Photograph by Todd Van Hoosear, Somerville Community Path Tour, The Signet Commandery Building at 341 Medford St., home of the Boston Billiard Emporium, October 20, 2012

Fair Housing Commission - The Fair Housing Commission receives complaints about possible fair housing violations and provides information and assistance, including referrals to the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) and Cambridge and Somerville Legal Services; undertakes activities to increase the understanding of tenants, homeowners, landlords, realtors and lenders of their rights and responsibilities under state and federal fair housing laws and undertakes activities that promote goodwill and minimize discrimination in housing.

Home Improvement Program - The Home Improvement Program (HIP) is funded through the OSPCD Housing Division’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation. The program provides loans to owner-occupied or investor-owned buildings with up to seven units located in Somerville, based on income qualification, property needs, and availability of funds.

Housing Division - City of Somerville -The Housing Division offers a number of programs and services designed to improve housing in the City. Some of their duties include funding new housing developments, administering the Home Improvement Program and the Inclusionary Housing Program, and offering support to other housing-related programs in the City.

Inclusionary Housing Program - The Somerville Zoning Ordinance established the Inclusionary Housing Program. The program staff work with private and nonprofit developers to create below-market rate housing opportunities for eligible renters and homebuyers.

Office of Housing Stability - City of Somerville - The Mission of the Office of Housing Stability is to prevent the involuntary displacement of Somerville residents who are in the process of eviction or at other risk of losing their housing; to rehouse those without stable housing or who otherwise need to relocate; and to support the enactment of policies and the creation of programs to combat displacement and enhance tenants’ rights.

Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund - The Somerville Affordable Housing Trust Fund (SAHTF) was created in 1989 by a City ordinance to preserve and create affordable rental and homeownership units in Somerville, and to carry out programs to directly assist homeowners and renters. The Affordable Housing Trust Fund offers multiple opportunities to apply for funding via the Closing Cost Assistance Program and Homeownership Stabilization Program.