Homeownership University

To date in 2023, MAHA hosted 21 virtual Homebuyer 101 classes in English, and Spanish graduating 1,885 potential homebuyers with the information they need to navigate the homebuying process. We also graduated 773 individuals from our HomeSafe homeowner classes, with our remaining Homeowner 201 classes completely filled for the rest of the year. The desire for homeownership is strong!

Also in 2023, MAHA assisted applicants to the Homeownership Assistance Fund, a mortgage relief program for homeowners who were impacted by Covid-19. In the last year, we assisted over 2,000 homeowners access HAF grants and keep their homes.

STASH: First-Gen Home

This year, 20 STASH: First-Gen Home graduates purchased homes putting their matched savings grants towards the downpayment and closing costs. Since the beginning of the program, 95 STASH graduates have bought homes across Massachusetts. This October marks the start of the statewide expansion of STASH: First-Gen Home which will be able to support 150 more first-generation homebuyers with matching grants of $20,000 to help them purchase a home anywhere in the state.

Homebuyers Union

MAHA’s Homebuyers Union members held over 20 action meetings this year with our elected officials and developers. When 290 of our members met with Sheila Dillon, Boston’s Housing Chief and Arthur Jemison, the Director of the Boston Planning and Development Agency, we got commitments on Dorchester Bay City funding for STASH: First-Gen Home matching grants, increased linkage rates from the development, and the production of more affordable homeownership units.

The commitments made to MAHA by the developer and the BPDA were included in the BPDA Board vote on rezoning for the project. We also fought for a local option real estate transfer fee to be allowed statewide, and we increased the affordability of the ONE+Boston mortgage program. 

Taste of Dorchester

We had so much fun at the 15th Annual Taste of Dorchester this year! It was a great celebration of fifteen years of great food, music, and community as well as raising important funds for MAHA's programs that work to close the racial homeownership gap. Murl's Kitchen and Irie Jamaican Style Restaurant won Best Entrée, and Sweet Teez won Best Dessert! Save the date for next year's TOD: Thursday, April 25th!

Join us in breaking down barriers to affordable, sustainable homeownership!