and that rises to 56% for people 75
years and older. These levels of disability represent significant special needs within the City.
People struggling with Mental Health issues: are usually on fixed incomes and cannot find apartments in
Northampton without rental subsidies. DMH clients may struggle with financial instability, hoarding
issues, difficulty living in congregate settings and the need to be close to counseling and treatment
locations.
People struggling with Substance Abuse issues: often find themselves with poor work histories, poor
credit histories, inadequate landlord references, criminal records and a lack of support systems. If one
decides to enter a treatment facility, there are none in Northampton. Detox beds need to be identified
in either Greenfield, Holyoke or Pittsfield and transportation needs to be found. If there is a delay in
either finding an open bed or getting someone there, the moment of willingness to seek treatment may
be lost. We have seen several unsheltered homeless pass away in the last few years as their bodies can
no longer tolerate the alcohol consumption. The Street Outreach Worker predicts there will be more.
Acute care can be secured at the Cooley Dickinson Hospital when necessary.
People Living with HIV/AIDS: have difficulty finding housing outside of Holyoke and Springfield. They are
often Spanish speaking with low household incomes. The group reported on by A Positive Place that
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struggles with the highest acuity needs is the transgendered minority population. They are at a higher
risk if they contract Covid-19.
People with Developmental Disabilities: According to the Department of Developmental Services Area
Director for Franklin/Hampshire, 23 clients live in subsidized housing in Northampton, and 26 others are
in homes subsidized by DDS and run by provider agencies. They estimate 10 clients waiting for housing
in Northampton.
Victims of Domestic Violence: are in need of safe and secure affordable housing away from abusers.
Characteristics may include economic control and abuse by their partner, money being spent on other
than housing costs, credit and landlord references being negatively impacted by partner, debt
accumulation in partners name, threatened family members so they are afraid to assist the survivor,
workplace harassment, children being in danger at school or daycare, inability to retrieve household
goods and paperwork if flee, housing is put at risk for lessee if families are doubled up for safety. For
young adults who have been abused as children, turning 18 becomes a risk factor. Adult children may
continue to be abused at home, but child protective services no longer has jurisdiction. Young adults
may need to leave but have no work history or credit standing. There is a shelter for victims of domestic
violence in Northampton.
What are the housing and supportive service needs of these populations and how are these
needs determined?
The housing and supportive needs of special populations are determined through an assessment
process that includes interviews with the client and/or guardian and family members as well as records
reviews.
For most special needs populations:
Physical Accessibility of units is a paramount concern. Universal design elements should be incorporated
into any housing expansion or new development.
Proximity to downtown: since many experience travel limitations, easy access to services reduces the
likelihood of people becoming isolated and unable to get needed goods and services.
Access to transportation: Housing along transportation routes and access to transportation is important
for those who can utilize it.
Supportive Environments: Spaces for community gatherings, such as community rooms promote
socialization.
Resident Services Coordinators: Residencies tend to be more successful and fulfilling when there is on
site staff to promote activities and case management.
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Recognition of Live-In Support: Some people require overnight staffing assistance and therefore should
be eligible for two bedroom units.
Stable housing is a critical component of treatment and prevention of HIV/AIDS. Persons with AIDS are
impacted by the lack of affordable housing and many have difficulty accessing affordable housing due to
substance abuse and mental health issues and histories of incarceration. Housing is even more of a
critical component for those with HIV/AIDS who may need to shelter in place due to their compromised
immune systems. There are no dedicated HIV/AIDS housing in Hampshire or Franklin Counties.
Elderly have the option of applying for public housing units. There is a Mixed Populations Coordinator on
site to assist with the younger disabled/elderly management challenges. There is a Highland Valley Elder
services meal site at Salvo House, which is directly adjacent to the Northampton Senior Center. An
Alzheimer’s Unit opened recently adjacent to the Linda Manor Nursing Home.
Discuss the size and characteristics of the population with HIV/AIDS and their families within
the Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area:
The Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area (EMSA) is comprised of Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin
counties. Within the EMSA, the majority of persons living with HIV/AIDS live in Springfield or Holyoke.
According to the 2019 Massachusetts Regional HIV/AIDS Epidemiological Profile, the EMSA has 2,296
persons living with HIV/Aids. Of these, 86 % are in Hampden County, 9% are in Hampshire County and
4% are in Franklin County. Of the total EMSA persons living with HIV/AIDS, 1,212 live in the City of
Springfield.
In the EMSA, 75% of the people living with HIV/AIDS are men and 25% are women. 16% of persons living
with HIV/Aids are Latinx, 47% are Non-Latinx White and 28% are Black. The highest contributing factor
to HIV infection was male to male sex (51%) and injection drug use (7%). Other modes of exposure are
heterosexual sex (6%), undetermined (22%) and other combinations of activity. Ages 50-59 represented
the largest share of people living with AIDS (1,273), followed by 40-49 (766).
Discussion:
The City needs to make a concerted effort to integrate special needs housing, units that are
handicapped accessible, units that are visitable, and housing with supportive services, into its planning
for affordable housing development. The last two affordable housing projects completed (Lumberyard
and Live 155) have made contributions towards that goal. The Sergeant House SRO expansion will
further those goals. There are currently no specialty housing for people with AIDS living in
Northampton.
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NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs – 91.215 (f)
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Facilities:
The only public facilities projects identified at this time is the resiliency hub. The City is looking to create
a resiliency hub that will address both chronic stresses like severe weather, but also acute stresses like
hurricanes and pandemics. CDBG funds will likely be insufficient to cover all the costs associated with
hub and the City is looking to leverage other funding. Other public facilities that may be looked into are
parks or recreational facilities, homeless facilities, sidewalk improvements, wheelchair ramps, or other
neighborhood facilities. River Run condominiums has been identified as an affordable housing
development that does not have access to the rest of the City because it lacks sidewalks on its approach.
How were these needs determined?
Needs are determined by consultation with the Mayor, the Director of the Department of Public Works
and the Director of the Office of Planning & Sustainability. Also, City Councilors hear about issues from
their constituents.
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Improvements:
Handicap accessibility, visitability, and rehabilitation at public housing may be considered during this
ConPlan. The Director of the Department of Public Works has not indicated that there are other projects
they would like to use CDBG funding for right now. There are many street and sidewalk improvements
needed, such as increasing accessibility, tree planting, or helping create more outdoor dining to respond
to the need for social-distancing due to Covid-19. Other issues that the City has identified in resiliency
planning has been water/sewer improvements and flood drainage issues. The need for more bike lanes
and bike parking infrastructure has also been identified as a need to respond to Covid-19.
How were these needs determined?
Needs are determined by consultation with the Mayor and the Director of Public Works, the Director of
Planning & Sustainability, the Disabilities Commission, the Transportation and Parking Commission, City
Councilor input, and during public planning processes (e.g., ADA Transition Plan, Walk/Bike
Northampton, Comprehensive Planning). The City has also determined these needs through its resiliency
planning efforts and in its response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Services:
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There are 12-15 projects funded annually. Generally, the projects funded address emergency shelter
staffing capacity, outreach and information referral services for the Latinx community, soup kitchen
operating costs, language and job readiness services for immigrants and refugees, youth employment
readiness training, mentoring for low income youth, eviction intervention for housing stabilization and
homelessness prevention, home visits and meals for the elderly, senior-employment training, and adult
basic education for income maximization and economic empowerment. The City is also looking at how
to best respond to the Covid-19 pandemic, and the operating costs for the resiliency hub or additional
emergency sheltering have been identified as potential needs.
How were these needs determined?
The need for new projects is assessed from information gleaned by City staff at the Western Mass.
Network to End Homelessness Leadership Council and committee meetings (Individual Services
Committee, Family Services Committee, Housing Sex-Offenders, Unaccompanied Youth), monthly
meetings of the Northampton Housing Partnership, monthly meetings of the Next Step Collaborative
(housing and homeless service providers), and other consultation venues.
The ad hoc Public Services Review Committee is composed of one City Councilor and representatives
from the Friends of the Homeless, Western Massachusetts Homeless Network, and Human Rights
Commission. They advise the Mayor on high priority needs to direct the allocations process, based on
what they bring from their own experience and observations and staff input. Most years the focus has
been on emergency sheltering, tenancy security, food security and economic empowerment
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Housing Market Analysis
MA-05 Overview
Housing Market Analysis Overview:
More than half of Northampton’s housing stock is owner occupied. Recent rates show reductions in
rental-occupancy, suggesting that new housing growth has focused on owner-occupied units and likely
conversions of rental units to owner-occupancy, confirmed by building permit data. Housing growth has
occurred despite small population declines, reflecting increasing numbers of smaller households.
Housing prices remain high despite the Covid-19 related economic downturn. There was a period where
prices soared after the 2000 census. There was a leveling off period during the housing market crisis and
the ability to obtain financing became increasingly difficult. Prices have since recovered. Due to the
popularity of Northampton as a community in which to live, the housing market crash did not have a
significant impact here. Traditionally the City's market seems to be relatively immune to outside
fluctuations. Realtors report rarely having enough inventory to meet the buyer demand.
The medium household value for Northampton in 2018 was $322,500; that compares to $347,200 in
Hadley, $326,100 in Hatfield, $327,200 in Westhampton, $351,300 in Southampton, $268,200 in
Williamsburg, $271,200 in Goshen, $248,100 in Easthampton, $240,000 in S. Hadley and $188,3000 in
Holyoke and $154,300 in Springfield.
In the rental market in 2000, roughly 60% of the City’s rental units were renting in the $500 to $1,000
price range, with the median being $647. Since then, rental prices have increased significantly. The
lowest rent advertised in 2020 was $1,160 for a one-bedroom and $1,200 for a two bedroom, with an
average price around $1,425. The median rent in Northampton is $1,098, which is slightly lower than the
Springfield median of $1,116. A strong rental market has pushed rents well beyond the means of most
low and moderate income households.
Foreclosures may be a factor impacting home values in the next several years. In Northampton 1.4
homes are foreclosed (per 10,000). This is lower than the Springfield Metro value of 3.4 and also lower
than the national value of 3.0.
Mortgage delinquency is the first step in the foreclosure process. This is when a homeowner fails to
make a mortgage payment. The percent of delinquent mortgages in Northampton is 2.1%, which is
lower than the national value of 6.3%. With U.S. home values having fallen by more than 20% nationally
from their peak in 2007 until their trough in late 2011.
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MA-10 Number of Housing Units – 91.210(a)&(b)(2)
Introduction
In reviewing changes in the housing stock since 1980, a number of important trends become apparent:
• Continued housing growth: Housing growth has continued in Northampton despite an overall
population decrease, largely reflective of the formation of smaller households. While 1,745 new
housing units were created between 1980 and 2000, the rate of growth has slowed down from a
growth rate of 10.2% between 1980 and 1990, to 5.6% from 1990 to 2000, and to 2.6% between
2000 and 2010.
• Decrease in persons per unit. Average household size continues to drop, although at a slower
rate than it did between 1960 and 2000. Consequently, new housing units do not necessarily
translate into more people. The average number of persons per unit declined between 1980 and
2000 from 2.54 persons to 2.44 persons for owner-occupied units and from 1990 to 2000 from
1.95 to 1.79 persons for rental units. This decrease reflects local, regional and national trends
towards smaller household sizes and relates to the change in the average household size in
Northampton from 2.45 persons in 1990 to 2.14 in 2000.
• Limited growth in rental units: There has been limited new construction and the conversion of
rentals to homeownership through condominium conversions. Since 2000, most new rental
apartments that have been built in the City have occurred with public subsidies, mainly through
Village Hill (former Northampton State Hospital) and some small developments sponsored by
the Valley CDC. There have also been some luxury housing rentals, such as at the former Clarke
School for the Deaf. Only a very few new units, such as those created through the city’s
accessory apartment ordinance, are unsubsidized and serving the lower end of the market.
Northampton’s rental units are distributed throughout the housing stock but much more heavily
in the urban core areas than in suburban areas.
• Tight market conditions. Vacancy rates for both rental and ownership housing were well below
5% indicative of an extremely tight housing market. These rates were substantially lower than
the state and national rates.
• Loss of small multi-family units. The U.S. Census estimates that from April 1, 2000 to July 1,
2007, 270 new dwelling units were built but 229 units were lost either to other uses, or
conversions of two-family dwellings to single-family homes. Moreover, the number of two-
family homes decreased from 1,722 such units in 1980 to only 1,529 in 2000, representing the
loss of a valuable segment of the city’s existing housing stock.
All residential properties by number of units
Property Type Number %
1-unit detached structure 5,820 48%
1-unit, attached structure 560 5%
2-4 units 2,690 22%
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Property Type Number %
5-19 units 2,085 17%
20 or more units 1,010 8%
Mobile Home, boat, RV, van, etc 4 0%
Total 12,169 100%
Table 27 – Residential Properties by Unit Number
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Unit Size by Tenure
Owners Renters
Number % Number %
No bedroom 20 0% 260 5%
1 bedroom 400 6% 1,730 34%
2 bedrooms 1,480 23% 2,135 42%
3 or more bedrooms 4,540 71% 930 18%
Total 6,440 100% 5,055 99%
Table 28 – Unit Size by Tenure Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Describe the number and targeting (income level/type of family served) of units assisted with
federal, state, and local programs.
According to the Massachusetts Dept. of Housing and Community Development’s (DHCD) Subsidized
Housing Inventory as of September 2017, there were 1,356 (10.8%) subsidized housing units in the City.
This calculation did not take into account the 47 units recently added at Live155, the 55 units at the
Lumber Yard, and the 16 additional units at Sergeant House SRO. That brings the number of subsidized
units up to 1,474 (12.8%). DHCD updates the inventory every two years and the 2019 update is expected
soon.
Those are 1,474 units which are owned and managed by a variety of non-profit organizations and the
Northampton Housing Authority. There has been no particular targeting strategy for the units added to
the inventory over the last several decades.
However, the recently completed developments, Live155 targeted studio and one-bedroom unit tenant
populations and the Lumber Yard project targeted low-income families (mostly two bedrooms).
Additionally, the nearly complete Sergeant House addition targeted the SRO population. These three
developments will house different populations and together, have addressed the need for affordable
rental units for individual and family households. The City will continue to look for opportunities to
develop the number of subsidized and low-income housing. The city is currently looking for affordable
housing development partners for three different soon to be surplus city parcels.
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Provide an assessment of units expected to be lost from the affordable housing inventory for
any reason, such as expiration of Section 8 contracts.
During the last ConPlan, Hathaway Farms had 207 units that were set to expire. Through some
fundraising, they were able to keep 42 units as affordable housing. This keeps them at 20% affordable
housing per MassHousing lending terms. Leeds Village, a 19-unit apartment building owned by Mt.
Holyoke Management was renewed in 2018.
The most of the units on the list have either been created new, are refinanced, or have expiration dates
late in 2030 and beyond, or are protected in perpetuity.
Does the availability of housing units meet the needs of the population?
With the 12,169 total residential properties and 11,485 households - it can be assumed that there are
enough housing to meet the needs of the population. However, with further analysis, the type of units
available do not meet the needs of the population, where many households are cost burdened and
some are experiencing overcrowding.
Describe the need for specific types of housing:
According to the 2019 Assessment of Barriers to Fair Housing study, lack of housing for families
was identified as a need. The study cited that 5.8% of homes for rent and 17% of all homes in
Northampton have four or more bedrooms. In contrast, 81.7% of rental units have two bedrooms or
less. This indicates that the number of bedrooms is a barrier to families living Northampton. Closely tied
to family housing, was the presence of lead paint in the study. Houses that have lead paint or have not
been test yet, are unavailable to families with small children. Therefore, lead free homes is another type
of housing that is needed. The study also indicated that housing accessibility for those with disabilities is
a barrier. Poverty is closely associated with those having a disability, so affordable-accessible units
specifically is a need.
According to the Housing Plan from 2011, a high priority need is providing housing for those whose
incomes do not exceed $1,000 per month. This is still true in 2020. This is what the Federal government
refers to as living at 100% of poverty level. There is a clear need for enhanced SRO units, efficiency or
studio apartments, or one-bedroom units for those with lower incomes. Some of these individuals have
disabilities. Some are younger, looking for opportunities to live in Northampton, some are older, some
are reentering the community after incarceration, some are recent immigrants working in local
businesses with limited pay. Some are trying to exit homelessness. Those with Section 8 vouchers have
experienced difficulty finding suitable housing in the private market due to high rents.
Single people compose 37% of all households and 74% of non-family households in 2000. By 2015, 49%
of all households types comprise of nonfamily households. About half of all residents over 65 lived
alone. Many elderly renters earning at or below 50% of area median income, were paying too much for
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housing. Most seniors earning fixed incomes and relying substantially on Social Security find that when
they lose their spouse, their income is insufficient to afford their current housing and other expenses. In
addition, the vacancy rate low, making for a very tight rental market.
Through consultations with service providers, new SRO units and a Safe Haven type program to serve
chronically homeless, were identified as high priority needs. The City has lost much of its SRO stock since
the 1980’s. There is also a significant need to house families, particularly those earning within the
poverty level. The number of two-person households comprise almost one third of all households
(4,000) yet smaller units are in short supply. Almost half the households with children are headed by a
single parent, suggesting a compelling need for affordable family housing with only one income. The City
does not have any housing dedicated for those with HIV/AIDS and their families.
The wait for a unit in one of NHA's family units is two years and longer for those with larger families. The
wait list for subsidies is 3-6 years. The large gap between incomes and entry costs for homeownership
force first time homebuyers to look outside of Northampton. The scarcity of affordable rentals,
particularly those with supportive services is also problematic for those transitioning out of homeless
shelters and special needs programs.
Discussion
Information from NHA on their waiting lists for various programs is a good indicator of the demand and
the types of units people are looking for. All of these numbers are increases from the last Consolidated
Plan:
Federal public housing Total Eligible on the waiting list = 538; Of the 538, 451 are extremely low income
(84% of families, at less than 30% AMI). 65 are >30 but < 50% AMI (12% of families). 22 are >50% but
<80% of AMI (4% of families).
206 are families with children (61%); 332 are elderly (22%); 131 are families with disabilities (24%).
326 are on the list for a one-bedroom unit, 150 for a two-bedroom, 50 for a three-bedroom and 12 for a
four-bedroom unit. Many families are on both the Federal and State waiting lists, so the numbers are
not mutually exclusive.
Section 8 program,
There are 232 eligible on the waiting list. The NHA estimates they will issue 45 vouchers in 2020. 416 are
extremely low income families, 78% at < 30% AMI, 92 or 17% of the total are very low income at >30 but
<50% AMI and 27, or 5% of the total have low incomes >50% but <80% AMI.
125 (54%) families on the waiting list have children, 28 (12%) are elderly and 108 (47%) are families with
disabilities. 107 families (46%) need a one-bedroom unit; 59 (25%) need a two-bedroom unit; 58 (25%)
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need a three-bedroom unit, and 7 (3%) need four-bedroom units. The Section 8 waiting list is currently
closed.
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MA-15 Housing Market Analysis: Cost of Housing - 91.210(a)
Introduction
ACS data shows the median house value was $322,500, up 13% since the 2010 Census. Since 1980, the
median home value has gone up 844% when median house values were $38,200.
There were 555 units valued at less than $100,000 in 2000, and 2,217, or 43.6% of the housing stock
valued between $100,000 and $150,000. More than half of the City's housing units were relatively
affordable at that time. Still another 1,101 units (21.7%) were valued between $150,000 and $200,000.
390 units, (7.8%) of the housing stock was priced at $300,000 or more. In 2000, housing prices in
Northampton were only a bit higher than those for Hampshire County, with a median house value of
$142,400. The median price was somewhat lower than the states median of $162,800. Sales data from
the 2018 ACS show the average price for a home with a mortgage is $322,5000 and a median gross rent
for a 2-bedroom $1,272. Of renters, 37% are paying between $500-999.
Cost of Housing
Base Year: 2009 Most Recent Year: 2015 % Change
Median Home Value 272,600 290,800 7%
Median Contract Rent 754 881 17%
Table 29 – Cost of Housing
Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS (Base Year), 2011-2015 ACS (Most Recent Year)
Rent Paid Number %
Less than $500 1,250 24.8%
$500-999 1,880 37.2%
$1,000-1,499 1,515 30.0%
$1,500-1,999 275 5.5%
$2,000 or more 124 2.5%
Total 5,044 99.9%
Table 30 - Rent Paid
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Housing Affordability
% Units affordable to Households
earning
Renter Owner
30% HAMFI 685 No Data
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% Units affordable to Households
earning
Renter Owner
50% HAMFI 1,140 105
80% HAMFI 2,985 610
100% HAMFI No Data 1,364
Total 4,810 2,079
Table 31 – Housing Affordability
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
Monthly Rent
Monthly Rent ($) Efficiency (no
bedroom)
1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom
Fair Market Rent 737 875 1,115 1,389 1,611
High HOME Rent 0 0 0 0 0
Low HOME Rent 0 0 0 0 0
Table 32 – Monthly Rent
Data Source Comments:
Is there sufficient housing for households at all income levels?
With the 12,169 total residential properties and 11,485 households - it can be assumed that there are
enough housing to meet the needs of the population. However, there is a significant affordability gap. In
the past, it was fairly easy for purchasers to limit their down payments on mortgage financing to 5% or
even less if they paid private mortgage insurance or qualified for a subsidized mortgage program such as
the state's Soft Second Loan Program. Since the Great Recession, lenders have put rigid lending criteria
including the need for 20% down payments. Such high cash requirements make homeownership,
particularly first-time homeownership, much more difficult.
For renters, a two-person very low income household earning 50% of area median income at $34,200
annually, could afford a monthly rental of about $855. This assumes that they are paying no more than
30% of their income on housing and utilities. A rental rate this low is extremely difficult to find in
Northampton. Additionally, most landlords require first and last month’s rent and a security deposit.
Some private rental agencies charge an additional fee. Households with two persons earning the
minimum wage would still fall short of the income needed to afford this rent. This means that any
household looking to rent in the private housing market must have a considerable amount of cash
available, which has a significant impact on affordability.
There is also a unit-mix gap. Those units most appropriate for single persons, with three rooms or less,
comprise only 21% of the housing stock. The 2014 estimate for single individuals as a percentage of the
total population is 79%. This means that many renters will have multiple roommates to cover the cost of
rent.
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How is affordability of housing likely to change considering changes to home values and/or
rents?
There has been a decline in the number of two-family homes, largely due to conversions to single-family
units. Roughly 200 rental units in owner-occupied homes have been lost. Most of those units were
probably affordable or at least at the lower end of the market, as private landlords, particularly owner
occupied, often charged below market rents to maintain their long term tenants. That also represents
loss of affordable homeownership stock where owners are able to purchase because rental income
helps them finance the home. 75% of our housing stock is contained in structures with 4 units or less.
(77% in 1980, 75% in 2000, 75% in 2015). As the City's population of smaller unit property owner’s age
and sell, purchase and carrying costs for new owners necessitate that they charge higher rents.
As stated in the Housing Plan, "The convergence of demographic and housing trends increasing numbers
of households, lower incomes, increasing poverty, rising prices, lower housing production, declining
supply of rentals, difficulty in obtaining financing, large up-front cash requirements for homeownership
and rentals all point to a growing affordability gap. This gap is reinforced by 2000 census data that
indicated about 3,000 households or one-quarter of all Northampton households were living in housing
that was by common definition beyond their means and unaffordable as they were paying more than
30% of their income on housing. If these demographic and housing trends are left to evolve unchecked,
Northampton will lose ground on its ability to be a place where families across a full range of economic
and social strata can call home."
How do HOME rents / Fair Market Rent compare to Area Median Rent? How might this
impact your strategy to produce or preserve affordable housing?
Market rents in Northampton exceed fair-market rent rates established by HUD. The City is not a
participating jurisdiction for HOME. The FMR rates for Northampton are too low.
Northampton being included in the Springfield SMSA has always been problematic. We have had several
task forces over the years strategize around this issue. U.S. Congressional action is required to remove
Northampton from the MSA. The alternate strategy has been to adopt exception rent rates. The
Amherst Housing Authority went to 120% several years ago. They have higher rents in their 40th
percentile units because of the competition of college students in that area.
Northampton adopted a 110% rate and has not increased it. The Section 8 Program Director said that
although they would like to increase the payment standard, they ended the 2014 fiscal year with
$40,000 (down from $525,000 at the start of that year) in the Net Restricted Assets. Given a utility
allowance increase and expected increases in reasonable rent increases requested by landlords, along
with the uncertainty of Congressional funding of their budget authority, the Board opted to keep the
rate the same. They also feel that they can serve fewer people if they increase the rate. Additionally, if
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the exception payment standard is too high, all of the allowable increase is borne by the tenant which
creates additional cost-burden on the household.
According to the NHA Executive Director, increasing the FMR itself codifies real rental rates and allows
families to pay closer to 30% of their incomes for rent in a wider variety of apartments. Raising the
payment standard puts the burden above that threshold, which is not the goal.
Discussion
According to ACS figures, median homeowner monthly costs were $1,877 in the City, $2,165 in the State
and $1,558 in the country. Median rent for a one-bedroom in the City is $930, $982 in the State and
$974 in the country.
37% of the population has a mortgage, compared to 71% in the State and 65% in the country.
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MA-20 Housing Market Analysis: Condition of Housing – 91.210(a)
Introduction
Based on the data, unit condition is less of an issue than cost burden (although the data does not isolate
the conditions). According to the data below, 47% of the rental housing units exhibit one selected
condition or less. 25% of the homeownership units exhibit one conditions or less. Less than 1% of units
(owner or renter) exhibit two selected conditions. This is a relatively healthy housing stock physically.
Based on the age of the stock and visual site surveys, however, there is a strong assumption that many
homes have code violations and are in need of exterior rehabilitation, some structural and many
cosmetic.
There are rarely tax title or abandoned properties in Northampton and very few reach the state of
needing to be condemned. The city monitors the tax title list carefully and has foreclosed on properties
when necessary to avoid blight.
Definitions
A building is considered to be substandard if it fails to comply with minimum standards of habitability
according to the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code , M.G.L. c.111, section 127 A-I. A building that is
suitable for rehabilitation is one where the overall condition of the building is not structurally deficient
and not a threat to public safety.
Condition of Units
Condition of Units Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
With one selected Condition 1,625 25% 2,380 47%
With two selected Conditions 10 0% 105 2%
With three selected Conditions 10 0% 0 0%
With four selected Conditions 0 0% 0 0%
No selected Conditions 4,790 74% 2,560 51%
Total 6,435 99% 5,045 100%
Table 33 - Condition of Units
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Year Unit Built
Year Unit Built Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
2000 or later 465 7% 165 3%
1980-1999 1,095 17% 575 11%
1950-1979 1,915 30% 1,470 29%
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Year Unit Built Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
Before 1950 2,955 46% 2,845 56%
Total 6,430 100% 5,055 99%
Table 34 – Year Unit Built
Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS
Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard
Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied
Number % Number %
Total Number of Units Built Before 1980 4,870 76% 4,315 85%
Housing Units build before 1980 with children present 438 7% 259 5%
Table 35 – Risk of Lead-Based Paint
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS (Total Units) 2011-2015 CHAS (Units with Children present)
Vacant Units
Suitable for
Rehabilitation
Not Suitable for
Rehabilitation
Total
Vacant Units 0 0 0
Abandoned Vacant Units 0 0 0
REO Properties 0 0 0
Abandoned REO Properties 0 0 0
Table 36 - Vacant Units
Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS
Need for Owner and Rental Rehabilitation
More than half of Northampton’s housing stock, 51% (5,800 units) was built before 1950. An additional
30% (3,385 units) were built between 1950 and 1979 (a year after lead paint was banned).
Only 823 units were built more recently, between 1980 and 2000, representing only 6.6% of the housing
stock up to that point. Because of the relative age of the existing housing stock, it is likely that many
units may have remnants of lead-based paint and/or deferred housing maintenance needs, including
some basic code violations related to structural or systemic deficiencies. Most houses will lack
ADA accessibility and visitability.
Estimated Number of Housing Units Occupied by Low or Moderate Income Families with LBP
Hazards
There are 697 low- and moderate-income housing units that contain lead-based paint. Totals of table 34
above indicating number of owner occupied and rental units built before 1980 with children present.
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Discussion
Despite the age of the housing stock, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health Childhood Lead
Poisoning Prevention program statistics show no significant amount of poisoning for the most recent
data set from 2013-2017. For children aged 9-47 months; 481 children (71% of age group) were tested
with two incidences reported. This is not significant.
The Council on Aging's Home Repair program is available for minor work on elders homes and much of
the jobs entail modifications to address physical disabilities. When the City had a housing rehab
program, Valley CDC worked on 4-6 units a year. If the City reinstitutes a program with a new vendor, a
community survey will be done to ascertain need. The program will be of the same size, as that is the
most we could do with the available funding.
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MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing – 91.210(b)
Introduction
The Northampton Housing Authority (NHA) and non-profit affordable housing agencies maintain their properties well. Although maintenance
and operating reserves are never sufficient to address all physical plant and site management needs, the City's local entities do their best to
keep their inventory well maintained and physically attractive. There are many programs operating in the community, through for example,
ServiceNet residential programming contracts from the Department of Mental Health, group homes through the Department of Developmental
Services, recovery homes owned and operated by the Gandara Center, that are virtually visually undetectable and blend seamlessly into
surrounding neighborhoods. Local housing and social service providers are aware of how difficult it can be to site and establish a new
community based program, so they hold themselves to high operational standards to the extent their funding allows.
Totals Number of Units
Program Type
Certificate Mod-Rehab Public Housing Vouchers
Total Project -based Tenant -based
Special Purpose Voucher
Veterans
Affairs
Supportive Housing
Family
Unification
Program
Disabled
*
# of units vouchers
available 38 29 110 669 41 628 894 0 0
# of accessible units
*includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition
Table 37 – Total Number of Units by Program Type
Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center)
Describe the supply of public housing developments:
Describe the number and physical condition of public housing units in the jurisdiction, including those that are participating in an
approved Public Housing Agency Plan:
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The NHA manages 618 units of public housing and rates the general condition of those units as good. They implement a capital improvement
plan addressing the most critical rehabilitation needs, every year as funds allow. The NHA administers 130 family units; 80 State and 50 Federal.
NHA also administers 245 units for elderly and younger disabled and 33 units for special needs populations. 20 are closed referral from the
Department of Public Health for women in recovery and their children, seven units are from the Department of Mental Health and seven SRO
units.
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Public Housing Condition
Public Housing Development Average Inspection Score
Table 38 - Public Housing Condition
Describe the restoration and revitalization needs of public housing units in the jurisdiction:
Cahill Apartments - Cahill Apartments is a 64-unit elderly and disabled housing development close to
downtown and on the bus route. It needs accessibility improvements, such as wheelchair ramps, door
openers, and roll-in showers. As more residents choose to age in place and the general aging of
Northampton’s population, this type of work may become more prevalent at other NHA properties.
Over the previous consolidated plan, several NHA owned housing projects had significant work.
McDonald House had landscaping and fencing improvements, elevator upgrades (call stations and
interior cab updates), installation of energy efficient lighting and a replacement boiler for domestic heat
and hot water. Other improvements included a new roof, new unit thermostats, seal coating of the
parking lot, completion of a masonry study (brick walls, patios & railings) and a condition audit of the
two elevators. At Florence Heights, hot water heaters, replacement of cellar stairs, screen door
replacement, concrete and top repair, kitchen countertop and cabinet replacement as units turnover. At
Hampshire Heights, kitchen and bath renovations, replacement of furnaces with high-efficiency units,
insulation of attic spaces, drainage issues in the buildings, domestic hot water tank replacement, and
window replacement.
While only the needs of Cahill Apartments have been identified for the first program year of this
consolidated plan, other CDBG eligible rehabilitation activities will be researched for other NHA owned
properties for the remainder of this Consolidated Plan. Typical rehabilitation activities are:
• Accessibility improvements (wheelchair ramps, door openers, roll-in showers, accessible kitchen
improvements, grab bars)
• Energy efficient upgrade program (insulation, lighting)
• Emergency repairs of roofs, leaking pipes, etc.
• Weatherization updates
• Correction of code violations (health & safety)
• Removal of lead based paint or asbestos
• Repair of outdoor elements that could make the complex appear blighted
Describe the public housing agency's strategy for improving the living environment of low-
and moderate-income families residing in public housing:
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The NHA continues to strive for excellence in its management and operation of public housing. In order
to improve the living environment of low and very low-income residents and expand housing
opportunities, the NHA will continue the following efforts:
• Maintain clean and secure housing developments
• Offer a variety of housing opportunities for the housing needs of NHA applicants
• Assure fiscal integrity of housing programs and participants
• Support initiatives that provide opportunities for residents that wish to pursue self-sufficiency
and economic independence (Mass LEAP)
• Efficient program management and collaboration with residents, tenant associations,
community service providers, law enforcement and community leaders
• Work with NHA tenant associations to address resident concerns and improve community
rooms and common areas
• Utilize federal capital funds and state modernization funds to address identified capital needs
• Reduce energy and utility costs by continuing to utilize energy efficient appliances and fixtures
• Continue progress on expanding the VASH program through the use of vouchers and project
based assistance
• Continue to utilize CORI as part of tenant screening procedures
• Develop policies that address smoking in public housing sites and units
Discussion:
A Community Housing Supportive Services Coordinator program can help residents with life skills and
bring one-on-one case management to preserve at-risk tenancies. Further workshops on financial
literacy can become core components to improve the quality of life for public housing residents. Adding
additional resources to the NHA website will further educate public housing residents. Activities for
youth, homework clubs, after school programming, access to health services, formation of tenant
associations for empowerment, are all possible with a full-time coordinator.
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MA-30 Homeless Facilities and Services – 91.210(c)
Introduction
The Hampshire County Resource Center located in Northampton serves as the central intake for entry into our local homeless service delivery
system. From there, homeless individuals can access the Interfaith Shelter during the winter and or the Grove Street Inn, both emergency
shelters for individuals. Homeless families are referred to Jessie's House in Amherst. Soldier On is available to provide emergency shelter and
transitional housing for Veterans, and Safe Passage has an emergency shelter facility locally for victims of domestic violence. There is only one
facility for 8-12 unaccompanied youth at Northampton Teen Housing. ServiceNet also has a residential program for Department of Mental
Health case managed youth.
Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households
Emergency Shelter Beds Transitional
Housing Beds
Permanent Supportive Housing
Beds
Year Round Beds
(Current & New)
Voucher /
Seasonal /
Overflow Beds
Current & New Current & New Under
Development
Households with Adult(s) and
Children 1 0 0 22 0
Households with Only Adults 37 20 22 82 0
Chronically Homeless Households 0 0 0 35 0
Veterans 17 0 22 44 0
Unaccompanied Youth 8 0 8 8 0
Table 39 - Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households
Data Source Comments: Data Source: HUD 2019 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs Housing Inventory Count Report
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Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to the extent those services are use to complement services targeted to homeless persons
The Hampshire County Resource Center, collocated with the Interfaith Winter Shelter has a Benefits
Analyst and a nurse from Health Care for the Homeless. The Department of Mental Health employs a
Street Outreach Clinician through Eliot Homeless Services who does outreach and clinical case
management and therapy for unsheltered homeless and some follow up with clients after they are
placed in housing. The Hampshire Franklin Career Center is located in Northampton and can be utilized
for resume writing and job search activities. The Department of Mental Health has case managers that
work with homeless people as does ServiceNet, Inc.'s behavioral health system through DMH contracts.
The Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness is a tireless advocate to get local State legislators to
include funding for the programs that will benefits homeless persons. The Network regularly hosts
workshops, conference calls, and post relevant information for other service providers and government
personnel.
List and describe services and facilities that meet the needs of homeless persons, particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth. If the services and facilities are listed on screen SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure or screen MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services, describe how these facilities and services specifically address the needs of these populations.
Hampshire County Resource Center: Intake location for local service delivery system. Administered by
ServiceNet, Inc. case managers provide services to homeless individuals thru intakes & assessments &
developing individual service plans. Laundry, emergency meals, showers & medical care.
Emergency Shelter: Hampshire County Inter-Faith Shelter for Individuals, (Nov to May) 20 beds, Grove
Street Inn Homeless Shelter for Individuals (year round) 24 beds; Safe Passage Emergency Shelter for DV
Victims (6 families) , Soldier On Emergency Shelter for Veterans (17). There are no emergency shelter
beds for families and only 12 beds for unaccompanied youth in Northampton.
SRO Outreach Project coordinator conducts weekly on-site coffee hours for tenants. Identifies case
management needs & develops goal plans to address issues. Links tenants to entitlement programs &
other supports
Primary and Behavioral Health:
• ServiceNet, Inc. Outpatient Clinic, 50 Pleasant Street, Northampton (mental health treatment)
• Clinical Support Options, 8 Atwood Drive, Northampton (crisis services, mental health and
addictions treatment)
• Health Navigator services through Cooley Dickenson Hospital, Valley Medical Services, Health
Care for the Homeless
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HIV/AIDS: A Positive Place, Hamden St. Northampton (medical and social services case management,
benefits coordination, information & referral)
Veterans:
• Soldier On, Inc., 421 North Main St., Leeds, (Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF)
(homeless prevention and diversion, case management, temporary financial assistance,
employment, and peer mentoring; Court Diversion Program)
• Veterans Services Agent, 240 Main Street, Northampton (assistance with benefits, food,
housing, medical and employment)
• VA Medical Center (421 North Main St., Leeds (medical, behavioral health, substance abuse
treatment, PTSD, intensive case management, VASH Vouchers with case management support)
Domestic Violence services through: Safe Passage, 43 Center Street, Northampton (hotline, counseling,
shelter, legal assistance.
Homeless prevention/diversion services:
• ServiceNet, Inc. Shelter and Housing programs, 43 Center Street, Northampton (aftercare case
management for formerly homeless individuals through the downtown Resource/Drop-In
Center, access to Healthcare for the Homeless, prescription assistance, eye care, dental
referrals)
• Eliot Services, 1 Prince Street, Northampton (outreach case manager for chronically homeless,
high-risk, provides aftercare to clients once housed)
Other Resources:
• Survival Center: weekly food pantry and clothing distribution
• Community Legal Aid: support for low income & elders – benefits and employment, elder law,
eviction prevention, immigration
• Stavros: personal assistance services, advocacy, resource development, case management
• Franklin/Hampshire One Stop Employment Center: employment training, job readiness,
placement
• The Literacy Project: adult literacy, GED preparation, Transitions programs to college, vocational
training and work
• Community Enterprises: Temporary employment, case management, direct care and referrals
for individuals with disabilities
• Northampton Recover Center is a safe, peer-driven community that supports recovery
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MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services – 91.210(d)
Introduction
Northampton is served by Cooley Dickinson Hospital which is affiliated with the Massachusetts General
Hospital system. Emergency services, long-term psychiatric hospitalizations are both available there.
Respite and residential programming for people with mental health challenges is offered through
Department of Mental Health contracts held locally by ServiceNet Inc. and Community Support Options.
DMH and DDS, the Department of Developmental Services have scattered site residential units in the
community. Riverside Industries and Community Enterprises offers employment settings for DDS clients.
There is a new assisted living development being built at Village Hill for supporting elders and the Rock
Ridge Retirement Center also contains supported assisted living for elders. Gandara Center offers a
continuum of programming for those in recovery beginning at Hairston House, moving to the Alliance
for Sober Living and Maple Avenue for independent living in a sober environment. The City has a cross
section of facilities and services but not enough to address the need.
Including the elderly, frail elderly, persons with disabilities (mental, physical, developmental),
persons with alcohol or other drug addictions, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families,
public housing residents and any other categories the jurisdiction may specify, and describe
their supportive housing needs
The Northampton Senior Center offers extensive programming focusing on health and wellness in
addition to social interaction. Efforts have been made the last two years to introduce bilingual staff and
volunteers to be more inclusive. The EARN program (Employment After Retirement) has held career
fairs and matched seniors with employers to keep them employed.
Highland Valley Elder Services helped to identify and do outreach to frail elders who are at risk of
homelessness. The HVES also has extensive services including protective services and the Meals on
Wheels Program.
The Council on Aging provides policy and programming insight for the community planning process.
Elders and frail elders will be increasing in numbers. The public housing units may be available, but there
is a segment of the population not eligible or unwilling to live in public housing due to assets, but cannot
afford the more expensive elder housing options (Bear Hill, Lathrup Community). There is a need for
more units for that sector.
Mental health services are provided by the Cooley Dickinson Hospital Psychiatric Intensive Care Unit, the
Community Support Options Crisis Team and Respite Program and ServiceNet’s comprehensive
behavioral health system network ranging from residential programming to clinical and housing
supports.
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The Northampton Recovery Center is a safe, peer-driven community that provides a positive welcoming
environment for people on all pathways and stages of recovery from addiction. They will offer support
for families, friends, and allies of those in recovery. Peers will lead and design opportunities for social,
educational and wellness activities that support recovery.
For those struggling with alcohol and substance abuse issues, there are no detox beds locally, so
placements need to be found in surrounding counties. Acute care can be obtained at the hospital.
A Positive Place, a community program of the local hospital provides housing assistance, housing search,
and case management for those with HIV/AIDS.
Tapestry Health Programs operates a Needle Exchange Program locally and does STD and HIV screening,
education, outreach and counseling and assists in addressing sharps and harm reduction at homeless
encampments and other facilities.
Describe programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health
institutions receive appropriate supportive housing
Despite the requirement that public systems develop discharge planning that prohibits sending people
into homelessness, there are no specific programs exclusively focused on that goal other than general
tenancy protection programs. Success is achieved regionally through work at the CoC and Network level
and locally by relationship and trust building among service providers. For example, if a Veteran is about
to be discharged from the Hampshire County House of Correction with no place to go, Soldier On will
pick them up and take them to their campus for intake and assessment. They instituted that practice not
because they are funded for it, but it is the right thing to do. The personnel at Cooley Dickinson Hospital
discharging people with no place to go will call the Grove Street Inn to see if there is a local bed and
provide cab fare. Prior to this coordination, people would just appear at the shelter with no advance
warning. After CoC sponsored meetings that put everyone in the same room, beeper numbers and cell
phone numbers were swapped to facilitate coordination. Our local Police Department has provided
extensive training for their officers on jail diversion efforts, mental health treatment and how to
approach people exhibiting problematic behavior.
The City and provider community work very closely with the Police department who knows where the
camps are and what area resources are available. The City coordinates as much as possible, but there
are rarely housing placements with support services available for anyone exiting these other
institutionalized settings. The City is fortunate that ServiceNet, the large behavioral health agency based
in Northampton with programs in the four Western Mass. counties, also administers the two homeless
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shelters and permanent housing programs in their Shelter and Housing Division. Within their own
system treatment components can be coordinated.
Libraries play a critical role as the homeless often spend their days there to use the internet to find
housing, jobs, and keep out of the elements. The Forbes Library staff has previously met with shelter
staff, DMH case managers, Street Outreach Clinicians, CSO Crisis Team, and the Police Department to
create better programming. The Forbes Library Director attends the 2020 community and resiliency hub
planning meetings to create a more comprehensive mental and physical health system with day
programming and centralized point of contact for services.
Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address
the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with
respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year
goals. 91.315(e)
Housing and support services planned for the next year for people who are not homeless include:
- CDBG allocation to Community Legal Aid for homelessness prevention; court intervention and
mediation to preserve at-risk tenancies because the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed many households
to rent delinquency: $10,000
- Install accessible ramps and door-openers at an elderly/disabled housing authority property
developments: $95,000 (previous program year funding)
- SRO outreach, case management, and basic needs services, providing supports for this transient
population preventing homelessness through housing stabilization, food security, and supported
linkages to health care and vital human services: $14,000
- Hire Resident Services Coordinator who will help meet tenants’ non-clinical needs is serving the
overarching goal of assisting tenants so they sustain permanent housing. In addition to overall program
coordination, the RSC will provide some direct services to tenants including: Conduct an initial tenant
orientation and ensure that each new tenant receives a brief assessment to determine their interest in
and need for onsite services, provide up-to-date information to residents about transportation
services access to health and mental health care, financial education, support groups, legal services,
child care, educational opportunities, cultural events in Northampton, and other services and activities
that will enhance their quality of life.
-Continue to work with service providers to identify needs and look for areas of collaboration
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-Advance a community and resiliency hub for day programming and centralized point of contact for
services for all L/M income populations and those facing chronic and acute stress.
For entitlement/consortia grantees: Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. (91.220(2))
Housing and support services planned for the next year for people who are not homeless include:
- CDBG allocation to Community Legal Aid for homelessness prevention; court intervention and
mediation to preserve at-risk tenancies because the Covid-19 pandemic has exposed many households
to rent delinquency: $10,000
- Install accessible ramps and door-openers at an elderly/disabled housing authority property
developments: $95,000 (previous program year funding)
- SRO outreach, case management, and basic needs services, providing supports for this transient
population preventing homelessness through housing stabilization, food security, and supported
linkages to health care and vital human services: $14,000
- Hire Resident Services Coordinator who will help meet tenants’ non-clinical needs is serving the
overarching goal of assisting tenants so they sustain permanent housing. In addition to overall program
coordination, the RSC will provide some direct services to tenants including: Conduct an initial tenant
orientation and ensure that each new tenant receives a brief assessment to determine their interest in
and need for onsite services, provide up-to-date information to residents about transportation
services access to health and mental health care, financial education, support groups, legal services,
child care, educational opportunities, cultural events in Northampton, and other services and activities
that will enhance their quality of life.
-Continue to work with service providers to identify needs and look for areas of collaboration
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MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing – 91.210(e)
Negative Effects of Public Policies on Affordable Housing and Residential Investment
Previously, the 2014 Fair Housing Equity Assessment conducted by PVPC noted that collaboration
among governmental entities was an issue that created incomplete solutions to affordable housing. The
Housing Partnership’s Zoning Sub-Committee has identified zoning related issues, such as not allowing
multi-family housing by right in all zoning districts. This would lower the cost and speed up the process
at increasing the market rate affordable units in Northampton. Allowing two-family by right across the
City is being drafted as a parcel solution. The City, in a series of developer forums and working with a
real estate consulting firm, has been noted by developers by the ease at which they can work in the City,
so there are no major public policies under scrutiny at this time. However, the City of Northampton will
continue to do outreach and in the course of implementing the recommendations in the Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing from 2019, be open to proactively address specific policies that may be
identified that need to be examined and changed.
The 2019 "Unlocking Opportunity: An Assessment of Barriers to Fair Housing in Northampton" report
identified several barriers to affordable housing. They are listed here:
• Cost of housing
• Limited knowledge of fair housing
• Lack of trust in enforcement
• Lack of housing for families
• Impediments to access for people with disabilities
• Section 8 Voucher Discrimination
• NHA Local Preference
• Navigating affordable housing system difficulty
• Information access from NHA
• Affordable housing waitlist length
• Lead paint
• Zoning regulations that prevent multi-family homes in some areas
• Institutional racism
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MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets – 91.215 (f)
Introduction
Economic Development Market Analysis
Business Activity
Business by Sector Number of Workers Number of Jobs Share of Workers % Share of Jobs % Jobs less workers % Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction 43 0 0 0 0
Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations 1,303 0 13 0 -13
Construction 277 0 3 0 -3
Education and Health Care Services 4,107 0 41 0 -41
Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 561 0 6 0 -6
Information 230 0 2 0 -2
Manufacturing 566 0 6 0 -6
Other Services 423 0 4 0 -4
Professional, Scientific, Management Services 836 0 8 0 -8
Public Administration 0 0 0 0 0
Retail Trade 1,252 0 12 0 -12
Transportation and Warehousing 196 0 2 0 -2
Wholesale Trade 298 0 3 0 -3
Total 10,092 0 -- -- --
Table 40 - Business Activity
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS (Workers), 2015 Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (Jobs)
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Labor Force
Total Population in the Civilian Labor Force 16,615
Civilian Employed Population 16 years and
over 15,280
Unemployment Rate 8.10
Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-24 28.54
Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-65 4.55
Table 41 - Labor Force Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Occupations by Sector Number of People
Management, business and financial 4,885
Farming, fisheries and forestry occupations 400
Service 1,350
Sales and office 2,750
Construction, extraction, maintenance and
repair 715
Production, transportation and material
moving 420
Table 42 – Occupations by Sector
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Travel Time
Travel Time Number Percentage
< 30 Minutes 9,940 74%
30-59 Minutes 2,945 22%
60 or More Minutes 630 5%
Total 13,515 100%
Table 43 - Travel Time
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Education:
Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older)
Educational Attainment In Labor Force
Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor
Force
Less than high school graduate 180 70 400
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Educational Attainment In Labor Force
Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor
Force
High school graduate (includes
equivalency) 1,260 130 860
Some college or Associate's degree 1,970 230 685
Bachelor's degree or higher 7,735 235 1,025
Table 44 - Educational Attainment by Employment Status
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Educational Attainment by Age
Age
18–24 yrs 25–34 yrs 35–44 yrs 45–65 yrs 65+ yrs
Less than 9th grade 25 45 49 120 190
9th to 12th grade, no diploma 375 150 70 205 245
High school graduate, GED, or
alternative 640 545 255 1,455 1,015
Some college, no degree 2,955 520 375 1,090 580
Associate's degree 85 180 190 530 315
Bachelor's degree 595 1,295 875 1,810 720
Graduate or professional degree 10 965 1,285 2,760 1,295
Table 45 - Educational Attainment by Age
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Educational Attainment – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Educational Attainment Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Less than high school graduate 17,298
High school graduate (includes equivalency) 30,231
Some college or Associate's degree 37,328
Bachelor's degree 36,366
Graduate or professional degree 61,396
Table 46 – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months
Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS
Based on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within
your jurisdiction?
The City of Northampton’s Workforce is comprised of the following industry sectors according to the
CHAS data provided:
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• Education and Health Services: 41%
• Retail and Wholesale Trade: 12%
• Lodging, Food Services, Arts, Entertainment and Recreation: 13%
• Manufacturing: 6%
• Construction: 6%
• Professional, Management, Scientific: 8%
• Information: 2%
Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of the business community:
Similar to many regions across the nation, Northampton and Hampshire County possesses a workforce
in which over 40% of all jobs are in the higher incomes health care or educational sectors and less than
20% of jobs are the low income retail/service trades. Manufacturing jobs which are viewed as moderate
income positions take up 6% of the workforce. Therefore, the needs of the lower income workforce are
not being met by the jobs available in our local economy.
Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned local or
regional public or private sector investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect
job and business growth opportunities during the planning period. Describe any needs for
workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create.
The Covid-19 pandemic has create tremendous uncertainty in the businesses and jobs prospects of
many Northampton residents. Many retail, restaurant, and service industry establishments have had to
lay off or drastically reduce the hours of their employees. This will undoubtedly create a need for
business loans/grants to stay in business, new training for workers, and the restructuring of the
economy.
Historic Levels of New Construction
Northampton since 2012 has experienced a historic level of new construction with a dozen projects
valued at over $100 million. Creating over 200,000 square feet of office & medical space, 110 new hotel
rooms, over 300 housing units and 83 assisted-living units (43 for low-income residents).
Amtrak Vermonter Service
The Pioneer Valley rail line has been completely upgraded to handle future rail passenger growth thanks
to $70 million in funding from the 2009 Recovery Act. In January of 2015, the Amtrak Vermonter
inaugurated service to include Northampton and Greenfield and the addition of the Valley Flyer
increased the level of service to complement Amtrak. The introduction of rail service into this section of
the Pioneer Valley offers new transportation options to travelers connecting in Springfield, NYC, and
Vermont.
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Growth of Downtown Northampton
Downtown Northampton has experienced a number of investment driven projects that will strengthen
the Downtown’s vibrancy and its ability to generate critically important entry level and temporary
positons in a jobs challenged economy. Some of the developments are:
• The expansion of Downtown through infrastructure improvements to the Pleasant Street
corridor
• The planned reconfiguring of Main St. streetscape
• Expansion and accessibility upgrade plans by the Northampton Center for the Arts
• Academy of Music has maintained its year round programming attracting over 45,000 annually
• The opening of the New Fairfield Inn with 110 rooms welcomes 30,000 visitors annually
• Downtown retail occupancy remains high providing jobs and commerce to Northampton
• Opening of Live 155 and the Lumber Yard residential units on Pleasant Street
How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment
opportunities in the jurisdiction?
Northampton’s high school graduation rate is 97% versus the state average of 86%. Math and reading
skill are the top 5% of the state. 25% of Northampton residents aged 25 and older possess a bachelors
degree compared to 19% for the state. Education and job skills are important qualifiers for employment
anywhere but especially so in Northampton where 41% of jobs are in the education and health care
fields. Conversely, over 25% of Northampton jobs are in retail, wholesale, lodging, food services and
entertainment which are fields requiring moderate levels of education and training.
Manufacturing accounts for 6% of Northampton’s workforce. The current manufacturing sector
possesses many jobs that are skilled which has inspired many public sector development and workforce
agencies to work on serving this need since manufacturing jobs are no longer menial light assembly but
a skilled positions requiring many levels of expertise and independent judgment.
Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce
Investment Boards, community colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts
will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan.
Mayor of Northampton’s Youthworks Program
This program is an annual effort sponsored by the Hampshire Franklin Regional Employment Board
(FHREB) offering 8-week internships under a Work-Based Learning Plan. In 2017, the program placed 22
youths into internships and paid them $11/hour.
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Northampton Community Education Consortium
This group meets quarterly to address adult basic education and access issues for those seeking high
school and college experience, the majority of which are low and moderate income. The broadly
composed collaborative includes the 2 community colleges Greenfield and Holyoke), Smith College, the
University of Massachusetts, Community Action, the Center for New Americans, the Franklin Hampshire
REB and Career Center, the Literacy Project and others. The work undertaken by the NCEC to improve
access to education and career opportunities supports the City's ConPlan goals of economic
empowerment and self-sufficiency for residents with income and language challenges.
School-to-Career Connecting Activities
Funded through a Connecting Activities/Department of Elementary and Secondary Education grant, this
program bolsters the career development education of over 500 students across 16 schools and 50
communities in the region each year. It links students with work-based learning experiences.
Middle Skills Manufacturing Initiative (MSMI)
This program will serve adults in give 80 and 160 hours of training in advanced manufacturing and CNC
machining. Supporting educational institutions include Greenfield Community College and the Franklin
County Technical School. To date, nearly 40 employers and over 160 job seekers have been served
through this program, with an overall placement rate of over 83%.
STEM Focused Internships for High School Students
A grant from the Executive Office of Education specifically focused on the development of employer-
paid STEM internships for in-school youth in the Franklin Hampshire region. The project has been highly
successful, in 2018 placing 34 students with 19 different employers.
Franklin Hampshire Healthcare UP (HUP)
Aims to address the needs of four targeted healthcare employers to hire and retain CNAs/HHAs by
linking them with job-ready, credentialed workers prepared for entry-level work and advancement. Its
goas it to train 50 participants.
Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy
(CEDS)?
Yes
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If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated
with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that
impact economic growth.
Village Hill
Village Hill Northampton is a 126-acre master-planned community based on New Urbanist principles. It
combines commercial, R&D/light industrial, and residential uses with open space to support regional job
creation, business development, and recreational opportunities. At full build out, Village Hill will support
the creation or retention of 400 to 800 regional jobs.
Pleasant Street Housing
There are two affordable housing projects that were finished in the last five years that created 125
apartment units for low to moderate incomes. They were The Lumberyard and Live 155. The projects
are Way Finders (previously HAP Housing) and Valley CDC.
Christopher Heights at Village Hill
Christopher Heights is an 83-unit assisted-living facility, with 43 of units set aside for low-income
residents. It is located at Village Hill.
Atwood Drive Office Park
Northampton has worked closely with the Hampshire Hospitality Group (HHG) to see its development of
over 80,000 square feet of new office space located on Route 5 adjacent to Exit 18 on I-91 come to
fruition. The presence of Class A office space in the Pioneer Valley is unique deserving or regional
investment in order to support the attraction of high value health care and office relate jobs.
Discussion
Each year, MassHire Franklin Hampshire Workforce Board drafts key initiatives based on funding
received from the state, grants earned from state and federal agencies, and input from their Board
members and community partners. They take input from all businesses in the service area, especially
businesses in their priority industries. These initiatives have created training in high-demand and high-
paying areas such as healthcare, education, and advanced manufacturing. New for 2020, is
there Franklin Hampshire Healthcare UP (HUP) program, that aims to address the needs of four targeted
healthcare employers to hire and retain CNAs/HHAs by linking them with job-ready, credentialed
workers prepared for entry-level work and advancement. Its goas it to train 50 participants.
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The Secure Jobs Fund started as a one-year $1.5 million demonstration project by Way Finders to build a
coordinated service system that links extremely low-income households with the resources required to
enter the workforce. During the first pilot year, the program supported five regional partnerships to
secure employment for approximately 390 adults from HomeBASE rental-assistance households, and to
develop a replicable model for broader system reform, as well as inform state and federal policy
regarding homelessness and employment. Western Massachusetts received $309,000 from the Fireman
Charitable Foundation to implement a pilot project, and assisted with job placements for 68
households.
Since then, the Western MA project has expanded to include a wider geographical region as well as a
broader target population. The State Dept. of Housing and Community Development and the Fireman
Foundation have each contributed funds to deepen and expand the regional work. Western
Massachusetts received $310,000 from DHCD and $209,000 from the Fireman Foundation.
In January 2014, the Commonwealth Corporation, funded by the MA Executive Office of Community and
Development, awarded the Western region $207,000 to provide employment services to both
individuals and families. The grant was part of a larger $1.7 million pool of funds awarded statewide.
This grant served homeless individuals in need of employment assistance through March, 2016.
Outcomes for the three combined initiatives include the enrollment of at least 300 adult participants, at
least 75% of whom will gain employment. To date, the partnerships that have developed between
homeless service providers, FutureWorks and area businesses has been hugely successful. Community
partners and the Network Coordinator were invited to Washington D.C. for a special session with HUD
and the Department of Labor to showcase the best practices model. Support from State legislators
yielded an annual allocation in the State budget to insure continuity beyond the foundation funding.
Two annual sessions celebrating the success for homeless families have been attended by all regional
Mayors and State legislators and hundreds of attendees.
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MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion
Are there areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated?
(include a definition of "concentration")
In examining census tract and block group level data, using a definition of 25% or more of a selected
characteristic to indicate an area of concentration, did not generate valuable data. As a result, we
revised the definition to 20% or more for selected characteristics. The characteristics of substandard
housing units and households living in overcrowded situations did not yield any concentrations, so we
focused on cost-burden. Four census tracts of the eight indicated ranges of 24-32% of all rental
households experiencing severe cost burden and two tracts showed owner-occupied units paying more
than 50% of their incomes for housing.
Census Tracts and block groups and the percentage of households with severe cost burden (>= 50%)
were as follows:
821601-1 = 36%; 821700-2 = 20%; 821602-2 = 42%; 821601-2 = 31%; 821901-1 = 24%; 821901-2 = 37%;
821903-1 = 39%
Are there any areas in the jurisdiction where racial or ethnic minorities or low-income
families are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration")
Racial or ethnic minority concentration was defined as greater than or equal to 20% of the
population. Census Tract 821700 block group 3 showed up on the map which corresponded to the
Veterans Administration Campus which houses close to 200 units of emergency, transitional and
permanent supported housing for homeless and formerly homeless Veterans from the New England
region. Tract 821903 block group 2 corresponds to the Hampshire County House of Corrections. Tract
822000 block group 1 corresponds to Smith College and was reported has a higher level of Asian and
Black/African American. The other tract that shows up is 821601 block group 2 contains Hampshire
Heights - a Northampton Public Housing Authority family development, Hathaway Farms, a privately
owned apartment complex with 207 units (<25% affordable) and some market-rate affordable rental
units in River Run, Laurel Ridge, and Coachlight Condominiums on Barrett Street.
Concentrations of households living at or below the poverty level, defined as 20% or greater of a census
tract or block group revealed four tracts. The tracts and block groups are as follows: 821602-2; 821601-
2; 821901-2; 821903-3. Separating out the tracts with the VA Campus and the Jail, 821601-2 is the tract
that has both minority concentration and cost-burden. According to the Analysis of Impediments, none
of Northampton's racial groups experience moderate or high levels of segregation which is the
distribution of any two groups across census tracts. Census tracts of more than 20% minority population
are defined as areas of minority concentration. Using the AI, there were three tracts identified in
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Northampton: 8216.01, 8216.02, and 8220. These all have the presence of multi-family housing run by
the Northampton Housing Authority such as, Hampshire Heights (80 units) and Florence Heights (50).
Meadowbrook Apartments (252) also contains racially and ethnically diverse resident populations.
What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods?
The tract showing the largest number of minorities contains the majority of the larger apartment
complexes in the City. Some are public and some are privately owned. They are farther away from the
downtown, where rents may be less affordable and public transportation is less accessible. The tract is
intersected by the general highway business corridor, which does include grocery stores, gas stations,
WalMart, and other more affordable retail locations, as compared to the higher-end destination
shopping offerings located downtown.
Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods?
The Jackson Street Elementary School and playground is an asset to the neighborhood. It is highly multi-
cultural, there is a myriad of community opportunities facilitated by the school personnel. Students
come from many backgrounds and many do not have English as their primary language. The tract
borders the Connecticut River which provides passive and active recreation. The MassCentral and the
New Haven and Northampton Rail Trails traverses the community facilitating easy access to other areas
of the City, such as public parks and stores. They also connects to neighboring communities such as
Amherst, Williamsburg, and Easthampton. The Three County Fairgrounds is also in this area which has
many activities such as horse shows, art shows and an annual Fair. They YMCA of Northampton and
Childs Park are also local assets in the neighborhood.
Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas?
There will be traffic and sidewalk safety improvements made to the Damon Road, King Street, and
the Damon Road/King Street intersection. The City is continually working to make sidewalks ADA
compliant. Bus stops are being examined to make them safer for people waiting, to increase
weatherization, but these are dependent to a degree on the regional transit authority.
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MA-60 Broadband Needs of Housing occupied by Low- and Moderate-Income
Households - 91.210(a)(4), 91.310(a)(2)
Describe the need for broadband wiring and connections for households, including low- and
moderate-income households and neighborhoods.
Describe the need for increased competition by having more than one broadband Internet
service provider serve the jurisdiction.
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MA-65 Hazard Mitigation - 91.210(a)(5), 91.310(a)(3)
Describe the jurisdiction’s increased natural hazard risks associated with climate change.
Describe the vulnerability to these risks of housing occupied by low- and moderate-income
households based on an analysis of data, findings, and methods.
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Strategic Plan
SP-05 Overview
Strategic Plan Overview
The City of Northampton, through the citizen participation process, targeted consultations, and data
analysis, has identified thirteen areas of priority need that will be addressed over the next five years.
Those priority needs are as follows:
Homelessness prevention, support for the emergency shelter system, creation of new rental housing for
individuals, creation of new rental housing for families, preservation of existing rental stock, housing
rehabilitation for homeownership units and Northampton Housing Authority, affordable
homeownership opportunities for individuals and families, housing for at-risk and special populations,
economic development activities focused on economic empowerment and income maximization,
housing support services for those at risk of homelessness, addressing basic needs such as food, shelter
and health care, improvements to public facilities and public infrastructure such as sidewalk safety and
handicap access.
The City will allocate CDBG funds to the extent they are available and support efforts to leverage those
funds to operate successful programs and bring projects to fruition.
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SP-10 Geographic Priorities – 91.215 (a)(1)
Geographic Area
Table 47 - Geographic Priority Areas
General Allocation Priorities
Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA
for HOPWA)
There is no Geographic Area designated because public services allocations are made to organizations
who conduct services city-wide. They may be targeted to special populations, but not specific
geographic areas designated. Nor is there a targeted effort by the City to affect a certain area. CDBG
funded projects other than public service contracts are evaluated individually on a need basis. If there is
a public facility, they are in fact, open to the public. Public infrastructure improvements are
implemented according to eligibility requirements either based on the low mod area served on limited
clientele benefit. The City does not have any urban renewal areas, Neighborhood Strategy areas, CDFI
areas, or local target areas.
Due to the smaller size of the City, data at the census tract level for Northampton is not very
informative. The American Community Survey provides data at the Block Group level which is more
informative for geographic analysis. The Block Groups containing 51% or more of households earning
80% or less of area median income are as follows: 821700-2; 821601-2; 821602-2; 821901-2;821904-
2;822000-1;821903-1;822200-1;812903-3.
Census tracts with more than 25% minority population are defined by HUD as areas of minority
concentration. Northampton expanded this threshold to 20%. Those tracts and block group numbers
that met that threshold were as follows: 821700-3 (26%) which is primarily the Veterans Administration
Medical Campus; 821601-2 (38%); 822000-1 (20%), and 821903-2 (35%).
Minority concentrations will be analyzed for allocating investments for public infrastructure projects,
public facility projects, and outreach locations for informational workshops about mainstream
resources, City resources and economic empowerment opportunities.
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SP-25 Priority Needs - 91.215(a)(2)
Priority Needs
Table 48 – Priority Needs Summary
1 Priority Need
Name
Homelessness Prevention
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Large Families
Families with Children
Elderly
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Elderly
Frail Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
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Description It is far less costly to preserve tenancies than to provide shelter. With stable
housing, individuals and families can focus on maintaining work, achieving
educational goals and becoming economically self-sufficient. The loss of jobs
created by the Covid-19 pandemic has shown how unstable and tenuous rentals
situations are, even after just the loss of one paycheck.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Massachusetts is a Right to Shelter state. The number of homeless families
remain epidemic. While evictions are being stayed due for a few months due to
the pandemic, this will run out soon - and before the jobs market gets back to
normal. Stabilizing families that are currently housed in order to reduce the
numbers of families becoming homeless and being placed in a motel is a high
priority goal of the region.
2 Priority Need
Name
Support for Emergency Shelter & Support Services
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Description Funding sources for emergency shelters are few and far between. The City
embraces the housing first models and permanent housing units with support
services. However, until those units exist in sufficient numbers, the emergency
shelter system still needs be operational. The City supports operating and
staffing costs for the two generic emergency shelters in town, the Grove Street
Inn and the Inter-faith Winter shelter (for individuals) through CDBG funding.
There are no emergency shelter beds for families in Northampton. Sheltering
support services include day programming and referrals to other public service
programs and support.
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Basis for
Relative
Priority
ServiceNet had utilized ESG funding in the past for shelter operations, but that
has diminished. Shelter programs struggle for funds and only have limited staff
people at both shelters, which is inadequate for security reasons. This was
made even more acute during the Covid-19 pandemic when many staff could
not work due to illness.
3 Priority Need
Name
Rental Housing for Individuals
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Description According to the U.S. Census, 49% of household types in Northampton are
"non-family households", which is defined as "single-person households,
households made up of unrelated individuals (unmarried partners or
roommates), and same-sex households". 37% of all household types in
Northampton are married-couple family households. The total number of
households has decreased steadily over time. 23.49% of non-family households
were severely cost-burdened according to the 2019 assessment of barriers to
fair housing report.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
4 Priority Need
Name
Rental Housing for Families
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Large Families
Families with Children
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Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Description There is a significant need to house families, particularly those earning within
the poverty level. There is a growing number of smaller households that include
single parents with children and a lack of larger apartments. Some houses have
not been rented to families with children so to avoid the Tenant Lead Law
Notification requirements.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
The average household size is expected to decrease with the next census. This
trend towards smaller households is driven by decreases in the numbers of
children and married couples, with accompanying increases in households
without children. There have also been increases in empty nesters and senior
and frail populations. There are also substantial numbers of two-person
households that are now estimated to comprise about one-third of all
households, yet smaller housing units are in short supply. Almost half of the
households with children were headed by one parent, suggesting a compelling
need for affordable family housing for families with only one income.
The waitlist for a unit in one of the Northampton Housing Authority’s family
rental developments is at least two (2) years, including substantial waits for
larger families looking for three- and four-bedroom units. Realtors indicate that
there are very few three- and four-bedroom apartments that come on the
market and are suitable for larger families. There is substantial demand for
NHA rental subsidies with waits of about six (6) years to obtain a voucher.
Rental costs are high. Advertised two-bedroom apartments start at $1,200 and
a three-bedrooms starts at $1,600. These are both beyond most lower income
household’s ability to afford and there are not many vacancies.
Additionally, landlords typically expect first and last month’s rent and a security
deposit when the lease is signed, a sum that blocks many households from
finding decent housing. Private rental agencies charge an additional fee that can
significantly add to the cost of just the first month's rent. Given a 3.6% vacancy
rate, the housing market is very tight and units are hard to find
5 Priority Need
Name
Preservation of Existing Affordable Rental Stock
Priority Level High
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Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Individuals
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Description The preservation of existing affordable rental units is essential to maintaining an
affordable housing stock well into the future. This rental housing, including both
units that are subsidized and in the private housing market, is more cost-
effective to rehabilitate and maintain than to build new. Moreover, efforts are
needed to maintain affordability restrictions on subsidized housing in perpetuity
so to not lose affordability based on expiring use restrictions.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Northampton’s rental housing stock has been eroded over the last several
decades due largely to condo conversions or the elimination of rooming houses
or downtown hotels that catered to low-income individuals. No new
unsubsidized rental housing has been built with the exception of accessory
apartments. Subsidized rental developments have been relatively small in scale
and number with the exception of developments at the former State Hospital
site. Northampton has a number of housing units in its Subsidized Housing
Inventory where affordability restrictions are due to expire soon.
All strategies that preserve existing rental housing, at all affordability levels,
should be explored. Because preservation is so cost-effective compared with
the creation of new rental units, this needs to include supporting private sector
providers as well as those in the Subsidized Housing Inventory.
6 Priority Need
Name
Housing Rehabilitation Resources
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Moderate
Middle
Elderly
Geographic
Areas
Affected
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Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Description Many low- and moderate-income homeowners lack sufficient resources to
properly maintain their homes and address substandard housing conditions.
Improvements should incorporate modifications to improve handicapped
accessibility and eliminate lead-based paint and housing code violations.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
According to the Unlocking Opportunity assessment from last year,
"Northampton has an old housing stock; the median year housing structures
were built is 1950. 50.8% of all houses in Northampton were built before 1950.
Older homes often present problems for residents, including lead paint. Lead
was banned in residential paint starting in 1978 and homes that were built
before 1950 are most likely to have lead paint in them. Lead paint poses a
health risk to children and pregnant women, causing permanent cognitive and
behavioral problems. The Massachusetts Lead Law requires the removal or
control of lead paint in homes with children under six, a process that is often
costly. Landlords must de-lead a home before a young child can live there,
otherwise they can be held legally responsible for any lead-related illness or
injury."
The Council on Aging has noted some demand within their home repair
program to address accessibility issues in homes occupied by non-elders. As
stated in previous priority, many households simply lack the funding to do any
repairs on their homes, even if it is for installing something that they are in dire
need of, like a handicap ramp.
7 Priority Need
Name
Affordable Homeownership for Individuals & Families
Priority Level High
Population Moderate
Large Families
Families with Children
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
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Description Market conditions have placed the purchase of homes beyond the financial
means of low- and moderate-income individuals, households and families need
opportunities to “buy up” as their families grow. Infill development and the
redevelopment/reuse of existing properties in partnership with non-profit
organizations and private builders offer the best options for increasing
affordable homeownership opportunities in Northampton.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
8 Priority Need
Name
Housing for At - Risk & Special Needs Populations
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Elderly
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Description Housing should continue to be developed to serve those who are at risk of
homelessness and/or have special needs that require supportive services.
Providing stable and affordable opportunities for those transitioning out of
shelters or special programs remains a high priority.
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Basis for
Relative
Priority
The relative scarcity of affordable rentals, particularly those with supportive
services, was identified as perhaps the foremost housing need. The was verified
in the Mayor's Report on Panhandling, the Housing Needs Assessment, and
Strategic Housing Plan. The City and region are pursuing the Housing First model
as an alternative to the current emergency and transitional shelter
system. Permanent housing needs to be built to provide much needed rapid
response units. Wait lists for the City’s shelters continue to grow and has been
made more acute during the Covid-19 pandemic.
The ability to provide affordable housing options for those with very limited
incomes who have lived or currently live in the community and want to
continue to do so is a continuing challenge and a pressing need. Less than 10%
of NHA's housing units are modified to be accessible to the physically
handicapped. The wait list is low, probably due to the lack of turnover and long
time on the waiting list. When the issue of accessibility, however, is coupled
with affordability, choices become severely diminished for families and
individuals looking for such housing and they may become at risk of
homelessness.
9 Priority Need
Name
Economic Development
Priority Level High
Population Extremely Low
Low
Moderate
Large Families
Families with Children
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
veterans
Elderly
Frail Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
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Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Economic Development & Income Maximization
Description Northampton has had a strong and diverse economic base with an increasing
number of workers despite some decreases in the total population. It can boast
a significant manufacturing sector with a mixture of traditional operations, such
as wire protrusion, plastic molding, and innovative production like heat sensing
devices. It also has a resilient retail and commercial sectors, many institutional
organizations, two hospitals and Smith College. The American Community
Survey (ACS) was helpful in making the following analysis.
Of those 17,388 Northampton residents between the ages of 16 and 64, 76% of
them were employed in (ACS, 2018). This is a decrease from 17,947 (80%) from
the 2015 ACS data. This may suggest that poverty levels have actually increased
or that more people retired and are living on fixed-incomes. The 2015 ACS
reported that 4,308 Northampton residents (17%) lived below the poverty level
and decreased to 4,064 (16%) for the 2018 ACS. A more detailed analysis will
have to be done to conclude if that decrease is from economic gains or from a
decreasing population by people priced out of the City. Given the Covid-19
pandemic and subsequent economic downturn, these poverty levels may
increase even more.
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Basis for
Relative
Priority
Incomes have increased substantially, especially between 1979 and 1989 when
the median income more than doubled. From 1989 to 1999, the median income
increased from $31,097 to $41,808, or roughly 34%. Those earning less than
$25,000 decreased from 78% of all households in 1979 to 28% in 1999.
Households earning between $25,000 and $50,000 almost doubled between
1979 and 1989, from 18.8% to 36.7%, but then decreased again to 29.8% in
1999. Those with higher incomes, earning more than $50,000, increased from
only 331 households in 1979 (3%), to 2,647 (23.8%) in 1989, to 4,988 (42%) in
1999 and to 6,575 (59%) for the 2018 ACS. The 59% in 2018, was an increase of
3% from 2015, where the City lost a net 321 households and gained 242
households earning $50,000 to $149,999. The median household income
increased by $5,500 during this same four year period.
With time it would be expected that incomes would climb, but in comparison to
the state Northampton had a lower portion of those earning more than $75,000
compared to households statewide. The City’s median income for workers was
$31,684 in 2018. While the ACS did not break down income bytes race, income
for multiracial residents, elderly, and those with disabilities can be assumed to
be lower.
While non-family households comprised half the population in 2018, the
median income of families was substantially higher, $94,242 versus $36,963, a
finding highly correlated with a greater prevalence of two-worker households in
families. Additionally, the median income level of homeowners is substantially
higher than that of renters.
Data also confirm the concentration of jobs are in the retail and service sectors,
which tend to have somewhat lower wage levels. These jobs have been hit
especially hard by the Covid-19 induced economic downturn.
10 Priority Need
Name
Housing Support Services
Priority Level High
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Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Elderly
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Description Housing stabilization activities that prevent homelessness such as tenant
protection.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
In order to end homelessness, housing should be secured as quickly as possible
with wrap around support services to stabilize tenancies and allow people to
remain in homes that they own, if at all possible.
11 Priority Need
Name
Addressing Basic Needs
Priority Level High
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Population Extremely Low
Low
Large Families
Families with Children
Elderly
Public Housing Residents
Chronic Homelessness
Individuals
Families with Children
Mentally Ill
Chronic Substance Abuse
veterans
Persons with HIV/AIDS
Victims of Domestic Violence
Unaccompanied Youth
Elderly
Frail Elderly
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Persons with Physical Disabilities
Persons with Developmental Disabilities
Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions
Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families
Victims of Domestic Violence
Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Public Services
Description This applies to public services grants for food pantries, soup kitchens, meals
programs, sheltering, and access to health care.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
As part of the competitive process for reviewing applications for CDBG public
service dollars, the Review Committee prioritizes projects that address basic
needs, defined as provision of food and shelter. The program is designed to
build around those core services. Some of the basic needs of at-risk individuals
were researched in the Mayor’s Work Group on Panhandling Study Report.
12 Priority Need
Name
Public Facilities
Priority Level Low
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Population Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure
Description Work may be done as part of creating an emergency shelter and creating a
community and resilience hub to provide support services for homeless, those
at risk of homelessness, those below poverty, those who are housing burdened,
and those undergoing chronic and acute stress. No other public facilities
projects have been brought forward to the Office of Planning & Sustainability
that will utilize CDBG resources.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Projects identified will be evaluated based on the numbers impacted, funds
available, and if the project addresses a high priority need. As the City evaluates
projects before it submits it's Consolidated Plan, it will look for projects that can
best serve low- and moderate-income people, most effectively respond to the
Covid-19 pandemic, and are the most ready to start works once they get their
funding.
13 Priority Need
Name
Public Infrastructure
Priority Level Low
Population Persons with Physical Disabilities
Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure
Description Work may be done as part of creating an emergency shelter and improving
accessibility for populations with disabilities. No other infrastructure projects
have been brought to the Office of Planning & Sustainability for CDBG
expenditure at this time
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Basis for
Relative
Priority
Projects identified will be evaluated based on the numbers impacted, funds
available, and if the project addresses a high priority need. As the City evaluates
projects before it submits it's Consolidated Plan, it will look for projects that can
best serve low- and moderate-income people, most effectively respond to the
Covid-19 pandemic, and are the most ready to start works once they get their
funding.
14 Priority Need
Name
Elimination of Slums and Blight
Priority Level Low
Population Extremely Low
Low
Families with Children
Public Housing Residents
Persons with Mental Disabilities
Non-housing Community Development
Geographic
Areas
Affected
Associated
Goals
Planning and Administration
Description There are very few properties that are deteriorated to the degree that they
would qualify for this category, but they do exist. Past demolition activity at the
Three County Fairgrounds, the former state hospital, and Pulaski Park was
undertaken to allow for new investment to increase economic development
and new jobs and to facilitate affordable housing. One additional structure at
the former state hospital may be demolished for additional affordable housing.
Basis for
Relative
Priority
Elimination of slums and blight projects will be evaluated on the future use of
the parcel, not just removal of dilapidated structures. The demolition activity
that has occurred in recent years was at the Fairgrounds to increase economic
development opportunities and to clear sites for affordable housing
development. There are very few substandard buildings in Northampton and no
concentration in any particular geographic area, but slums and blight activities
would be evaluated on a case by case basis.
Narrative (Optional)
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SP-30 Influence of Market Conditions – 91.215 (b)
Influence of Market Conditions
Affordable
Housing Type Market Characteristics that will influence
the use of funds available for housing type
Tenant Based
Rental Assistance
(TBRA)
Market rate rents in excess of Fair Market Rate rents and Massachusetts Rental
Voucher Program (MRVP) rents. Rents are also increasing, as some two-family
units are converted to one-family units. Private rental agencies add additional
exorbitant fees for renters. The population of the City has also increased
slightly as the size of the average household has decreased.
TBRA for Non-
Homeless Special
Needs
Market rate rents in excess of Fair Market Rate rents and MRVP rental
subsidies.
New Unit
Production
Land and/or building acquisition costs in excess of appraised values, therefore
ineligible for State and Federal funding sources. Non-profits needing to find
sellers willing to wait the long time periods it takes to secure needed funding.
State owned properties are waiting to be transferred to the City which, along
with surplus City land, will be made available for new units.
Rehabilitation There is a lack of resources for lead paint abatement and the cost is great. The
enclosure and encapsulation methods for lead paint remediation are not
permanent. The amount of homes in Northampton that need to be remediated
is great, at least 50% of homes.
Acquisition,
including
preservation
For preservation, purchase and carrying cost increases with ownership
transfers. This results in higher rental rates to cover mortgages, etc. Much of
the land purchased by the City does not produce many housing lots, or they are
in the more rural area of the City where one-family houses are predominate.
Table 49 – Influence of Market Conditions
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SP-35 Anticipated Resources - 91.215(a)(4), 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City of Northampton will use its entitlement funds to facilitate the implementation of priority projects as established in the Consolidated
Plan. City departments and public service agencies utilize many other funding sources to operate programs and bring projects to fruition.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services 682,340 1,000 46,956 730,296 2,729,360
CDBG funds will be used for public facility
projects; economic development; housing
programs/projects; public service
programs; and planning activities and
administration of the grant.
Table 50 - Anticipated Resources
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
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All City of Northampton CDBG funded projects require other funding sources in order to implement the project. Community Preservation Act
(CPA) is often some of the first dollars in, especially for large projects with complicated funding streams. Eligible project types for CPA funds are
open space, recreation, affordable housing, and historic preservation.
Affordable housing applications to State and Federal funding sources require evidence of a local match. CDBG, Community Preservation Act
funds, tax increment housing, short term rental taxes, donations of surplus city land, City limited development projects with cross-subsidies,
community contributions, and Smith College development mitigation funding provide local match sources.
Public facilities often have City budgeted Capital Improvement Program funds and private fundraising dollars, such as the Forbes Library Elevator
Accessibility project. Public infrastructure projects typically utilize State Chapter 90 funding and other grant sources. The City has also applied
and is awaiting the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) and other grants that the City is considering using for the
resiliency hub, but can be used for other preparedness activities, such as planning for mitigation and adaptation.
Public service grants use a variety of other funding sources, such as FEMA, United Way, and private fundraising. Some of the CDBG public service
grantee awards are so small ($3,500) that their real value is for leveraging other sources and to show endorsement from the City of
Northampton.
Continuum of Care helps with Supportive Housing and Shelter Plus Care programs. Expect level funding over the next four years. HOPWA funds
for A Positive Place help with HIV housing. Expected remaining amount based on level funding over the next four years. A Positive Place provides
confidential and comprehensive HIV care and prevention in Hampshire County
If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs
identified in the plan
Currently, the Office of Planning & Sustainability pursuing the acquisition of a parcel of land on Woodland Drive for mixed income housing. This
would be a small project with one or two affordable units and a market rate house. The Director of Planning & Sustainability took input from the
Housing Partnership in the Spring of 2020 concerning it. This may be an opportunity for Habitat for Humanity, who the City has worked on
several small developments in the past.
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The City is also waiting for the release of ownership from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for two lots on Laurel Drive and Burts Pit Road.
The City is currently preparing the request for proposals, so that when the lots are released, the City can move expeditiously to start the project.
The City is always looking to acquire parcels to create new affordable housing units and conserve land.
Discussion
The City will leverage CDGB funding with state grants, private grants, fundraising for a specific project, and City funds. The City is committed to
helping low- and moderate-income people by creating decent and affordable housing and to ensure they have jobs. The City always seeks to use
multiple sources of funding to show their commitment and ensure the project's success.
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SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure – 91.215(k)
Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan
including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions.
Responsible Entity Responsible Entity
Type
Role Geographic Area
Served
VALLEY COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT
CORPORATION
Non-profit
organizations
Economic
Development
Ownership
Rental
Region
Way Finders, Inc. Non-profit
organizations
Ownership
Rental
Region
ServiceNet, Inc. Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Rental
Region
Northampton Housing
Authority
PHA Ownership
Public Housing
Rental
Jurisdiction
Massachusetts
Department of Mental
Health
Government Homelessness
Rental
State
Department of
Developmental
Services
Government Rental State
COMMUNITY ACTION Continuum of care Economic
Development
Homelessness
Planning
Rental
Region
Community Legal Aid,
Inc.
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Rental
Region
Center for New
Americans
Non-profit
organizations
Economic
Development
Rental
public services
Region
Northampton Survival
Center
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Public Housing
Rental
public services
Jurisdiction
MANNA SOUP KITCHEN Community/Faith-
based organization
Homelessness
Non-homeless special
needs
Jurisdiction
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Responsible Entity Responsible Entity
Type
Role Geographic Area
Served
Highland Valley Elder
Services
Regional organization Homelessness
Non-homeless special
needs
Planning
Region
PIONEER VALLEY
HABITAT FOR
HUMANITY
Community/Faith-
based organization
Ownership Region
Soldier On Community/Faith-
based organization
Homelessness
Ownership
Rental
Region
THE CENTER FOR
HUMAN
DEVELOPMENT (CHD)
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness Region
A Positive Place Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness
Rental
Region
City of Northampton
Veterans Agent
Government Homelessness
Rental
Jurisdiction
ELIOT COMMUNITY
HUMAN SERVICES
Non-profit
organizations
Homelessness State
Northampton Recovery
Center
Non-profit
organizations
Non-homeless special
needs
Table 51 - Institutional Delivery Structure
Assess of Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery System
There are some program components that address each target population if not locally, regionally. But
those services are not sufficient to meet the needs. More State resources are needed for the
Department of Mental Health, as so many homeless present with mental health issues. Resources for
the DMH system have been woefully inadequate to serve the deinstitutionalized populations that now
inhabit our jails and homeless shelters. The DMH system has shifted responsibility to other areas of
service provision, as a result of inadequate funding for case managers, community based programs and
community based residential facilities.
With regard to affordable housing production, it takes multiple application rounds to secure funding at
the State level. State funding for domestic violence shelters and services have been cut by a third, for
several years. There are over 20 funding sources that make up the Housing and Shelter Division at
ServiceNet, which results in an inordinate amount of time away from direct service provision, just trying
to keep the division adequately funded. The State created a Commission on Unaccompanied Youth and
a Point in Time Count specific to youth was undertaken to define the universe of the population. Now it
is time for the State to fund programs and services to address the needs of LGBT youth, those aging out
of the foster care system and those struggling with substance abuse and mental health challenges.
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Addressing these issues with youth is the only way to close the door to an ever present and growing
adult homeless population.
Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream
services
Homelessness Prevention
Services
Available in the
Community
Targeted to
Homeless
Targeted to People
with HIV
Homelessness Prevention Services
Counseling/Advocacy X X X
Legal Assistance X
Mortgage Assistance X
Rental Assistance X X X
Utilities Assistance X
Street Outreach Services
Law Enforcement X X
Mobile Clinics
Other Street Outreach Services X X
Supportive Services
Alcohol & Drug Abuse X
Child Care X
Education X
Employment and Employment
Training X
Healthcare X X X
HIV/AIDS X X
Life Skills X X X
Mental Health Counseling X X X
Transportation X
Other
Table 52 - Homeless Prevention Services Summary
Describe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to, the services listed
above meet the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and
families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth)
Eliot CHS Homeless Services, through a grant from the Department of Mental Health, provides clinically
based outreach services to unsheltered adult homeless individuals with mental illness or mental illness
and substance abuse issues. They work closely with ServiceNet, Inc., SMOC and other housing and
homeless service providers via monthly REACH meetings to identify and prioritize services for the most
vulnerable and chronically homeless. Work is progressing on formalizing the new HUD centralized intake
process to accomplish centralized intake and assessment through the V1-SPDAT. Eliot provides 2 full-
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time employees focused on outreach coverage for Hampshire County. They network with the
Northampton Police, DMH and work with the City to identify and work with unsheltered populations to
facilitate access to housing and treatment. Eliot clinicians accomplish this through stabilizing acute
issues (psychological, behavioral and medical), by developing a common language between clinician and
client that reinforces ownership and initiative toward attaining rehabilitative goals inclusive of housing.
Assessment and referral may be to a variety of systems of care, such as MRC-SHIP, Public Health -
Substance Abuse Services, DMH, DDS).
The Hampshire County Resource Center, collocated at downtown with the winter shelter, serves as the
entry point for our service delivery system for homeless individuals. Case managers do intake and assess
the clients need for services. Health Care for the Homeless nurses and doctors are on site several times
a week. Clients who agree to participate in case management services are given access to showers and
laundry facilities. Housing search begins there. Referrals are made to emergency shelter beds locally,
and regionally if no local beds are available. Housing placements are made whenever possible. The
Housing Partnership partnered with ServiceNet Inc. to garner a funding award from the Community
Preservation Committee for first, last month’s rents and security deposits for those exiting
homelessness to access housing. The Benefits Analyst links clients to MassHealth and income supports
they may be eligible for.
Veterans services are addressed by the City’s Veteran’s Agent, Soldier On and the Veteran’s
Administration Campus in Leeds. Between the VA, Soldier On and the HUD VASH Program, there is a
complete care continuum for men and women Vets, ranging from psychiatric and medical services to
emergency shelter, transitional housing and permanent supported housing and limited equity coops.
A Positive Place is a program of the Cooley Dickinson Hospital and receives HOPWA funds through the
City of Springfield. Referrals are often made from medical settings. Support services to access
mainstream resources occur through case management. Provision of tenant based rental assistance,
housing information services, permanent housing placement and access to medical care are offered.
Although people with HIV/AIDS are impacted by the lack of affordable housing, A Positive Place does not
have housing, nor are there any in the three county area. However, they do have 17 TBRA scattered site
HOPWA subsidies that they administer and 14 TBRA scattered site McKinney-Vento subsidies that are
earmarked for HIV+ people. Both programs require chronic homelessness to get a voucher, with HOPWA
funding offering more flexibility for helping families and people experiencing DV -although it does
require homelessness for those cases.
Families with children can get referrals for health care and other mainstream resources through the
Center for Human Development and the Department of Transitional Assistance.
Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population
and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed
above
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The strengths in the City's system is the accessibility and availability of the Eliot PATH team for the street
outreach and engagement services, as well as the commitment of the staff of the Resource Center who
contribute countless hours to keeping the center open during inclement weather and struggle with
housing search for a very challenged population. The local housing, social service, and homeless service
providers are extremely dedicated and accomplish amazing things with limited resources.
The gaps that have been identified through meetings and consultations include the following:
• Street outreach, supportive housing, and services for unaccompanied youth
• Transitional housing for victims of domestic violence and their children
• Next step housing for post-incarcerated individuals
• Housing for sex offenders
• Safe Haven program model for chronically homeless individuals
• Not all service providers are using trauma-informed care
• Limited youth housing (4 units)
• Limited HIV/AIDS housing
• Rapid Rehousing
Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and
service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs
The Friends of Hampshire County Homeless Individuals continues to solicit requests from local housing
and homeless service providers to partner on the creation new programs. Where bigger service
providers leave gaps in service, Friends of Hampshire County Homeless looks where they can
complement services, not duplicate them. Specific gaps that they have filled are shoe vouchers and rent
security deposit programs. They are looking to partner with the City and other service providers on the
creation of a resiliency hub - that would serve people who are experiencing chronic issues
(homelessness, hunger, weather exposure) and acute emergencies like hurricanes or pandemics. The
Covid-19 pandemic has shown more gaps in the system and Friends of Hampshire County Homeless,
ServiceNet, Community Action and other partners will continue to look how they can better serve the
City.
Dial/Self successful built teen housing (8 beds) and is actively fundraising to pay off the debt of the
project. There are no plans to expand their teen-housing at this point. Dial/Self also provides
employment, education, and civic opportunities specifically designed for teens. They have partnered
with the ACT Volunteer Center and AmeriCorps to increase their institutional capacity to gets teens
involved. At-risk youth have been identified by several service providers as a population that needs
housing, more direct engagement, and social services, so all opportunities will be investigated.
It is difficult to achieve new production goals when State funding takes multiple application rounds to
secure. Funding for domestic violence shelters and services has been cut substantially over the last few
years. That creates a critical gap in local systems. The ServiceNet Shelter and Housing division is
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composed of 26 funding sources; keeping track of that takes time away from client service. The State
created a Commission on Unaccompanied Youth but has yet to allocate any programmatic dollars. State
resources addressing the needs of youth aging out of the foster care system, LGBT youth, youth
struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, is where the intervention is needed in order
to quell an ever burgeoning adult homeless population.
Overall, the institutional structure operating in Northampton is comprehensive, holistic and
collaborative. The service delivery system works as well as possible with limited resources. Greater
collaboration with underserved populations is needed, as well as greater proactivity affirmatively
furthering fair housing.
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SP-45 Goals Summary – 91.215(a)(4)
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Public Services 2020 2024 Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Addressing Basic
Needs
CDBG:
$511,755
Public service activities other
than Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
1900 Persons Assisted
2 Preserve Affordable
Housing, Tenancy
Help & Rehab
2020 2024 Affordable
Housing
Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Homelessness
Prevention
Rental Housing for
Individuals
Rental Housing for
Families
Preservation of
Existing Affordable
Rental Stock
Housing
Rehabilitation
Resources
Affordable
Homeownership for
Individuals & Families
Housing Support
Services
CDBG:
$963,403
Rental units rehabilitated:
35 Household Housing Unit
Direct Financial Assistance to
Homebuyers:
15 Households Assisted
Other:
45 Other
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Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
3 Economic
Development &
Income
Maximization
2020 2024 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Economic
Development
CDBG:
$316,800
Jobs created/retained:
50 Jobs
4 Improve Public
Facilities &
Infrastructure
2020 2024 Public Facilities
and
Infrastructure
Public Facilities
Public Infrastructure
CDBG:
$950,402
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities other
than Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
250 Persons Assisted
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5 Planning and
Administration
2020 2024 Affordable
Housing
Public Housing
Homeless
Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Homelessness
Prevention
Support for
Emergency Shelter &
Support Services
Rental Housing for
Families
Preservation of
Existing Affordable
Rental Stock
Housing
Rehabilitation
Resources
Affordable
Homeownership for
Individuals & Families
Housing for At - Risk &
Special Needs
Populations
Economic
Development
Housing Support
Services
Addressing Basic
Needs
Public Facilities
Public Infrastructure
Elimination of Slums
and Blight
CDBG:
$682,340
Public service activities other
than Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit:
1955 Persons Assisted
Rental units rehabilitated:
35 Household Housing Unit
Direct Financial Assistance to
Homebuyers:
15 Households Assisted
Homeless Person Overnight
Shelter:
100 Persons Assisted
Jobs created/retained:
50 Jobs
Other:
45 Other
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Table 53 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Public Services
Goal
Description
CDBG public services allocations are made to a variety of grantees. Service provision ranges from elder meals on wheels,
youth employment readiness, emergency food distribution, mentoring at-risk youth, soup kitchen operation, and literacy
and language attainment.
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2 Goal Name Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Goal
Description
Rental Housing, Homeownership Housing, and Preservation of Housing Tenancy for low- and moderate-income families,
individuals, and at-risk and special needs populations. The City will also allocate CDBG funding for costs for winter shelters
in the City. The City has allocated $83,175 of CDBG funds for the first program year to rehabilitate a historical apartment
complex and make one of the units ADA compliant. The housing rehab program will continue, whether through PVPC or
Community Action. The scope of work is 4-6 units to be completed each year, if CDBG funding remains stable. The City will
continue to look for opportunities to rehabilitate houses for accessibility, code compliance, and emergency repairs. Lead
paint abatement is another project area due to the age of the housing stock and the possible impediment to access for
families with children. This was clearly identified in the impediments to fair housing study released last year. Down
payment assistance grants and staffing capacity for first-time homebuyer program. Educational workshops help to inform
first-time homebuyers about the responsibilities and need for financial literacy to avoid foreclosures. This has been an
ongoing program for several years. The City regularly buy lands to portion off pieces for conservation and creating
affordable housing (“conservation limited development”). The Northampton Housing Partnership monitors the expiring
use properties in the City. The need for additional affordable housing units is imperative. The majority of the units on the
inventory are deed restricted for many years out. Many people who face financial challenges, discrimination, and lack the
resources to find housing, need special needs housing. These are formerly homeless, DMH case managed people, those
with criminal backgrounds and sex offender histories. Individuals with so many challenges often struggle with access to
and maintenance of affordable housing. The creation of new housing units for these populations has not been identified
for this current program year, but the City will continue to look for opportunities to create such units over the remainder
of this Consolidated Plan.
3 Goal Name Economic Development & Income Maximization
Goal
Description
Economic Development and Income Maximization, microenterprise, job retention and creation. Funds will be used to
provide one-on-one technical assistance and counseling to 8-10 income eligible residents for business startups. Assistance
is also provided to businesses with five or less employees to retain and or create new job opportunities.
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4 Goal Name Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure
Goal
Description
Public facilities and public infrastructure, including a community and resilience hub, infrastructure to serve low- and
moderate-income housing, and handicap accessibility improvements.
For program year one, the City will allocated $1 for rehabilitation of a City owned building's accessible bathroom and the
updating of its fixtures. The City will also install an accessible ramp at a local non-profit art center. The City will monitor the
needs and plan accordingly for the remainder of this Consolidated Plan. Eligible activities that will be considered are park
improvements, community and resiliency hub, street improvements, homeless-shelters, senior-centers, large housing
developments, and any infrastructure to serve low- and moderate-income residents.
River Run condominium development is considered a market rate(i.e., not subsidized) affordable housing off of Damon
Road and is isolated away from any sidewalks, so residents must walk in the road to access nearby services. Unit sales
prices are lower than most in the City and many of the units are absentee owned and rented at affordable rates. Damon
Road is highly traveled and dangerous for pedestrians with a sidewalk access planned for 2021Other goals for the City is
improved sidewalk accessibility from Damon Road down the River Run access drive.
5 Goal Name Planning and Administration
Goal
Description
CDBG planning and administration funds will be used over the course of the ConPlan to operate the program.
Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide
affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.315(b)(2)
The number of extremely low-income families that will be provided affordable housing is 5. The number of low-income families that will
provided affordable housing 15. The number of moderate-income people that will be provided affordable housing is 5.
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SP-50 Public Housing Accessibility and Involvement – 91.215(c)
Need to Increase the Number of Accessible Units (if Required by a Section 504 Voluntary
Compliance Agreement)
Despite the need for handicap accessible units expressed by the Stavros Center for Independent Living,
the Northampton Housing Authority reports low numbers on their wait lists for those units. It may be
related to minimal turnover, so people are reluctant to apply. All NHA elderly and disabled housing
developments meet or exceed Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 standards for accessibility.
All other NHA developments, including family projects, are at standard 504 levels and are handicap
accessible to the extent that building construction allows. Only seven families requested handicap
housing in 2019. Only 31 of the units managed by the Housing Authority are handicapped accessible.
Any new units being built in the future will add handicap accessible units to the inventory. There is no
Section 504 Voluntary Compliance agreement requirement for the Housing Authority to increase their
number of units
Activities to Increase Resident Involvements
The Housing Authority encourages tenants to attend the Board of Commissioners meetings held
monthly to express comments and concerns. Tenant associations exist in most of the elderly/younger
disabled developments but are not currently active in the two-family developments. The NHA has been
supportive of the Housing Partnership's application to the CPC to fund the Community Housing Support
Services Coordinator and is committed to working collaboratively with that person. The Housing
Authority issues a high number of notices to quit, usually for non-payment of rent, but does not evict
many families each year. That is indicative of their commitment to arrange payment plans and support
services to preserve tenancies when possible.
The Next Step Collaborative has invited the Executive Director to their meetings to provide context
about grants, programs, and share what the NHA's needs are.
The Springfield Housing Authority (SHA) Resident Services Program offers a wide variety of supports and
programming and the SHA program was examined as a model. The SHA offers on-site after school
programs, on-site recreational activities for youth, on-site financial literacy and budgeting workshops,
Department of Mental Health does home visits, an early childhood reading program, and cultivation of a
system of active tenant councils. The City is considering creating similar programming in Northampton.
Reinvigorating the tenant associations at Hampshire Heights and Florence Heights and strengthening
their relationships with the adjacent elementary schools is a prominent goal. The Jackson Street School
and Hampshire Heights are inextricably linked. Addressing language barriers is an issue due to a high
percentage of Spanish speaking people in the public housing complexes. Having a staff person on CHSSP
who fluent in Spanish would be helpful.
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Is the public housing agency designated as troubled under 24 CFR part 902?
No
Plan to remove the ‘troubled’ designation
Not applicable.
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SP-55 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.215(h)
Barriers to Affordable Housing
Previously, the 2014 Fair Housing Equity Assessment conducted by PVPC noted that collaboration
among governmental entities was an issue that created incomplete solutions to affordable housing. The
Housing Partnership’s Zoning Sub-Committee has identified zoning related issues, such as not allowing
multi-family housing by right in all zoning districts. This would lower the cost and speed up the process
at increasing the market rate affordable units in Northampton. Allowing two-family by right across the
City is being drafted as a parcel solution. The City, in a series of developer forums and working with a
real estate consulting firm, has been noted by developers by the ease at which they can work in the City,
so there are no major public policies under scrutiny at this time. However, the City of Northampton will
continue to do outreach and in the course of implementing the recommendations in the Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing from 2019, be open to proactively address specific policies that may be
identified that need to be examined and changed.
The 2019 "Unlocking Opportunity: An Assessment of Barriers to Fair Housing in Northampton" report
identified several barriers to affordable housing. They are listed here:
• Cost of housing
• Limited knowledge of fair housing
• Lack of trust in enforcement
• Lack of housing for families
• Impediments to access for people with disabilities
• Section 8 Voucher Discrimination
• NHA Local Preference
• Navigating affordable housing system difficulty
• Information access from NHA
• Affordable housing waitlist length
• Lead paint
• Zoning regulations that prevent multi-family homes in some areas
• Institutional racism
Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate the Barriers to Affordable Housing
To promote racial and economic integration and affirmatively further fair housing, Northampton should
develop more affordable housing. According to the impediments to fair housing study from 2019, many
current residents and minorities who are interested in residing in Northampton are priced out. The
starting price for a one bedroom is currently $1,100.
To increase housing opportunities for minority households and affirmatively further fair housing for
families with minor children, Northampton should create more three- and four-bedroom affordable
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housing units. Only 16% of all rental housing units in Northampton have three or more bedrooms. Yet
these units are needed by families of color in Northampton, where over 40% of Black and Latinx
households had four or more people living together. Over 30% of Asian family households had four or
more people living together. In comparison, only 28% of White non-Latinx households were made up of
four or more people.
There are also significant racial gaps in access to homeownership in Northampton. To address these
racial disparities in homeownership, Northampton must investigate best practices and provide options,
e.g. down payment assistance, to increase affordable homeownership opportunities.
Using the federal formula of affordability for rental housing (rent and utilities should be no more than
30% of a household’s income), an apartment for a household of two with the average gross household
income for Northampton, can barely meet that threshold for an affordable two-bedroom home.
The issue of the fair market rent being so much lower than rental rates continues to be a huge barrier to
accessing affordable housing in Northampton. The Housing Partnership will collaborate with other
groups in the City to address this in year one and develop a strategy in the program subsequent years.
The issue of unreported housing discrimination, related to income source, need for reasonable
accommodation, or presence of lead paint will also be investigated.
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SP-60 Homelessness Strategy – 91.215(d)
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
The City of Northampton works closely with Eliot Homeless Services that operates locally through a
statewide vendor contract from the Department of Mental Health. The PATH Program (Project for
Assistance in Transition from Homelessness) provides mental health assessment, treatment, advocacy,
benefit assistance, DMH referrals, housing assistance and other support services to the adult homeless
population. PATH provides street outreach clinicians in Westfield, Holyoke, Greenfield, Pittsfield,
Amherst and Northampton.
Northampton’s outreach worker can often be found in his office at Bruegger’s Bagels on Main Street
(pre-Covid), meeting with clients. He visits the Resource Center (homeless drop- in site at 43 Center
Street) regularly, participates in coordinated case management meetings with Resource Center and
shelter staff, facilitates groups 2-3 mornings a week through the fall and winter that function as a
warming place where housing and employment information is disseminated, does one on one therapy
and surveys camp locations to link the unsheltered with needed resources.
Eliot Homeless Services works closely with ServiceNet, SMOC and other housing and service providers
via monthly REACH meetings and has made progress formalizing the new HUD Centralized intake
process to prioritize the most vulnerable chronically homeless individuals. The two fulltime Eliot
employees doing outreach coverage for Hampshire County also network with the Northampton Police,
the Department of Mental Health and accept community calls to help find unsheltered
individuals. Although no CDBG funds are allocated, this street level engagement component is critical to
the City's homelessness strategy. Street outreach updates are provided by the PATH clinician at the
monthly Next Step Collaborative meetings. The street outreach coordinator is in contact with the City's
land assistant who regularly finds homeless people encamped on City conservation land.
The family homeless system is operated by the Commonwealth. The Department of Housing and
Community Development and Department of Transitional Assistance have their own intake and
assessment system. With no family homeless shelter programs in Northampton and no unsheltered
families identified through the local PIT, family referrals are made to the Center for Human
Development which administers programs throughout Hampshire and Hampden counties.
Addressing the emergency and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
The City will continue to support the operations, with CDBG allocations and letters of support to other
funding sources, of the two emergency shelters for individuals operated by Service Net, Safe Passage
and Soldier On. There are two emergency shelters for the general individual population, an emergency
shelter for victims of domestic violence and 17 emergency beds at Soldier On for Veterans. Where
previously the amount of emergency shelter beds was considered sufficient, the Covid-19 pandemic has
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shown the number to be inadequate. The City is preparing plan to create a community and resiliency
hub that would support people with day programs and centralized referrals who are under acute stress,
such as those caused by a natural disaster or a pandemic, and chronic stress, such as homelessness,
housing insecurity, job insecurity, food insecurity, mental health and other issues. The Next Step
Collaborative makes an assessment at the end of each summer based on the numbers living outside, as
to shelter bed capacity for the coming winter. With the overflow beds in Easthampton and the winter
shelter in Amherst, the majority of those seeking emergency shelter have been accommodated.
The Grove Street Inn has four transitional beds where guests in need of more time beyond the 60 days
to assemble resources can stay. Soldier On has 17 transitional beds for Veterans and Grace House has 14
units or 35 transitional beds for women in recovery and their children. Safe Passage has expressed the
need for transitional housing units for their families. There are some providers who support the
transitional housing unit type, despite HUD's push to convert them to permanent supported units. The
defined time period of 24 months works as a parameter for clients to achieve certain milestones and
develop skill sets necessary to maintain permanent units. With the exception of Safe Passage, the City
has no current plans to increase the number of transitional housing units.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families
with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again.
The Northampton Housing Partnership has worked in conjunction with ServiceNet, Inc. to request for
CPC for funds for first and last month's rent, and security deposits for homeless people to access
housing. Most landlords require all three which makes it difficult for someone to accumulate in order to
rent an apartment. The local providers assemble and identify clients most ready to access housing. If
possible, repayments are made to the fund when people are stable in their housing, to keep dollars
available for the next person. Time periods for homelessness are largely dependent on available
resources for referral.
The CoC HMIS Administrator reports average lengths of homelessness as follows: for families = 0 days;
for individuals 95 days; for the chronically homeless 470 days, for Veterans = 145 days and 51 days for
persons with HIV/AIDS. All of these categories have seen decreases since the last ConPlan, except
Veterans, which saw a tripling of the length of homelessness.
The SRO Outreach Coordinator, Eliot Services, the Community Housing Support Services Coordinator,
Resident Services Coordinators and Department of Mental Health Case Managers all assist the formerly
homeless with what they need to remain stable in their housing. Activities could include income
maximization, community meal and food pantry access to ameliorate food insecurity and leave more of
their income for housing costs, nutritional support to be physically healthy, referrals to medical
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treatment, provision of transportation to appointments and food sites, information dissemination on
landlord tenant mediation to resolve conflicts that put housing at risk, intervention from the Tenancy
Preservation Program when mental health challenges manifest in hoarding situations that put housing
at risk, etc. The provider community benefits from a tool called the HOT, developed by the Data
Coordinator for the Network to End Homelessness which identifies vacant beds in the Continuum, so no
time is lost making referrals.
Help low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families who are likely to become homeless after being
discharged from a publicly funded institution or system of care, or who are receiving
assistance from public and private agencies that address housing, health, social services,
employment, education or youth needs
There are several entities working on homelessness prevention:
• Community Legal Aid working with families in the court system with eviction notices
• Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness
• SRO Outreach Coordinator
• Tenancy Preservation Program
• Highland Valley Elder Services/Protective Services
• Community Housing Support Services Coordinator
• Center for Human Development working with families and FOR Families, working with Way
Finders doing case management for families in hotels/motels
All those efforts include case management focused on preserving existing tenancies, as it is more
humane and cost efficient than serving people in shelter. The CoC works on protocol planning with
publicly funded systems and institutions, all of which have State policies prohibiting them from
discharging people into homelessness.
The local Cooley Dickinson Hospital has a good working relationship with area shelters, the Department
of Mental Health is a present community partner and collaborator on housing placements and case
management, the Department of Children and Families increased their age limit for services to youth to
21, to serve those lacking life skills to live independently, and the Reintegration Program at the
Hampshire County house of Corrections holds a monthly roundtable with area providers to avoid
discharges into homelessness. These efforts are not always successful, due to the lack of options for
referrals, but the structure is in place to make the best use of what is available.
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SP-65 Lead based paint Hazards – 91.215(i)
Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazards
The 2019 Assessment to Barriers of Fair housing identified lead paint as a barrier to housing availability
and affordability. The Northampton Housing Partnership has pledged to investigate this issue further.
The Childhood Lead Prevention Program (CLPP) rates for Massachusetts are not showing that the City
has a poisoning issue. However, landlords in the community are refusing to rent to families because they
think there may be lead paint on the premises and do not want to go through the abatement process.
With 63% of all housing units in the community having been built prior to 1960, there will be many
homes with remnants of lead based paint.
The Community Development Planner will investigate EPA programs or HUD's Office of Lead Hazard
Control and Healthy Homes to fund lead paint abatement and drive down the cost. Other
recommendations provided by the 2019 Fair Housing assessment will be investigated.
According to the 2019 Fair Housing assessment, "Massachusetts dropped the threshold for lead
poisoning to 10 micrograms per deciliter" and simplified the de-leading requirements in 2016. This is a
step towards ending discrimination based on lead paint, but there is still not enough public funding for
lead paint remediation.
The Northampton Housing Partnership (NHP) will continue to send out a letter under the Mayor's
signature in the annual census request to multifamily property owners with information on abatement
resources. If the State Get the Lead Out Program has funds, that information will be disseminated. The
NHP has been reluctant to hold informational workshops on abatement with no resources to offer.
Landlords do not want to come forward, as it is a public acknowledgement that they may need to
address the issue in their units. The Board of Health has agreed to collect data on abatement
certifications moving forward. The information they have now is in a card file, so it cannot be sorted. An
electronic data base will be used to collect only that data separately, in the future.
How are the actions listed above related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards?
Current personnel in the Board of Health report they cannot give accurate data on the numbers of units
in the community where lead paint abatement has occurred. They will track this moving forward. The
Health Inspector says they are always contacted by doctor's offices if a child tests above minimum lead
standards during pediatric visits. Public housing and subsidized housing have been abated to their
knowledge. Private housing stock has a form that asks 1.) are there are children present and 2.) how old
are they. The Health Inspector occasionally get requests from concerned parents about flaking paint and
their worries about lead dangers. Some only call in their last month of tenancy for fear of the landlord.
Due to the age of the housing stock, there remains high levels of lead paint in the community. However,
poison incidence rates are non-existent and renters don't always come forward when denied an
apartment by a landlord. It is difficult to get a handle on the universe of the problem, with no
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complaints and no data. Work will continue during the term of this Consolidated Plan to do more
research.
How are the actions listed above integrated into housing policies and procedures?
Service providers are encouraged to inform their clients that anyone can call the Health and Building
Inspections Departments and ask for a Health Department housing inspection.
The City has not conducted workshops before because there were no abatement resources to offer. The
State's funding allocations fluctuate greatly. The City has heard from the landlord community that
people would be reluctant to come out because they fear the issue, the costs and the repercussions if
they reveal themselves having a potential problem. It has been difficult determining how to get the
information out to the people that need it. Lead Paint abatement is an area the City could focus a new
housing rehab program on.
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SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy – 91.215(j)
Jurisdiction Goals, Programs and Policies for reducing the number of Poverty-Level Families
The goal of the City's anti-poverty strategy is to continue to fund projects that focus on economic
empowerment for low- and moderate-income people - those families and individuals who are
underserved. CDBG allocations have been made to the Center for New Americans Career Pathways
Program, The Passport to Success Project of The Literacy Project, Community Action's Youth
Employment Readiness Project, the Valley CDC's Small Business Entrepreneurial Assistance Program and
have provided down payment assistance to First Time Homebuyers. City facilities are utilized by
Community Action Pioneer Valley, the regions CAP agency. The Vernon Street School houses the Fuel
Assistance and Weatherization Programs, as well as Head Start and other programs. The James House
child care room is used by their Early Child Intervention programs and home based child care providers.
The City also supports a Living Wage campaign that through the work of Community Legal Aid and
volunteers, has secured commitments from dozens of local businesses to pay a living wage to their
employees.
How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs, and policies coordinated with this
affordable housing plan
Valley CDC and Way Finders will finish rehabilitation and an addition of 16 units to their 15 unit Sergeant
House SRO in downtown Northampton. This SRO is on the main bus route with connections to Amherst,
Holyoke, and Springfield - all areas with access to jobs, services, and more transportation connections.
The SRO's location in downtown Northampton makes it convenient for Sergeant House residents to
access housing support, meals, financial literacy classes, and job training programs.
The last few program years have seen the opening of the Lumber Yard and Live 155 housing
developments on Pleasant Street in downtown Northampton. These fully rented-up affordable housing
units are now established and the City, through its Next Step Collaborative and other associations will
integrate them more fully with services. The City is working on acquiring and preparing land for RFP
process to develop affordable homes on a few lots in Northampton.
Permanent supported housing is the key to stabilizing individuals and families that face many
challenges. Northampton has an extensive and caring support services community. Most of the services
they provide to people that are housed are not compensated for. Securing financial resources from the
DHCD for support services is imperative.
Homeless prevention and housing stabilization activities will continue to be funded to the extent CDBG
allocations allow. Some of the amounts are so small the agencies use them merely to leverage other
funds and to show City support for their programming. Funding staff capacity for the two general
population emergency shelters and the SRO Outreach Project have been the core of the City's
commitment for decades.
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SP-80 Monitoring – 91.230
Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities
carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with
requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the
comprehensive planning requirements
The monitoring process begins with the application for funds. Planning & Sustainability staff review the
applications for accuracy, make a determination about whether the request addresses a high priority
need; assesses staffing capacity, milestones, performance measurements, and availability and adequacy
of the funds to achieve the goals. If an applicant is selected to receive funds (upon recommendations by
the Ad Hoc Public Services Review Committee for public service requests, by the Northampton Housing
Partnership for housing related projects, to the Mayor for final approval) the contract is reviewed with
the grantee to insure they understand their responsibilities and the data required on the quarterly and
final report forms. These applications were previously received by paper, but will now be received
though an electronic application process due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
When the quarterly reports are submitted electronically, Planning & Sustainability staff review them for
accuracy and progress, prior to processing the invoice. Data submitted and subsequently entered into
IDIS provide an up to date account of the numbers being served, the racial and ethnicity of those being
served, and if the project is on track for successful completion. That data is also utilized for identification
of high priority needs and community planning purposes.
The Community Development Planner previously conducted on-site monitoring visits annually and
utilized HUD approved monitoring forms. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, these monitoring visits will be
done remotely through conferencing software, videos, picture tours, or in socially-distanced meetings.
Although the face-to-face monitoring visits are very interactive and allow for great identification in
trends and possible future collaborations, all precautions will be made to ensure staff and sub-grantees
are safe. The City is in the process of acquiring outside software that will streamline the monitoring and
quarterly reporting - making it easier for the Community Development Planner and the Grants
Administrator to track grant recipients.
When working with City departments and outside organizations on non-public service projects, efforts
are undertaken to ensure outreach to minority firms and workers
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Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City of Northampton will use its entitlement funds to facilitate the implementation of priority projects as established in the Consolidated
Plan. City departments and public service agencies utilize many other funding sources to operate programs and bring projects to fruition.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder of ConPlan
$
Narrative Description
Annual Allocation:
$
Program Income:
$
Prior Year Resources:
$
Total: $
CDBG public -
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public Services 682,340 1,000 46,956 730,296 2,729,360
CDBG funds will be used for public facility
projects; economic development; housing
programs/projects; public service
programs; and planning activities and
administration of the grant.
Table 54 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how
matching requirements will be satisfied
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 177
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
All City of Northampton CDBG funded projects require other funding sources in order to implement the project. Community Preservation Act
(CPA) is often some of the first dollars in, especially for large projects with complicated funding streams. Eligible project types for CPA funds are
open space, recreation, affordable housing, and historic preservation.
Affordable housing applications to State and Federal funding sources require evidence of a local match. CDBG, Community Preservation Act
funds, tax increment housing, short term rental taxes, donations of surplus city land, City limited development projects with cross-subsidies,
community contributions, and Smith College development mitigation funding provide local match sources.
Public facilities often have City budgeted Capital Improvement Program funds and private fundraising dollars, such as the Forbes Library Elevator
Accessibility project. Public infrastructure projects typically utilize State Chapter 90 funding and other grant sources. The City has also applied
and is awaiting the Massachusetts Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) and other grants that the City is considering using for the
resiliency hub, but can be used for other preparedness activities, such as planning for mitigation and adaptation.
Public service grants use a variety of other funding sources, such as FEMA, United Way, and private fundraising. Some of the CDBG public service
grantee awards are so small ($3,500) that their real value is for leveraging other sources and to show endorsement from the City of
Northampton.
Continuum of Care helps with Supportive Housing and Shelter Plus Care programs. Expect level funding over the next four years. HOPWA funds
for A Positive Place help with HIV housing. Expected remaining amount based on level funding over the next four years. A Positive Place provides
confidential and comprehensive HIV care and prevention in Hampshire County
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 178
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that
may be used to address the needs identified in the plan
Currently, the Office of Planning & Sustainability pursuing the acquisition of a parcel of land on
Woodland Drive for mixed income housing. This would be a small project with one or two affordable
units and a market rate house. The Director of Planning & Sustainability took input from the Housing
Partnership in the Spring of 2020 concerning it. This may be an opportunity for Habitat for Humanity,
who the City has worked on several small developments in the past.
The City is also waiting for the release of ownership from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for two
lots on Laurel Drive and Burts Pit Road. The City is currently preparing the request for proposals, so that
when the lots are released, the City can move expeditiously to start the project.
The City is always looking to acquire parcels to create new affordable housing units and conserve land.
Discussion
The City will leverage CDGB funding with state grants, private grants, fundraising for a specific project,
and City funds. The City is committed to helping low- and moderate-income people by creating decent
and affordable housing and to ensure they have jobs. The City always seeks to use multiple sources of
funding to show their commitment and ensure the project's success.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 179
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Public Services 2020 2024 Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Housing Support
Services
Addressing Basic
Needs
CDBG:
$206,627
Public service activities other
than Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit: 2900 Persons
Assisted
Public service activities for
Low/Moderate Income Housing
Benefit: 411 Households
Assisted
Homeless Person Overnight
Shelter: 310 Persons Assisted
Other: 1400 Other
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 180
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
2 Preserve Affordable
Housing, Tenancy
Help & Rehab
2020 2024 Affordable
Housing
Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Homelessness
Prevention
Support for
Emergency Shelter &
Support Services
Housing
Rehabilitation
Resources
Affordable
Homeownership for
Individuals & Families
Housing for At - Risk
& Special Needs
Populations
CDBG:
$95,176
Public service activities for
Low/Moderate Income Housing
Benefit: 3 Households Assisted
Rental units rehabilitated: 18
Household Housing Unit
Direct Financial Assistance to
Homebuyers: 3 Households
Assisted
Other: 4 Other
3 Economic
Development &
Income
Maximization
2020 2024 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Economic
Development
CDBG:
$30,000
Jobs created/retained: 10 Jobs
4 Improve Public
Facilities &
Infrastructure
2020 2024 Public Facilities
and
Infrastructure
Public Facilities
Public Infrastructure
CDBG:
$150,000
Public Facility or Infrastructure
Activities other than
Low/Moderate Income Housing
Benefit: 100 Persons Assisted
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 181
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
5 Planning and
Administration
2020 2025 Affordable
Housing
Public Housing
Homeless
Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Homelessness
Prevention
Support for
Emergency Shelter &
Support Services
Rental Housing for
Individuals
Rental Housing for
Families
Preservation of
Existing Affordable
Rental Stock
Housing
Rehabilitation
Resources
Affordable
Homeownership for
Individuals & Families
Housing for At - Risk
& Special Needs
Populations
Economic
Development
Housing Support
Services
Addressing Basic
Needs
Public Facilities
Public Infrastructure
CDBG:
$136,468
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 182
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Table 55 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Public Services
Goal
Description
CDBG public services allocations are made to a variety of grantees. Service provision ranges from elder meals on wheels,
youth employment readiness, emergency food distribution, mentoring at-risk youth, soup kitchen operation, and literacy
and language attainment.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 183
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
2 Goal Name Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Goal
Description
Rental Housing, Homeownership Housing, and Preservation of Housing Tenancy for low- and moderate-income families,
individuals, and at-risk and special needs populations. The City will also allocate CDBG funding for costs for winter shelters
in the City. The City has allocated $83,175 of CDBG funds for the first program year to rehabilitate a historical apartment
complex and make one of the units ADA compliant.
The housing rehab program will continue, whether through PVPC or Community Action. The scope of work is 4-6 units to
be completed each year, if CDBG funding remains stable. The City will continue to look for opportunities to rehabilitate
houses for accessibility, code compliance, and emergency repairs. Lead paint abatement is another project area due to the
age of the housing stock and the possible impediment to access for families with children. This was clearly identified in the
impediments to fair housing study released last year.
Down payment assistance grants and staffing capacity for first-time homebuyer program. Educational workshops help to
inform first-time homebuyers about the responsibilities and need for financial literacy to avoid foreclosures. This has been
an ongoing program for several years.
The City is also pursuing purchasing a parcel off of a business owner in the Florence neighborhood to create a small limited
development of affordable homes. The City regularly buy lands to portion off pieces for conservation and creating
affordable housing. The Northampton Housing Partnership monitors the expiring use properties in the City. The need for
additional affordable housing units is imperative. The majority of the units on the inventory are deed restricted for many
years out.
3 Goal Name Economic Development & Income Maximization
Goal
Description
Economic Development and Income Maximization, microenterprise, job retention and creation. Funds will be used to
provide one-on-one technical assistance and counseling to 8-10 income eligible residents for business startups. Assistance
is also provided to businesses with five or less employees to retain and or create new job opportunities.
4 Goal Name Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure
Goal
Description
Construction of a playground at a public housing authority complex and wheelchair ramps. The playground will use
$26,070 of this funding to add to prior year project.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 184
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
5 Goal Name Planning and Administration
Goal
Description
CDBG planning and administration funds will be used over the course of the Program Year to operate the program.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 185
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Projects
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
For the program year July 1, 2020 - June 30, 2021, the City of Northampton will receive $682,340 in
CDBG funds from the HUD. $12,000, unexpended funds from prior program years will be reallocated and
applied to projects moving forward. An additional $26,070 will be used for a housing authority project to
install a playground, that was part of the previous program year's plan.
This Action Plan details how CDBG funds will be spent on new projects to address priorities identified in
the City's five-year Consolidated Plan as reviewed and updated.
Projects
# Project Name
1 First Time Homebuyers Assistance
2 Accessibility Ramp
3 Apartment Accessibility Rehabilitation
4 Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program
5 SRO and Community Housing Supports Program
6 Career and Education Support
7 Community Resources & Advocacy Services
8 Youth & Workforce Development Programs
9 Tenancy Preservation Project
10 Pathways to Success
11 Food Insecurity Project – Manna
12 Grove Street Inn Emergency Shelter
13 Interfaith Winter Shelter (IFS)
14 Emergency Food Pantry
15 Resident Services Coordinator (RSC)
16 Homeownership Center (Admin of down-payment assistance program)
17 Microbusiness Economic Development
18 Affordable Housing Project
19 Administration and Planning
20 Bathroom Accessibility
Table 56 – Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
The priorities were determined by who could address the needs of low- and moderate-income people
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 186
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
and those projects that would most benefit people affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 187
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 188
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
1 Project Name First Time Homebuyers Assistance
Target Area
Goals Supported Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Needs Addressed Affordable Homeownership for Individuals & Families
Funding CDBG: $12,000
Description Valley Community Development Corporation (CDC) will administer three
down payment/closing costs grants as direct financial assistance to
facilitate people purchasing their first homes in Northampton.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
Three low- and moderate-income people.
Location Description Valley CDC, 30 Market Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Planned Activities The Homeownership Center will provide Northampton tenants with
consumer education, referrals, advocacy and information to assist low
and moderate-income households to gain access and to attain
sustainable homeownership with assistance of down payment/ closing
cost assistance. Households will receive individualized financial
education on affordable homeownership including information and
referral to HOME funded homeownership assistance including new or
re-sale HOME funded affordable housing opportunities and state
subsidized mortgage products. The services at the Homeownership
Center will address the increasing challenges that many LMI households
face including student loan debt and high rental costs that effect their
ability to attain homeownership. The services will focus on individual
household financial literacy, financial planning and advocacy as needed
to sustain affordable homeownership. Valley Community Development
will give out three $4,000 down payment and closing cost assistance
grants to assist first time buyers with the purchase of their first home.
2 Project Name Accessibility Ramp
Target Area
Goals Supported Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure
Needs Addressed Public Infrastructure
Funding CDBG: $200,000
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 189
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Description A local nonprofit will install a ramp entrance to make their building
American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant and regrade their
parking lot to make it more accessible for those who are elderly and
with disabilities.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
1,400 people with disabilities are expected to benefit from the new
ramp to access the building.
Location Description 33 Hawley Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Planned Activities The major work of this project is to make the entrance and parking lot
to the building be American with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant.
3 Project Name Apartment Accessibility Rehabilitation
Target Area
Goals Supported Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Needs Addressed Housing Rehabilitation Resources
Funding CDBG: $83,175
Description A low- and moderate-income apartment complex will bring one of the
apartments up to ADA and Massachusetts Architectural & Accessibility
Board (MAAB) compliance, replacing certain exterior doors, and
updating interior rehabilitation. Because this building is listed on the
National Registers of Historic Places, these replacements will be in
compliance with Mass. Historical Commission (MHC) and National Parks
Service (NPS) requirements.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
18 housing units for low- and moderate-income households.
Location Description 22-34 New South Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 190
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Planned Activities Bringing one of the apartments up to ADA and Massachusetts
Architectural & Accessibility Board (MAAB) compliance, replacing
certain exterior doors, and updating interior rehabilitation. Because this
building is listed on the National Registers of Historic Places, these
replacements will be in compliance with Mass. Historical Commission
(MHC) and National Parks Service (NPS) requirements.
4 Project Name Big Brothers Big Sisters Mentoring Program
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Addressing Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $12,000
Description The Center for Human Development (CHD) Big Brothers Big Sisters
Program will create and support mentoring relationships for children
with multiple risk factors in families with low- and moderate-incomes in
Northampton. Children are referred by school personnel and other
agencies.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
30 at risk Northampton Youth.
Location Description City wide with the major focus being on children who reside at Florence
Heights and Hampshire Heights (both Housing Authority properties) and
Meadowbrook Apartments in Florence. Referrals will be from local
public and social service agencies with the focus being on children
residing in low- and moderate-income housing areas.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 191
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Planned Activities Thirty Northampton matches will be supported over the course of the
year with at least 25% of those being new matches. The Big and Little
relationship lasts for at least one year, getting together for around three
hours weekly. Prior to matching, all mentors are screened and provided
with safety training. Within the first months of the match, mentors
complete a more in-depth training that will include trauma awareness
and trauma-informed practices. BBBSHC Case Managers meet
individually with mentors, parent/guardians, and children on a monthly
basis to provide supervision for the match. New matches at Smith
College will begin in September 2020 and new matches with community
mentors will be created over the course of the year as mentors become
available. CHD's Program Outcome Evaluation (POE) tool will be
administered to assess outcomes throughout the duration of each
match. The POE results will be tabulated annually and used to
determine program results and needs for match support and program
enhancement.
5 Project Name SRO and Community Housing Supports Program
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Homelessness Prevention
Funding CDBG: $14,000
Description The Center for Human Development (CHD) administers two housing
support programs in Northampton. The Single Room Occupancy (SRO)
Outreach Program addresses the needs of residents of SRO housing by
providing outreach, case management and basic needs services for the
City's most vulnerable housed residents. The program runs housing
stabilization, food security, improved health and linkages to vital
services. CHD also administers the Community Housing Support Services
Program, which provides case management services to individuals and
families at risk of eviction due to non-payment issues.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
150 homeless and low- and moderate-income individuals.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 192
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Location Description The program office and food pantry is located at 129 Main Street,
Northampton in the First Churches. SRO locations served are:
Go West, 1-3 North Main Street, Florence
The Maples, 16 North Maple Street, Florence
Earle Street Apartments, 180-182 Earle Street, Northampton
King Street SRO, 96-98 King Street, Northampton
The Lorraine, 96 Pleasant Street, Northampton
Bridge Street SRO, 82 Bridge Street, Northampton
Live 155, 155 Pleasant Street, Northampton
Planned Activities Providing outreach, case management, and basic needs services. Coffee
hours are held weekly at five local SROs including, GoWest, Valley North
Maple, Earle Street and Bridge Street. A bi-weekly coffee hour is held at
King Street. Mainstream support linkages (SNAP, Low Income Energy
Assistant, Eviction Prevention funding) and housing-centric case
management (services that target housing stability) is provided both at
the coffee hours and the food pantry. The staff also participates in
weekly Housing Court sessions as necessary.
6 Project Name Career and Education Support
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Addressing Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $11,000
Description The Center for New Americans will offer free classes in English for
speakers of other languages. Advisers will meet with students to draft
an education/career plan, provide career coaching and employment
search assistance. The job training leads to students and alumni filling
positions in health care, hospitality and manufacturing fields for which
local employers recruit them consistently. Citizenship assistance and
immigration legal services are also provided.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
55 individuals with low- and moderate-income.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 193
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Location Description None
Planned Activities Will offer free classes in English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
Classes include instruction in civics, U.S. culture technology, and career
preparation. The program aligns with the City's Consolidated Plan,
which prioritizes addressing basic needs, such as language attainment,
because without proficiency in English. Immigrants, refugees, and
migrants are unable to access community resources, nor obtain living
wage jobs.
7 Project Name Community Resources & Advocacy Services
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Addressing Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $44,956
Description Community Action Pioneer Valley will provide information, referrals,
access to income support, help with SNAP applications, health insurance
benefits and re-determinations, payment of past due bills, financial
literacy to prevent homelessness, and advocacy with other public
benefit systems. This program will allow for Community Action to pay
rent for qualified low- and moderate-income people on a short-term
basis.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
125 low- and moderate-income individuals.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities
8 Project Name Youth & Workforce Development Programs
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Addressing Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $10,297
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 194
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Description Community Action Pioneer Valley will provide individual career
development assistance, employment readiness training and
educational workshops focused on employment in high-growth sectors
for at-risk Northampton youth ages 12-24. The program will assist them
to make the transition to adulthood and allow them to be financially
self-reliant, stay in school and/or continue to higher education.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
60 homeless, people with disabilities, and low- and moderate-income.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Community Action Pioneer Valley (CAPV) will offer several programming
opportunities to Northampton youth to assist them in gaining skills,
setting goals, and achieving success in employment and education. The
project will primarily serve youth living in poverty and will assist them to
develop marketable skills and gain job- related experience that will
improve their chances of finding meaningful living-wage employment.
Young people will have the opportunity to participate in one or more of
the program options described below to meet their needs and help
them achieve their educational and occupational goals:
• Individual assessment and support
• Job readiness training
• Career pathway education
• Topical workforce development training
• Paid work-based learning experience
• Inter-program collaboration with CAPV Youth and Workforce
Development programs
9 Project Name Tenancy Preservation Project
Target Area
Goals Supported Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Needs Addressed Homelessness Prevention
Funding CDBG: $10,000
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 195
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Description Community Legal Aid (CLA) will provide free legal services to
Northampton tenants with low- and moderate-incomes at risk of
eviction and participants in rental assistance programs, such as Section
8, who are at risk of being terminated from the subsidy program.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
20 elderly, people with disabilities, and low- and moderate-income
people
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities This ongoing project seeks to protect two vulnerable populations in
Northampton: (1) tenants who are at risk of eviction (with a priority for
tenants with subsidized housing) and (2) participants in rental assistance
programs (Section 8 and MRVP) who are at risk of having their subsidy
terminated. For low-income tenants with subsidized housing, expert
legal assistance at critical times in the eviction and subsidy termination
processes can preserve a precious commodity-affordable rent-and can
mean the difference between stability and homelessness. Eviction and
loss of a rent subsidy, alone or in combination, often lead to
homelessness and destabilization of families and neighborhoods. In
many cases, the loss of a housing subsidy (through either eviction or
subsidy termination by the administering agency) is permanent, which
frequently leads to homelessness as private market rent in
Northampton is often unaffordable for this low-income population.
10 Project Name Pathways to Success
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Addressing Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $15,000
Description The Literacy Project (TLP), Inc will provide adult basic education (ABE)
services to adults and out of school youth ages 16 and over to develop
college and career readiness as pathways to economic opportunity and
security.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 196
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
30 at-risk youth, person with disabilities, and low- and moderate-
income people.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities TLP provides comprehensive Adult Basic Education (ABE) services to
adults and out-of-school youth age 16 and over to develop college and
career readiness as pathways to economic opportunity and security.
Services include: activities to increase students' readiness for
employment and post-secondary education and training that are
integrated into ABE classes offered at four levels (Basic, Intermediate,
High School Equivalency Preparation, and College Readiness);
individualized education and career advising with help for meeting a
student's specific challenges, and bringing Mass Hire Career Center
services to students in need of job search assistance. CDBG funds will
support instruction and education/career advising for 39 weeks. Total
staff time for two Instructors is 64 hours a week allocated as follows: 24
hours class time; 10 hours advising time; 30 hours for class preparation,
staff meetings, recordkeeping, and professional development.
11 Project Name Food Insecurity Project
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Addressing Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $5,000
Description The MANNA Soup Kitchen, Inc will provide five free meals a week
(Monday-Thursday and Saturdays) with a special meal on Thanksgiving
and Christmas Day.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
600 persons who are homeless, have disabilities, are low- and
moderate-income, elderly, at-risk youth, or are battling addiction.
Location Description Citywide
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 197
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Planned Activities The MANNA Soup Kitchen provides free, hot, healthy meals five days a
week all year round in Northampton. It also provides a community
dinner on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The meals are held in
the fellowship halls of two downtown churches in which we create a
safe and hospitable setting where our guests can find warmth and
fellowship and be treated with respect. This project will provide relief
from food insecurity on a continuing basis to the hungry in our
community and will continue to do so for as long as it is needed. Our
meals are open to anyone who wants or needs one. Guests are required
to sign in so that a head count at each meal can be taken. Meals are
served on china plates and with real silverware. Guests can have
seconds on a clean plate and can take out one or two meals. With more
funding, MANNA plans to add a sixth meal so that, with the Cathedral in
the Night meals on Sundays, there will be a free meal every day in
Northampton. They are also interested in pursuing delivering meals to
home bound people.
12 Project Name Grove Street Inn Emergency Shelter
Target Area
Goals Supported Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Needs Addressed Support for Emergency Shelter & Support Services
Funding CDBG: $13,000
Description ServiceNet, Inc owns and operates a 21-bed emergency shelter serving
homeless individuals. Participants may stay up to 90 days and staff
provide on-site services supporting residents efforts to rebuild their
lives.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
100 homeless and low- and moderate-income people.
Location Description Census Tract #8222
Planned Activities ServiceNet, Inc owns and operates a 21-bed emergency shelter serving
homeless individuals. Participants may stay up to 90 days and staff
provide on-site services supporting residents efforts to rebuild their
lives.
Project Name Interfaith Winter Shelter (IFS)
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 198
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
13 Target Area
Goals Supported Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Needs Addressed Support for Emergency Shelter & Support Services
Funding CDBG: $13,000
Description ServiceNet, Inc in collaboration with the Friends of Hampshire County
Homeless Individuals and the City of Northampton will provide a 20 bed
overnight winter emergency shelter for homeless individuals from
November 1 to April 30 from 6:00 pm to 7:00 am. Guests receive two
meals a day and a warm, safe place to sleep.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
210 homeless or low- and moderate-income individuals
Location Description 43 Center Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Planned Activities The shelter collaborates to provide food, staffing, and emergency,
overnight shelter for adult homeless individuals during the coldest
months of the year, November 1st to April 30th. At IFS, homeless guests
receive two meals a day and warm, safe place to sleep. They can also
avail themselves of shower and laundry facilities. There are
opportunities for healthcare, mental health counseling, and case
management. With the support of case managers, participants can
research available benefits, get connected to vital services, and search
for housing and employment
14 Project Name Emergency Food Pantry
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Addressing Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $40,000
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 199
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Description The Northampton Survival Center will provide nutritionally balanced
food packages monthly that are customized to individual's dietary
needs. Clients can access our emergency food pantry once per month
for a 7-day supply of food for each member of the household, and may
return on a weekly basis for fresh produce and day-old breads and
bakery items. For 10 weeks each summer the Northampton Survival
Center runs a Kids' Summer Food Program which bridges the summer
nutrition gap by providing extra groceries to families with youngsters
who rely on their schools' free and reduced meal programs. These
groceries form the basis of over 30,000 nutritious meals for children
who might otherwise experience hunger during the summer break.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
2,000 persons who are either homeless, elderly, have disabilities, are
low- and moderate-income or at-risk youth.
Location Description 265 Prospect Street, Northampton, MA 01060
Planned Activities Clients can access the emergency food pantry once per month for a 7-
day supply of food for each member of the household, and may return
on a weekly basis for fresh produce and day-old breads and bakery
items. For 10 weeks each summer the Northampton Survival Center run
a Kids' Summer Food Program which bridges the summer nutrition gap
by providing extra groceries to families with youngsters who rely on
their schools' free and reduced meal programs. These groceries form
the basis of over 30,000 nutritious meals for children who might
otherwise experience hunger during the summer break.
15 Project Name Resident Services Coordinator (RSC)
Target Area
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Housing Support Services
Funding CDBG: $31,580
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 200
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Description Way Finders INC. will hire a Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) to
provide services to a total of 241 residents, including 63 children and 15
seniors (65+), living in six Way Finders properties in Northampton. The
services provided by the RSC will benefit a limited clientele of people
with low- and moderate-incomes. Currently, 96% of the residents at five
of the properties are low- to moderate-income, and 100% of the
residents at Paradise Pond Apartments have incomes at or below 60%
AMI. The RSC will work with the property management staff to ensure
this comprehensive approach to meeting tenants non-clinical needs is
serving the overarching goal of assisting tenants so they sustain
permanent housing.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
241 people with disabilities, are elderly, or low- and moderate income.
Location Description Live 155: 155 Pleasant Street
The Lumber Yard: 256 Pleasant Street
The Lorraine: 96 Pleasant Street
Sergeant House: 82 Bridge Street
Paradise Pond: 155 West Street
Earle Street: 180 Earle Street
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 201
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Planned Activities Way Finders will hire a full-time Resident Services Coordinator (RSC) to
provide services to a total of 241 residents, including 63 children and 15
seniors (65+), living in six Way Finders properties in Northampton. The
services provided by the RSC will benefit a limited clientele of people
with low- and moderate-incomes. Currently, 96% of the residents at five
of the properties are low- to moderate income, and 100% of the
residents at Paradise Pond Apartments have incomes at or below 60%
AMI. In performance of their duties, the RSC will work with the property
management staff to ensure this comprehensive approach to meeting
tenants’ non-clinical needs is serving the overarching goal of assisting
tenants so they sustain permanent housing.
In addition to overall program coordination, the RSC will provide some
direct services to tenants include:
• Conduct an initial tenant orientation and ensure that each new
tenant receives a brief assessment to determine their interest in
and need for onsite services
• Provide up-to-date information to residents about
transportation services access to health and mental health care,
financial education, support groups, legal services, child care,
educational opportunities, cultural events in Northampton, and
other services and activities that will enhance their quality of
life
• Coordinate on-site social activities, educational opportunities,
and other activities the residents identify as of interest to them
• Facilitate tenant engagement to encourage participation in
services, as well as encouraging the development of a
neighborly network within the property that will increase safety
and social cohesion
• Attend the meetings of social service providers, held every
other month, to stay informed about current services available
to our tenants, and to address to address emergent resident
needs, on-site coordination issues, and/or additional resources
needed to support individual tenants or those of the group
•
16 Project Name Homeownership Center (Admin of down-payment assistance program)
Target Area
Goals Supported Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 202
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Needs Addressed Affordable Homeownership for Individuals & Families
Funding CDBG: $21,750
Description This project pays for the administration of the first-time home-buyers
program. They will administer three down payment/closing costs grants
as direct financial assistance to facilitate people purchasing their first
homes in Northampton.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
Three low- and moderate-income persons.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities This project is for the administration of the The Homeownership
Center's first-time homebuyer program. They will provide Northampton
tenants with consumer education, referrals, advocacy and information
to assist low and moderate-income households to gain access and to
attain sustainable homeownership with assistance of down payment/
closing cost assistance. Households will receive individualized financial
education on affordable homeownership including information and
referral to HOME funded homeownership assistance including new or
re-sale HOME funded affordable housing opportunities and state
subsidized mortgage products.
17 Project Name Microbusiness Economic Development
Target Area
Goals Supported Economic Development & Income Maximization
Needs Addressed Economic Development
Funding CDBG: $30,000
Description Funds are used to provide one-on-one technical assistance and
counseling to 8-10 income eligible residents for business start ups.
Assistance is also provided to businesses with five or less employees to
retain and or create new job opportunities. Micro-enterprise grants, job
retention/creation, and other economic development activities.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 203
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
8-10 individuals
Location Description None
Planned Activities Funds are used to provide one-on-one technical assistance and
counseling to 8-10 income eligible residents for business start ups.
Assistance is also provided to businesses with five or less employees to
retain and or create new job opportunities. Microenterprise grants, job
retention/creation, and other economic development activities.
18 Project Name Affordable Housing Project
Target Area
Goals Supported Preserve Affordable Housing, Tenancy Help & Rehab
Needs Addressed Affordable Homeownership for Individuals & Families
Funding CDBG: $1
Description This project will be used to acquire land and pay for soft costs to create
affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents of
Northampton.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
Location Description The parcel is not known at this time.
Planned Activities This project will be used to acquire land and pay for soft costs to create
affordable housing for low- and moderate-income residents of
Northampton.
19 Project Name Administration and Planning
Target Area
Goals Supported Planning and Administration
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 204
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Needs Addressed Homelessness Prevention
Support for Emergency Shelter & Support Services
Housing Rehabilitation Resources
Housing for At - Risk & Special Needs Populations
Housing Support Services
Addressing Basic Needs
Public Facilities
Public Infrastructure
Funding CDBG: $136,468
Description The Office of Planning & Sustainability will administer, plan, and
monitor the CDBG grants for this program year. These activities include
housing and community development activities. The CDBG was
previously administered out of the Mayor's office.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
residence of Northampton with Low/Moderate income
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Administration of the CDBG grant program, including housing
community and economic development activities.
20 Project Name Bathroom Accessibility
Target Area
Goals Supported Improve Public Facilities & Infrastructure
Needs Addressed Public Facilities
Funding CDBG: $1
Description The City will allocated $1 to make the bathroom more accessible at a
City owned property.
Target Date 6/30/2021
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed
activities
Roughly 100 with disabilities will benefit from the new ADA bathroom
over the next program year.
Location Description 274 Main Street, Northampton, MA 01060
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Planned Activities The bathroom more accessible through installation of automatic
dispensers and hand dryers and refurbish interior of bathroom.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 206
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and
minority concentration) where assistance will be directed
Funds were allocated to needs that were identified from citizen participation and data analysis during
the Consolidated Plan preparation and each year for the Annual Action Plans. The Analysis of
Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing was be completed in 2019 and was used to prepare this Acton Plan.
Both those planning efforts have yielded new areas of need where funding should be directed.
According to the Analysis of Impediments, none of Northampton's racial groups experience moderate or
high levels of segregation which is the distribution of any two groups across census tracts. Census tracts
of more than 20% minority population are defined as areas of minority concentration. Using the AI,
there were three tracts identified in Northampton: 8216.01, 8216.02, and 8220. These all have the
presence of multi-family housing run by the Northampton Housing Authority such as, Hampshire Heights
(80 units) and Florence Heights (50). Meadowbrook Apartments (252) also contains racially and
ethnically diverse resident populations
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
Table 57 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically
The Public Service programs that are funded by CDBG all deliver their services city-wide. Northampton is
a small city, so, there are no clearly defined larger geographic areas with high need. Sub-recipients do
employ targeted outreach strategies to particular areas, to reach populations that face more challenges
than the community at large, however. Therefore, there is no geographic targeted area.
Properties participating in the Housing Rehab Program have been served on a first come first served
basis. Their locations have been dispersed across the City. If funding allows the rehab program to
continue, there may be neighborhoods defined in the future as places to concentrate rehab efforts, for a
more comprehensive revitalization strategy.
Discussion
According to the Fair Housing Equity Assessment (FHEA) in the 2019 AI, communities in the region
should be 70/30 white/people of color. Northampton’s population is 81% white and 19% people of
color. As identified in the AI, Northampton needs to attract and retain thousands of people of color to
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balance out this disparity.
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Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
Despite the new units being created every year, the need for additional deeply subsidized affordable
units in Northampton remains great. Over 450 applications were received by Valley CDC for the 55
apartments at the Lumber Yard Apartments created in 2019. The bulk of the applications were from
those with the lowest income levels. Renters looking to be housed at the Live 155 development looked
similar. The demand for the units renting at the 30% of area median income level and below, is huge.
The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher list maintained at the Northampton Housing Authority has been
closed since 2014. There are 229 households on that waiting list. The NHA does not plan to open that list
for at least three years from now. The wait for Federal and State housing units at the NHA for both
elderly/disabled and families is at least two years. Although the NHA states they do not have enough
resources to participate in the small area Fair Market Rent program, they do utilize a 108% rate on the
2018 FMR's, which was implemented last year. This increased rate significantly improved the ability for
new voucher holders to lease up with area landlords. There was a drop in the Fair Market rents in 2019
but the NHA did not change their payment standard to reflect the loss, therefore no voucher holders
were negatively impacted.
The Northampton Housing Authority owns and manages 618 public housing affordable units in
Northampton. They consist of 110 federal and 508 state funded, and they have 871 leased housing
program vouchers.
Northampton continues to work diligently with community partners to create housing opportunities in
the City. If actual units are not added every year, projects enter the pipe line. Between the Live 155
Development (70 units, 48 affordable) the Lumber Yard Apartments (55), Village Hill (65 new; 220+
total), the Sergeant House (16 new expected July 2020), the Northampton Teen Housing Project (8), 214
unit have been added in the last few years.
One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported
Homeless 337
Non-Homeless 410
Special-Needs 20
Total 767
Table 58 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement
One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through
Rental Assistance 110
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One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through
The Production of New Units 0
Rehab of Existing Units 18
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 128
Table 59 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type Discussion
It is difficult to provide an accurate count, depending on how HUD defines "households to be
supported" and people served often utilize multiple services in a one year period. For instance, someone
might attend MANNA meals while living in an SRO unit and being assisted by the SRO Outreach
Coordinator.
The number of homeless households to be supported is the tally of the anticipated annual number to be
served at the Grove Street Inn (100) and the Hampshire County Interfaith Winter Shelter (210, up ten
from last year) , as well as the 17 emergency shelter beds administered by Soldier On (assuming one
turnover 17x2=34). The beds at Safe Passage's Emergency Shelter for Victims of Domestic Violence
(capacity of 6 families) are not reflected, as not all participants are considered homeless. The number of
non-homeless to be supported is the tally of all public service grantees annual counts from last year,
minus the two shelter counts.
The 20 number of special needs households to be supported is an estimate of the number of
Department of Mental Health and Department of Developmental Services residential units in the
community; the exact number of each will not be verified by either system, or the Dept. of Housing and
Community Development.
The rental assistance number is the count from the Northampton Housing Authority of the following
that they will issues in 2020: VASH (50), Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers (45), and mainstream
vouchers (15). The numbers administered by other Housing Authorities are not available.
The rehabilitation of existing units (18) is the proposed South Street Apartments project. There are no
units proposed for acquisition or construction during this current program year.
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AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing
The Northampton Housing Authority plans on undertaking the following projects in the 2020-2021
program year:
Federal Properties:
McDonald House - Elevator replacement Phase II, Electrical Panel replacement in all units and basement.
Florence Heights – Replace Screen doors, sink vanities, and Floor in five units.
State Properties:
Salvo House – Carpet Installation on all floors in common area and lobby, and Power Washing of
Building
Hampshire Heights - Phase II of window replacements and playground installation
Cahill Apartments – Basement Door Installation
Bridge Street – Boiler Replacements
The NHA will continue to evaluate repair/rehabilitation or accessibility needs of their properties for
following program years.
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and
participate in homeownership
When homeownership and down payment assistance opportunities are presented, such as through the
Way Finder’s Housing Consumer Education Center, the Northampton Housing Authority publicizes these
opportunities to the residents. The NHA formally recognized the creation of a Tenants Association at
Hampshire Heights (State family housing development) and continues to work with McDonald House,
and Forsander Tenant Associations. A meeting is also held yearly for federal properties for the Capital
Fund Program, to solicit input on needed renovation projects. The NHA participates in the dissemination
of smoking cessation materials when tenants move into a unit and continues to install smoking shelters
at developments annually as needed. The NHA sponsors tenant events, produces a newsletter, works
with the State's LEAP program for increasing educational attainment for residents of Hampshire Heights.
The NHA launched a website in August of 2019 which has increased communication with management
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and greater access to policies and procedures for residents. A new Resident Services Coordinator was
hired in June of 2019 for the two family developments; Hampshire Heights and Florence Heights. With
the ongoing collaborations, NHA residents will become more engaged in the management of their
housing and seek out and utilize increased resources to achieve enhanced economic empowerment and
self-sufficiency.
If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be
provided or other assistance
The Northampton Housing Authority is not designated as troubled.
Discussion
The NHA received CDBG funding to accomplish handicap accessibility enhancements at several NHA
properties. Florence Heights was examined for possible outdoor opportunities and other NHA properties
were being considered for installation of playground equipment or public garden expansion. The NHA
has created a website since the last Consolidated Plan where all of their properties are listed and
information such as Section 8 vouchers can be found.
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AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i)
Introduction
The City works closely with many services providers through its Next Step Collaborative meetings,
Housing Partnership, planning for the resiliency-hub, and from knowledge built through reports like the
Mayor's working group on panhandling. All these efforts have informed the City's actions for this
program year towards ending homelessness in the City.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness
including
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
The City of Northampton works in close partnership with Eliot Homeless Services. Eliot is the selected
vendor with the statewide contract from the Department of Mental Health to administer the PATH
Program (Project for Assistance in Transition from Homelessness). This grant provides street outreach
clinicians in these Western Mass. communities - Pittsfield, Greenfield, Amherst, Northampton, Holyoke,
Westfield and Springfield. The PATH worker in Northampton has been in the position more than 20
years and knows the population well. The clinician works closely with the Northampton Police
Department, Tapestry Health and ServiceNet, Inc. to link clients with needed services and housing
search. They are part of a group that assembles for case conferencing through HUD's coordinated entry
system and they prioritize chronically homeless people for housing placement and services.
The PATH worker attends the monthly Next Step Collaborative meetings and provides up to date
information on the numbers and locations of people living outside. This helps guide outreach activities
and informs the City about whether the existing shelter capacity will be enough for the season. They
visit camps and conducts engagement and assessment activities. During the day, unsheltered people can
access the Hampshire County Resource Center for additional case management work.
Dial-Self, the area agency serving homeless unaccompanied youth, employs staff that conduct outreach.
Their workers connect with young people at meal and shelter sites. There are plans to enhance outreach
to the encampments and expand the interdisciplinary team beyond the Eliot Clinician to include
Tapestry staff (syringe use/safe disposal, opioid treatment) and ServiceNet Resource Center staff
(service linkages and housing search).
The Community Development Planner is monitoring a protocol that was developed in 2018 with the
City's Department of Public Works, the Board of Health, the Building Inspection office, the Office of
Planning & Sustainability and Eliot Homeless Services to coordinate the response of City departments to
the encampments. The number of unsheltered homeless living outside is increasing and Army Corps
lands and conservation restricted lands are unable to host camps. The Police and EMS personnel
sometimes need to access areas that have been blocked off for conservation purposes. DPW personnel
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have to go in and clean up abandoned camps where there may be trash and used drug paraphernalia.
The effort here is to have social service providers engage with campers to inform them if the camp
needs to be vacated, so they can access services or at least protect their personal items and documents.
Another goal is to protect campers and workers from potentially harmful camp conditions. Smith
College has agreed to utilize the outreach team for assessment and engagement of people living in
camps on property owned by the College. The Office of Planning & Sustainability regularly cleans up
sites and updated services providers on camp activity.
Tapestry Health, the regional organization that has a needle exchange program and services in the City,
supports sharps pickups from homeless encampments, and supports street harm reduction activities.
They have been an important voice at the Mayor's Panhandling Report (2019) which has cataloged
existing services and promote dialog between service providers, the business community, law
enforcement and those engaging in street activity.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
ServiceNet, Inc., the administrator of the year-round Grove Street Inn Emergency Shelter for Individuals
and the Hampshire County Interfaith Winter Shelter (in partnership with the Friends of Hampshire
County Homeless Individuals) struggles to keep both programs operational. HUD's focus on permanent
supported housing negates the fact that not everyone is ready for permanent housing. There is still a
need for emergency shelters and transitional housing programs. ESG and CDBG are two of the only
sources to fund emergency shelters. ServiceNet has to utilize private donations, and other agency funds
to cover costs.
Transitional housing was a successful model that allowed intensive case management and the time
needed for people to hone the skills needed for long term housing stability. Most of all the prior
transitional housing programs funded through the Continuum of Care have been converted to
permanent supported housing units, to conform with HUD's funding priorities. As a result, the only
transitional housing programs with a 24 month length of stay limit operating in Northampton are the
163 beds managed by Soldier On at the VA Medical Campus which includes 16 units recently created for
women Veterans and their children.
Northampton does not have a generic emergency shelter for families, and there are no families living in
encampments that have been discovered to date. As a result, most of the City's homeless services
coordination work is focused on individuals. There is a need for increased services for women, as there
is an increasing number of women in the shelters. Many have been traumatized by domestic violence
and have mental health and substance use disorder challenges. There are couples living outside as well,
because if they go into shelter, they will be separated. The Safe Passage shelter for victims of domestic
violence and their children is always full and the Center for Human Development's Grace House for
women in recovery and their children, is always at full capacity. There is also a need to accommodate
people living unsheltered with pets. It is virtually impossible however, to encourage an agency to create
new programming to address these needs, due to the insufficient funding sources that exist for
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emergency shelter programs.
With the two downtown shelters for individuals in Northampton, and the satellite overflow site
ServiceNet oversees at a church in Easthampton and Craig's Doors in Amherst, there are no plans
currently to increase shelter capacity this coming year. During the coldest days this past winter,
ServiceNet was able to accommodate the numbers in need between the three sites.
The first meeting of the Next Step Collaborative held in September always begins the analysis of shelter
capacity. Numbers of people living outside are accounted for, in order to gauge bed capacity for
shelter. Regionally, the Worthington Street Shelter in Springfield is always at or exceeding capacity, the
Samaritan Inn in Westfield has strict admission requirements and is also usually full. The numbers of
people from Hampden County being sheltered in Hampshire County increase yearly, so an emergency
shelter in Holyoke would be an asset to the region. The Hampden Continuum of Care, under the
leadership of the Springfield Housing Director, began to place McKinney funded permanent supported
housing units for the chronically homeless in Holyoke, which is a much-needed development.
The City’s Community Development Planner facilitated a meeting last year to brainstorm the
development of a Safe Havens model in Northampton. Several small projects in existing homes housing
4-6 participants each. This would further the City’s goals of creating a true Housing First model.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families
with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again
The City utilizes the Hampshire County Resource Center, located at 43 Center Street, administered by
ServiceNet, Inc. as the main entry point for homeless individuals to access services. The Center has case
managers, Health Care for the Homeless nurses and doctors and a benefits specialist. Food, laundry and
showers are available. During the winter months, the space also houses the Hampshire Interfaith Winter
Shelter with capacity for 22 individuals. The Center for Human Development now manages permanent
supported housing units through the CoC, to which referrals can be made. (ServiceNet gave up their
McKinney allocation of $600,000 annually/60 units and CHD has stepped in to continue that
administration).
As part of the implementation of the new coordinated entry system, there is now a 1-800 number to call
for service referral. REACH meetings (Regional Engagement and Assessment of Chronically Homeless
people) have evolved into Coordinated Entry meetings. Relevant service providers meet weekly and
monthly to assess and place chronically homeless people when housing placements exist. The City's
Veterans Agent participates when Veterans are identified in need of assistance. Dial/Self staff
participate when someone between the ages of 18-24 present for services. Jessie's House in Amherst
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addresses the needs of families finding themselves homeless, through referrals from the Department of
Transitional Assistance. Grace House in Northampton houses women in recovery and their children
through a closed referral process from the Department of Public Health. Safe Passage serves those
affected by domestic violence. All of these programs work with participants to assess their needs and
provide case management with the goal of helping them transition to permanent housing and
independent living. The length of stay depends on how quickly a participant can address the obstacles
they face that may prevent them from accessing housing, and the availability of a unit.
The City is cognizant of the need for housing, in order to facilitate the ability of people to move forward
and out of homelessness. The renovation and expansion of the Sergeant House SRO (82 Bridge Street),
the new construction of Live 155 and the Lumber Yard Apartments, the Northampton Teen Housing
Program through Dial Self, and the new rental housing proposed for Village Hill are all developments
that will increase the number of housing opportunities available to those income eligible and housing
ready households, creating movement in the community. True Housing First units are now being
prioritized for development. The CDBG funded public service agencies doing housing stabilization work
(SRO Outreach, Community Legal Aid), the CPC funded Community Housing Support Services Program
and Resident Service Coordinators at the Housing Authority and larger apartment complexes, all work
diligently to prevent people from returning to homelessness.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly
funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities,
foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving
assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services,
employment, education, or youth needs
Public systems that have adopted policies stating they will not discharge people into homelessness can
only implement this practice if there are other options. Each of these systems should contribute to
creating these options. For example, people being released from the correctional system, should have a
system of next step housing in the community for their inmates to access. Similarly, sufficient numbers
of mental health recovery residences, and detox beds, need to exist. These public systems cannot
depend on being able to refer people to local shelters, because rarely is there an open bed. Prevention
and diversion strategies only work when other resource options are available. The City will continue to
work with the Regional Network on those broader systemic solutions.
In the limited capacity that it can, the City will continue to support, with CDBG funding and advocacy,
the SRO Outreach Program and the Community Legal Aid Homeless Prevention Program, to allow them
to work with residents whose tenancies are at risk. The SRO Outreach Coordinator can help a tenant
mediate a dispute with a landlord to avoid eviction, and the CLA Attorneys conduct advocacy at Housing
Court which often results in payment plans to preserve the tenancy. The City, through the Community
Preservation Committee will continue to support the Community Housing Support Services Program that
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works with court involved residents facing eviction for non-payment issues. The CPC awarded the
program an additional year of funding that expires this year. These programs serve more than 100
households annually and have very high success rates for preserving tenancies.
Social workers from the Cooley Dickinson Hospital attend the Next Step Collaborative meetings to
network with service providers. They will contact ServiceNet to identify available beds prior to releasing
a patient into homelessness. Soldier On will pick up any Veteran being released from the Hampshire
County House of Corrections, who does not have a place to go identified. The City's Veterans Agent does
extensive case management and works closely with Soldier On and the Northampton Housing Authority
who administers the regions VASH units.
The City also advocates for and utilizes the State funded Tenancy Preservation Program that works with
households at risk in the Pioneer Valley. They have developed an expertise around assisting tenants at
risk of eviction due to hoarding issues. Dial/Self works closely with the Department of Families and
Children, and the Department of Youth Services to address youth being discharged from the foster care
system. Dial/Self provides housing and support services to this population and the first 4 of their 8 units
on Hatfield Street are now operational. The new building was completed in 2019 and provides four
additional residential units, as well as a common area and office space for case management services for
at risk unaccompanied homeless youth.
Most of the public services agencies funded by the City with CDBG directly or indirectly prevent
homelessness. Increasing language competency to secure work and economic self-sufficiency, accessing
free food to be better able to afford housing costs, preparing at risk youth for employment
opportunities and career paths, are some examples. Enhancing self-worth, life skills and educational
attainment for better employment, are all critical components to having stable housing and healthy
livelihoods.
Discussion
CDBG funding will continue to be provided to the City's shelters for staffing. The Community
Development Planner coordinates with the Interfaith Shelter's Management Committee which oversees
the operation of the winter shelter, in conjunction with ServiceNet, Inc. and the Friends of the
Homeless. Collaborative advocacy and support will be provided to Safe Passage for the operation of
their emergency family shelter for victims of domestic violence and to Soldier On for their emergency
and transitional beds that serve men and women Veterans. The Community Development Planner will
continue to facilitate monthly meetings with the City's homeless service providers at the Next Step
Collaborative, to ensure services are coordinated and utilized effectively. City updates are provided with
regard to the production of new units, which is the key to successful movement for people working to
exit homelessness.
Elders who may be at risk are served by Highland Valley Elder Services, the Northampton Housing
Authority, Northampton's Council on Aging and the Senior Center. Services include home modification
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grants/loan to age in place, home delivered meals, public housing and outreach, education and
socialization opportunities. The EARN program, formerly supported by CDBG and now self-sufficient,
provides an opportunity for income maximization for elders not able to survive on Social Security or
savings alone after retirement.
Households with members who are disabled can be served by Stavros Center for Independent Living, the
Department of Developmental Services and the Mass. Rehabilitation Commission. Households with
members experiencing mental health issues are served by ServiceNet, Inc., Community Support Options
and the Department of Mental Health. A newly created and opened Recovery Center located at 2
Gleason Plaza serves as a day drop in and resource center for those in recovery from substance use and
mental health disorders. DMH and DDS have residential programs that operate in the City, with 24/7
hour staffing supports.
The Department of Public Health opened a detox facility in Greenfield, which has increased the bed
capacity for those in need of such a facility and treatment. Gandara Mental Health Center operates
Hairston House, the Alliance for Sober Living and the Maple Avenue house in Northampton for those in
recovery from substance use. Victims of domestic violence access Safe Passage for emergency hot line
information and referrals, emergency shelter, legal advocacy and case management services. People
living with HIV/Aids can be served by A Positive Place for housing subsidies and support services which
operates out of Cooley Dickinson Hospital in Northampton.
With several newly created affordable housing units in Northampton, none function as true housing first
units. This would mean meeting people where they are - with less than stellar landlord histories, active
addiction issues, poor credit, and other challenges. Those are the units the City still needs to create, in
order to accomplish any significant movement of people out of the emergency shelter system. Tenant
selection policies, multiyear waiting lists, and insufficient incomes to afford "affordable" housing, remain
huge obstacles to truly addressing the needs of people experiencing homelessness. The City needs to
create the kind of homes that used to exist, where people who just needed a small, affordable safe
place to live their lives, without excessive scrutiny, could reside in the community.
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AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction:
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve
as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning
ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the
return on residential investment
"Unlocking Opportunity - An Assessment of Barriers to Fair Housing Choice in Northampton" was
completed in summer 2019 by the Pioneer Valley Planning Commission in consultation with the
Northampton Housing Partnership. Along with the Community Development Planner, this group
successfully assembled and facilitated 10 stakeholder sessions, four focus groups, a lively public session,
and a survey to accomplish community engagement. The recommendations and actions that the report
will articulate will form the base of work for the Housing Partnership moving forward. The Housing
Partnership serves as the City's Fair Housing Committee and members have been very involved in this
process. Some of the barriers identified in the Draft Report are as follows:
"Rising cost of housing, substandard housing and lead paint, complexity of accessing the affordable
housing system, jobs/employment and a living wage, the need for units accessible to people aging and
people with disabilities, cultural awareness and language access, lack of knowledge and public education
regarding fair housing rights, the need for more two+ bedroom homes, discrimination based on race and
country of origin, local preferences at the Northampton Housing Authority limiting regional mobility,
service agencies being under resourced and understaffed, the need for resources to improve credit
scores, limited public transportation options and housing struggles faced by people leaving correctional
facilities."
Other areas related to zoning and development have been examined, although most of the barriers
within the control of City departments have been ameliorated. The report recommendations will be
presented to the City Council, as they are the body that provided funding for the effort. The Housing
Partnership will build in implementation updates to its monthly agendas. The Zoning Sub-Committee of
the Housing Partnership has worked closely with the Office of Planning & Sustainability to implement
any zoning revisions, such as creating multi-family units or two-family unit permissible by right in all
zoning districts. The City was able to get two-family allowed by right in the City.
The Massachusetts Fair Housing Center will continue to do community education and outreach at
various venues in Northampton during the next program year and will process complaints of
discrimination originating in the City. The Housing Partnership held an educational session last fall for
local landlords to learn about support services available should they choose to house a Veteran with a
VASH voucher, or a person exiting homelessness. Building code issues, fair housing law and lead paint
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abatement information were also presented.
Discussion:
The City will work collaboratively with the Housing Partnership, Next Step Collaborative, and other sub-
committee to determine the next course of action. They will investigate how the actions steps created
from the assessment of barriers can be implemented in the next program year and leverage current
initiatives.
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AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction:
The City can and will play a critical role in facilitating communication and collaboration in the face of
limited community resources. It is imperative that our service delivery system operate as efficiently and
effectively as possible to meet the needs of residents. The City will support people and organizations
carrying out public service programming, preserving and creating affordable housing, increasing peoples
economic self-sufficiency, enhancing public facilities and infrastructure to improve the life quality of
people that may be underserved, have insufficient incomes and/or face challenges that hinder them
from achieving their goals.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
Specifically, the City will support and participate in the Western Massachusetts Network to End
Homelessness, the Rural Three County Continuum of Care, the Next Step Collaborative, the
Northampton Housing Partnership and the committees of the Network, to stay informed and proactive
on a regional and local level. This involvement informs the work of the Mayor's Office and relevant City
departments to insure that local government is an active and responsive partner in addressing obstacles
faced by people facing challenges.
In previous Action Plans, a high priority need is for housing and services for women. Dialogue will
continue to occur with Safe Passage to determine if they are interested in developing housing options
for victims of domestic violence. To date, the agency has focused on consolidating and renovating new
office space and do not have housing development as a part of their strategic plan at this time.
The creation of housing first units, perhaps in congregate settings, like the old Safe Havens model will be
researched for following program years. At a meeting held by the Community Development Planner in
January of 2019, where over 30 attendees began to brainstorm this topic. The traditional non-profit
housing developers expressed no desire to enter this realm. The One Stop Applications typically
submitted by these entities (Valley CDC and Way Finders) will not fund smaller projects. The Sergeant
House Project (31 units) is a $7 million project scheduled for completion in July 2020. The Lumber Yard
Project (55 units of affordable housing) was a $19 million project and Live 155 (70 units) for both
projects that finished in the last few years. The State's newly created Community Scale Initiative
Program will be providing funding for the 35 Village Hill Road mixed income mixed use project which will
contain 12 units. But Housing First units, that really should not be developed without solid support
services dollars, are hard to create. The non-profit housing developers have said that HUD's McKinney
funding works better for subsidies than for development, but it is difficult to utilize HUD funds. This is
because coordinating HUD funding cycles (where the dollars are not actually forthcoming for a year or
more, as one applies in advance) with the State funds needed for the development costs, are very hard
to mesh. Due to the time delays for all funding decisions, it is very hard for a non-profit to ask a seller to
wait, as few have the funds for acquisition at the ready, when a property becomes available. As a result,
local discussion will be about how to utilize CDBG and CPC dollars to purchase existing homes and work
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to identify where support service dollars can come from. There is new movement in the health care
realm, as Accountable Care Organizations, through hospital systems have service dollars available.
Community Support Options (CSO) is a regional mental health agency has received a three-year SAMHSA
grant that has created local clinics that can provide services to the homeless and others and can make
home visits to people who have difficulty coming to the clinic settings.
The City will support with CDBG funds, the agencies that provide direct front line services to those
finding themselves most in need in our community. The on-going communication with those entities
through meetings and interactive monitoring sessions facilitates coordinated responses to meeting the
needs of those underserved. The City will work with the Mass Fair Housing Center to ensure people who
feel they have been discriminated against have a path for recourse. The City will also work with the
Northampton Housing Authority staff and Board of Commissioners to support their efforts to maximize
opportunities for self-sufficiency for their residents.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
The Department of Housing and Community Development's Subsidized Housing Inventory of formally
subsidized housing units is monitored continually by the Community Development Planner and the
Housing Partnership. Work was done last year to try to preserve affordability at Leeds Village
Apartments. Previously, City staff worked with the Holyoke Housing Authority to assign Mobility to Work
vouchers to the property. The subsidy amount was not high enough for the owner to agree to accept.
The property will continue to serve residents with vouchers, but the efforts to project base some
subsidies was not successful. No other expiring use dates are occurring in the next decade, as most of
the newer projects are affordable in perpetuity, or don't expire until 2030 and after.
Recent funding expenditures to foster affordable housing creation are still being implemented. CDBG
and Community Preservation Act funding has been allocated in the past few years with projects coming
to fruition regularly. Live 155 (70 units/ $150,000 CDBG) opened in spring 2018; the Lumber Yard
Apartments (55 units/$200,000 CDBG) opened in June of 2019; the Friends of the Homeless-Dial/Self
Teen Housing Project for unaccompanied homeless youth was completed and had 8 units available for
fall 2019 ($65,000 CDBG); Village Hill North (53 units/$150,000 CDBG) is awaiting funding from the State
for a One Stop application submitted in February of 2019; 35 Village Hill Road (12 units) is fully funded
and began construction in the summer of 2019. Construction in nearly complete on the
renovation/expansion of the Sergeant House SRO (31 units/$150,000 CDBG) and will be available for
occupancy in July 2020. All four new homes being produced by Habitat for Humanity will all be on line by
mid 2020 ($135,000 CDBG).
The City is looking at acquiring parcels that could potentially allow for several affordable housing units,
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but the actual construction would not be for additional program years.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City's Housing Rehabilitation Program will continue to include lead paint abatement as an eligible
activity. All units addressed by the program are tested for lead, and abatement occurs when required.
The program parameter of permitting up to $45,000 to be spent per unit was designed specifically to be
able to address lead paint abatement if needed. It will be run by PVPC or Community Action, both
qualified to carry out the program.
The City's Board of Health continues to maintain the data base they created, to have an up to date
inventory of units that have been certified as lead free. The annual letter from the Mayor to every
landlord in the community thanking them for their contribution to the housing inventory contains
information on lead paint laws and resources for abatement. Levels of childhood lead poisoning remain
low according to the State's Department of Public Health, but the City is aware that lead paint is a silent
discriminator when landlords refuse units to families so they can avoid de-leading. The public education
campaign that resulted from the Analysis of Impediments report addressed increasing information
dissemination about this illegal practice. The Community Development Planner will research how to
leverage EPA grants for de-leading homes with other sources of funding.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
The City will work to support the MANNA Soup Kitchen, the SRO Outreach Program Food Pantry and the
Northampton Survival Center to address food insecurity and free up income for housing costs. The
Literacy Project, The Center for New Americans and Community Action's Youth Employment Readiness
Program will assist residents with economic empowerment. Valley CDC's Small Business Assistance
Program helps people with low incomes to start businesses to increase household income and create
jobs. This program, typically in receipt of $10,000 in CDBG funds each year to enhance the program
offerings.
The City's Community Preservation Committee will continue to fund the Community Housing Support
Services Program this year. The CHSSP Manager works with court involved families facing eviction for
non-payment issues. Working intensively with each family, the goal is to impart information to develop
financial budgeting skills, life skills and maximize earning potential that will move a family out of crisis
into housing stability and hopefully out of poverty.
The Northampton City Council supports the work of the Living Wage Campaign and publicly
acknowledges employers in the community that pay a living wage. The Pioneer Valley Workers Center
advocates for disenfranchised workers to secure higher pay and safe and respectful work environments.
They do education and outreach to insure employees are aware of their rights and responsibilities and
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strives to improve employer/employee relationships.
CDBG funds have been allocated this year to Community Action's Resource and Advocacy Center
(formerly First Call for Help) where people can call in and receive direct assistance to access resources
and benefits. Bi-lingual staff are available to serve the Latinx community, as Community Action has
absorbed some of the services formerly delivered by Casa Latina, which has been dissolved. The CDBG
Director and Community Legal Aid have been active in securing local services from Way Finders in
Housing Court and for RAFT application intakes, so local service providers and clients don't have to drive
to Springfield to access those resources. There is also an effort to identify a location for a laptop/kiosk
sponsored by the Department of Transitional Assistance so people can access SNAP benefits on line,
without having to go to the Holyoke office to apply.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
With regular monthly meetings of the Northampton Housing Partnership, the Next Step Collaborative,
the Chronically Homeless Coordinated Entry meetings and the various monthly meetings of the Western
Mass Network to End Homelessness (services for individuals, families, youth, Veterans), the Community
Development Planner stays current on issues. The quarterly meetings of the Valley CDC Property
Management and Service Providers and other regional meetings such as the Pioneer Valley Regional
Planning Commission's Housing Plan Implementation Committee, the Inclusive Communities Advisory
Group and COSA/Council on Social Service agencies; provide additional input.
The Next Step Collaborative meetings are attended by providers working with sheltered and unsheltered
people, Veterans, people with HIV/Aids, residents of the SRO's, homeless and formerly homeless
consumers. The Housing Partnership is composed of a landlord, a clergy person, a legal aid attorney, a
retired VA Social Worker, a Housing Authority tenant, a domestic violence professional, a Smith College
professor, the Chair of the Planning Board and interested citizens.
The information about needs and City priorities is funneled to the Mayor's Office through all these
interactions. The institutional structure that exists is comprehensive and effective. City collaborations
have been enhanced recently by the addition of the Chair of the Planning Board as a full member on the
Housing Partnership; a requirement by the Community Preservation Committee that all housing
proposals be vetted first by the Housing Partnership; the presence of a Housing Partnership member on
the Technical Review Committee which provides a venue for project proponents to have their plans
reviewed by City departments and boards prior to official submission; and a closer worker relationship
with NHA.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social
service agencies
The City will continue to support the Community Housing Support Services Program which works
primarily with tenants NHA and Meadowbrook Apartments. Close collaboration with the property
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managers, resident services coordinators, attorneys and case managers to accomplish housing
stabilization saves money and stress for everyone. The Coordinator will work on budgeting, life skills,
and income maximization to assist residents with housing stabilization. Property managers support the
CHSSP program, as it results in less eviction cases, legal costs, and unit turnover expenses. Meetings will
be held with the Center for Human Development during the next program year to identify future
funding once the CPC funds are exhausted (mid 2020).
The City will continue to support and attend the sessions between the Valley CDC and Way Finders as
they meet with social service providers engaged in housing stabilization efforts for their tenants. These
affordable housing developers and property managers strive to support their tenants to prevent
evictions. The Community Development Planner attends these meetings to identify broader issues that
the City can address through workshops, training and networking collaborations. For example, City staff
made the linkages between Easthampton Savings Bank, Meadowbrook Apartments and the CHSSP
Coordinator to sponsor a financial literacy workshop for Meadowbrook residents.
Way Finders manages the Lumber Yard Apartments and will manage the Sergeant House for Valley CDC
when that project is completed. In addition to their own properties - Paradise Pond Apartments, the
Earle Street SRO, Live 155 and the Lorraine SRO at 96 Pleasant Street. Valley utilizes HMR Property
Management for the Maples, Millbank, the King Street SRO and the School Street apartments. HMR is
familiar with social service agencies providing housing stabilization work for tenants and all interface
collaboratively. Valley CDC and Way Finders also work in partnership to develop, own, and manage
affordable housing for the City and region.
The City will continue to work with the NHA’s Resident Services Coordinators to insure they are aware of
local resources to enhance self-sufficiency for their tenants. The NHA hired a RSC last year for
Hampshire Heights, in addition to Florence Heights, to serve the families in their public housing
developments, an exciting step forward. The City has found grant sources to install playground
equipment at Hampshire Heights, and construction should begin in summer 2020.
The Coordinated Entry meetings have identified the need for more landlords to be willing to accept
chronically homeless people. The City will participate in adjusting the agenda at the annual landlord
workshop in the fall of 2019 to add the Veterans Agent, ServiceNet and other providers who wish to
address this gathering. The City's Veterans agent has presented in the past, to encourage landlords to
utilize VASH vouchers and come forward to house homeless Veterans. The same can be done for other
sub-populations at this venue.
Discussion:
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction:
The City does not have Section 108 loans, urban renewal settlements, lines of credit, float-funded
activities, or any other program income that has not been reprogrammed.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next
program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 0
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to
address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not
been included in a prior statement or plan 0
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0
Total Program Income: 0
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that
benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive
period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum
overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and
moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00%
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The Plan details how funds expected from the 2020 grant (B-20-MC-25-0027) will be expended including
anticipated income from various loans of $1,000. This loan consists of a housing development loan
payment of $1,000 per year. Additional program income, if any, is unknown as it is dependent on
whether or not deferred housing rehab and home repair loans are paid off. Over the past several years,
due to the difficult economic situation, the City has seen a few repayments. The majority of
homeowners request subordinations. All unanticipated program income received during the prior
program year has been allocated in this year's document.
This plan covers the overall benefit from the program years 2018, 2019, 2020.
Attachments
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Citizen Participation Comments
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Grantee SF-424's and Certification(s)
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Appendix - Alternate/Local Data Sources
1 Data Source Name
Unlocking Opportunity: An Assessment of Barriers
List the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.
Provide a brief summary of the data set.
From the report, "The Springfield Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), home to Northampton,
Springfield and most of the cities and towns in the Pioneer Valley, ranks third in the country for
MSAs with the highest dissimilarity indices between White and Latinx populations.1 This index,
used by HUD to assess levels of segregation between two groups, measures whether a racial or
ethnic group is distributed equally across a region in the same way as another racial or ethnic
group. A higher score, simply put, means higher levels of segregation between racial and ethnic
groups."
What was the purpose for developing this data set?
The purpose to identify and address the history of institutional racism in Northampton regarding
housing. It also recognizes that housing discrimination can be based on "disability, national origin,
sex, familial status, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, military status, genetic
information, ancestry and because they receive public assistance/housing subsidies" and sought
ways to create access and opportunity for people facing discrimination.
How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one
geographic area or among a certain population?
The data that PVPC used was pulled from the American Community Survey Estimates (ACS) 2013-
2017 and looked at several populations characteristics for Northampton. It also compared
Northampton regionally regarding racial/ethnic makeup, foreign-born residents to other counties
in the area versus Massachusetts overall, and compared unemployment data with the state and
county overall.
What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?
The data was based on the ACS Estimates for 2013-2017
What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?
The data set is complete.
2 Data Source Name
ACS Data for Northampton City, MA 2007-2011
List the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.
American Community Survey Data 2007-2011
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Provide a brief summary of the data set.
Block grant level data indicates more than census tract level data.
What was the purpose for developing this data set?
The pre-populated data for total households is incorrect. The universe is only 11,583 households
but a tally of the numbers provided equals 26,855.
How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one
geographic area or among a certain population?
The new numbers being inserted reflect household breakdowns according to income ranges,
citywide.
What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?
2007-2011.
What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?
Complete.
3 Data Source Name
Data from Northampton Housing Authority.
List the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.
Northampton Housing Authority. Michael Owens, Assistant Director.
Provide a brief summary of the data set.
Actual counts from the Housing Authority.
What was the purpose for developing this data set?
We could tell the prepopulated numbers from PIC were incorrect.
How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one
geographic area or among a certain population?
The information is from the Northampton Housing Authority, about their units and their activities.
Some of the Section 8 and VASH certificates they administer are in other communities, but all the
public housing is in Northampton.
What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?
The unit counts were at a point in time, but their inventory does not change much. March of 2015.
The project plans are incorporated into their 5 year Plan which covers 2015-2019.
What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?
Complete.
4 Data Source Name
Housing Needs Assessment Strategic Plan 2011
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List the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.
Karen Sunnarborg/ Consultant/ Created the Northampton Housing Needs Assessment and
Strategic Plan. 2011. All her data sources are cited with each chart.
Provide a brief summary of the data set.
Data on Housing Affordability. Chart information based on Nielsen Claritas database 2009
estimate; extrapolated median income from 80% AMI HUD figures for a 2 person household. HUD
2009 Income Limits for Springfield SMSA for a household of 2, which is the average household size
in Northampton. Figures based on interest of 5.5%, 30-year term, annual property tax rate of
$11.48 per thousand, insurance costs of $1.25 per $1,000 of combined valuation of dwelling value
(value x 0.5), personal property ($100,000 fixed), and personal liability ($100,000 fixed), and
private mortgage insurance estimated at 0.3125 of loan amount for 95% financing, estimated
monthly condo fees of $250, and rental income of 75% of $900 or $675.
What was the purpose for developing this data set?
The pre populated numbers from HUD for the Housing Affordability Chart on page 33 are
incorrect. There are only 11,853 or 12,604 (depending on where you look) so the total of 32,515 is
wrong.
How comprehensive is the coverage of this administrative data? Is data collection concentrated in one
geographic area or among a certain population?
The data collection, citations and analysis in the Housing Plan are comprehensive and meticulous.
The information supplied is city-wide, with many State and National comparisons.
What time period (provide the year, and optionally month, or month and day) is covered by this data set?
Plan contains Census data through 2000 and ACS estimates for 2007-2011.
What is the status of the data set (complete, in progress, or planned)?
Complete. Housing Partnership has expressed interest in doing another Community Preservation
Committee request to get the information updated to 2010 census, but so many categories of
information are still unavailable, so it doesn't make sense to do it yet.
5 Data Source Name
CHAS Data for Northampton 2012-2016
List the name of the organization or individual who originated the data set.
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Provide a brief summary of the data set.
Each year, the HUD receives custom tabulations of American Community Survey (ACS) data from
the U.S. Census Bureau. These data, known as the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy
(CHAS). The CHAS data are used by local governments to plan how to spend HUD funds, and may
also be used by HUD to distribute grant funds.
Consolidated Plan NORTHAMPTON 261
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
What was the purpose for developing this data set?
To demonstrate the extent of housing problems and housing needs, particularly for low income
households. This is estimated by the number of households that have certain housing problems
and have income low enough to qualify for HUD’s programs (primarily 30, 50, and 80 percent of
median income). It is also important to consider the prevalence of housing problems among
different types of households, such as the elderly, disabled, minorities, and different household
types. The CHAS data provide counts of the numbers of households that fit these HUD-specified
characteristics in HUD-specified geographic areas.
Provide the year (and optionally month, or month and day) for when the data was collected.
2012-2016
Briefly describe the methodology for the data collection.
CHAS consists of “custom tabulations” of data from the U.S. Census Bureau that are generally not
otherwise publicly available using ACS data. The ACS offers timely data for the period between
censuses, allowing for a relatively current picture of local conditions.
Describe the total population from which the sample was taken.
CHAS uses ACS data which surveys the whole country, but the CHAS data that the City is using was
compiled of only Northampton data.
Describe the demographics of the respondents or characteristics of the unit of measure, and the number
of respondents or units surveyed.
The ACS, and therefore the CHAS consists of monthly household surveys that are sent to randomly
selected addresses.