SPECIAL REPORT

Tackling the Housing Crisis on Cape Cod

Supporting Towns on the Front Lines of the Housing Crisis

Across Cape Cod, the need for attainable, affordable housing has reached a critical point. In response, Barnstable County has committed strategic resources, built partnerships, and invested in long-term planning to support a regional solution. From direct funding of new housing projects to pilot programs that help towns build capacity, our focus is clear: support the communities on the front lines of this challenge.

This special report outlines key initiatives—both underway and completed—that reflect Barnstable County’s commitment to addressing the housing crisis in collaboration with municipalities across the region.

A Regional Strategy for a Regional Challenge

The Cape Cod Commission is leading the creation of a Comprehensive Regional Housing Strategy to support community-scale development and expand housing options across the Cape. The strategy includes recommended zoning tools, policy changes, and funding mechanisms that reflect input from town leaders and stakeholders and is guided by strong data analysis.

Learn more on the Cape Cod Commission website.

Pictured above: Dignitaries, including Barnstable County Commissioner Sheila Lyons, take part in the groundbreaking ceremony for the Province Post Rental Housing Project at 3 Jerome Smith Road in Provincetown last June.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Federal Funds in Action

In 2023, Barnstable County made targeted investments using federal funds to address housing and homelessness. Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and HOME-ARP programs, the County is putting over $13 million to work in Cape Cod communities.

ARPA: $11.4 Million for Housing and Homeless Services

Funding has been distributed across three main priorities:

Affordable rental housing received $6.9 million to help projects overcome funding gaps and move forward.

Shelter improvements and medical services were supported with $3 million, allowing for enhanced facilities and care for unhoused residents.

Workforce housing—a critical gap on the Cape—received $1.5 million to support models tailored to essential workers.

HOME-ARP: $1.56 Million to Support Vulnerable Residents

This one-time federal funding is directed at people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The majority—85%—will be used to create or preserve housing, while the remaining 15% supports regional planning and administration led by the County’s Department of Human Services.

Together, these investments are not only funding buildings—they’re strengthening the region’s housing system at every level.

Above: Overview rendering: 95 Lawrence Road will provide up to 46 apartments. The area to the left has two- and three-bedroom units in Townhouses. The building to the right has 22 one- and two-bedroom apartments in a building with an elevator. (Retrieved from https://www.wellfleethousing.org)

Affordable Housing in Progress: County-Supported Developments Across the Cape

Barnstable County’s federal investments are already making an impact on the ground, with six rental housing developments underway or completed, spanning the Upper, Mid, Lower and Outer Cape. In total, these projects will deliver 272 affordable units:

In Bourne, Cape View Way (42 units) is now complete. Province Post in Provincetown (65 units), Lawrence Hill in Wellfleet (46 units), Cloverleaf in Truro (43 units), and two Orleans projects—107 Main (14 units) and Pennrose (62 units)—are all under construction.

These projects represent a significant infusion of housing across multiple towns, with each tailored to local needs.

Homeownership Initiatives

Barnstable County is also investing in ownership opportunities:

A 40-unit condominium development is in progress at 268 Stevens Street in Hyannis, targeting households at 100% AMI.

Four single-family homes on Sam Turner Road in Falmouth have been completed and are already serving new homeowners.

These developments are more than numbers—they are homes for local families, seniors, and workers, backed by a County-wide commitment to regional equity and support.

Shared Regional Housing Services Pilot

Barnstable County Department of Human Services has launched a Shared Regional Housing Services Pilot Program to help towns address housing challenges with shared tools and expertise. This two-year ARPA-funded initiative brings together ten towns in a working group, providing coordinated technical assistance, model bylaws, and planning support.

Modeled after a successful South Shore program, the pilot is designed to continue through intermunicipal agreements and represents a regional step forward in building capacity for local housing solutions.

Joint Base Cape Cod Opportunity

Barnstable County is collaborating with Mass Development and officials at Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) to explore long-term housing opportunities on the site. During World War II, the base housed over 100,000 military personnel supporting troops bound for overseas deployment.

In the 1980s, the designated housing area comprised between 800 and 1,000 housing units. However, today Coast Guard and Defense personnel occupy 161 housing units, which are located in the cantonment area of the base - the lower 5,000 acres of the installation. The housing is comprised of older, single ranch, single flat-top, and multiplex townhouse units with full basements and private yards in a wooded setting. Today, our active-duty military and Coast Guard personnel need more on-base housing options, as they are being impacted by housing allowances that are unable to keep up with rising costs.

The Commissioners see JBCC as providing a rare opportunity to address regional housing shortages for our military, including homeland security and Coast Guard personnel in the region. The housing offers other opportunities that need to be examined.

Two years ago, the County Commissioners advocated for an update to the JBCC comprehensive master plan. The last master plan was completed over 25 years ago and is out of date. A future vision for the base, including housing must be aligned with infrastructure requirements and environmental goals.

Earlier this year, state officials agreed with this approach. This new master planning effort is being led by Mass Development and the Massachusetts National Guard with the assistance of the Cape Cod Commission. It will be overseen by Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll and will include extensive community participation.

A County Committed to Housing

In April 2025, the Barnstable County Assembly of Delegates adopted a Housing Crisis Resolution, acknowledging the scale of the issue and encouraging collaboration across all levels of government. [Read more…]

Barnstable County’s investments in planning, funding, and intermunicipal collaboration reflect a long-term commitment to building vibrant, inclusive communities. We recognize that every town plays a role—and that regional support is essential for meaningful, sustained progress.

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