Our Vision We envision a vibrant, diverse, sustainable, and inclusive Needham, where people at every stage of life and at all income levels can find a home and be part of a healthy and welcoming community.
Our Mission Through conversation, research, education, and advocacy, we work toward common sense reforms that allow for more housing options for current and future Needham residents. We support increased funding for affordable housing, and a wider range of housing choices to meet a diverse set of needs across the community.
Did you know …
- … that there is a plan for Needham to become home to an 80-90 unit development that will provide housing for individuals with autism and intellectual disabilities, integrated with traditional affordable and workforce housing? Click here to learn more.
- … that there is a statewide law, now in effect, that makes it easier to build an ADU in Massachusetts? Click here for news and here for more information about how this affects Needham.
- … that many Needham residents — both homeowners and renters — are paying an excessive share of their income for monthly household expenses? Here are some recent statistics that suggest that many are “cost burdened.” Is that good for our town’s economic health? If not, how can we create more supply and lower housing costs?
Why Housing?
Housing prices are out of reach
Needham has few reasonable options for seniors who want to downsize, adult children who want to settle here, young families, teachers, firefighters, and other local employees who want to live closer to their jobs, and others.
Supply has not kept up with demand
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts needs 200,000 new housing units by 2030 and 400,000 units by 2050. Needham has added only 540 units of multifamily housing over the past 10 years.
Our commercial districts need foot traffic
Needham would significantly benefit from more convenient, walkable, housing density supporting more vibrant business districts in the center and the heights, attracting visitors from neighboring towns and adding revenue to the town budget.
We all benefit from economic and cultural diversity
Any community benefits from the contributions of people from different backgrounds, different cultures, different experiences, and a variety of professions. Our children are more well-rounded and are better prepared to enter our increasingly diverse society when they enter the workforce when they have the opportunity to meet a variety of fellow students.
Join the conversation.
Subscribe to our NHC newsletter for announcements and information regarding housing-related issues.
Join our Facebook group for relevant articles and meaningful discussion about housing needs and housing solutions in Needham.
Attend our open meetings and events!
Join one of our Working Groups.
Invite us to a Housing Conversation with your group or community — formal or informal.
Email us at needhamhousingcoalition@gmail.com.
What’s happening?
Current NHC Newsletter and Events
Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs)
Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act
For news about what is going on in Needham, subscribe to our four local online news outlets:
For housing assistance resources, please click here.
We have copied and repurposed text and other content from other housing advocacy groups with their permission. We especially want to thank Equitable Arlington for allowing us to repurpose much of their content and design.
