January 2026 Newsletter - 2025 Year in Review

As we begin a new year, the Mayor's Office of Housing is reflecting on the progress that our divisions and partners have made across Boston in 2025 to expand housing access, strengthen stability, and invest in our neighborhoods. Throughout the year, the City worked alongside residents, community organizations, developers, and public partners to deliver results—from helping thousands of households remain stably housed, to expanding permanent supportive housing, advancing homeownership, and growing access to food-producing open spaces. These accomplishments demonstrate a coordinated, citywide effort to meet urgent housing needs while building systems that promote long-term affordability, equity, and resilience. As we look ahead to 2026, the work highlighted below reflects both the scale of what was achieved and the foundation being laid for continued progress in the years to come.

Keeping Boston Residents Stably Housed

Rising housing costs, unexpected emergencies, and short-term financial hardship can quickly put residents at risk of losing their homes. Fires, job disruptions, medical issues, and rent increases can push families into crisis with little warning.

In 2025, the City focused on intervening early—working directly with residents to stabilize housing situations, prevent displacement, and provide clear pathways to permanent solutions. By pairing emergency response with longer-term housing support, the City helped residents remain safely housed and connected to their communities.

2025 Impact Highlights

• Prevented 1,023 evictions
• Supported 133 households displaced by fires
• Helped 271 households secure permanent housing
• Delivered emergency rental assistance, with targeted support for young adults and families at highest risk of housing instability

Supporting People Experiencing Homelessness and Moving Residents into Permanent Homes

For residents experiencing homelessness, especially those living unsheltered or facing long-term instability, access to permanent housing can transform lives. In 2025, the City prioritized moving those experiencing homelessness directly into stable homes while expanding supportive housing options designed to ensure long term stability. These efforts focused on speed, dignity, and long-term stability—helping residents exit homelessness and rebuild their lives.

2025 Impact Highlights

• Housed 979 individuals, including;160 veterans; 345 youth and young adults
• Helped 1,071 families, representing 3,261 people, secure stable housing
• Moved 200+ unsheltered individuals directly from the street into permanent homes
• Leased up major supportive housing developments, with additional projects underway

Helping Bostonians Become and Stay Homeowners

Homeownership offers stability, a foundation for generational wealth, and deeper connections to neighborhood life—but many residents face barriers to buying, keeping, or maintaining a home. Rising costs, aging housing stock, and unexpected financial challenges can threaten long-term housing security. In 2025, the City supported residents at every stage of homeownership, helping first-time buyers enter the market while ensuring existing homeowners could maintain their housing. These efforts strengthened both individual households and neighborhood stability.

2025 Impact Highlights

• Helped 473 first-time homebuyers purchase homes
• Supported 145 homeowners facing foreclosure
• Assisted 176 homeowners with critical home repairs
• Completed 26 homes with lead hazard remediation
• Provided 500+ residents with technical assistance related to accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Expanded energy-efficient home repairs and upgrades

Creating and Preserving Affordable Homes Across Boston

Boston’s ongoing housing shortage continues to place pressure on families, seniors, and workers who want to remain in the city. Without intentional action, rising costs and limited supply can lead to displacement and fewer options for residents across income levels. In 2025, the City addressed this challenge by protecting existing affordable homes while advancing new housing development in neighborhoods citywide. This dual approach helped preserve long-term affordability while ensuring new homes move from planning to construction and completion.

2025 Impact Highlights

• Preserved 393 at-risk homes to prevent displacement
• Completed construction on 1,144 income-restricted homes
• Awarded critical funding for 637 new homes across 12 affordable housing projects
• Permitted 901 income-restricted units, accelerating future housing delivery

Growing Healthy Neighborhoods Through Food and Open Space

Strong neighborhoods depend on more than housing alone—access to fresh food, green space, and shared places to gather all contribute to residents’ health and quality of life. Many communities face limited access to these resources, especially in densely developed areas. In 2025, the City's GrowBoston: Office of Urban Agriculture invested in urban agriculture and open space to support food access, environmental resilience, and community connection. These projects empowered residents to shape their neighborhoods while transforming underused land into vibrant community assets.

2025 Impact Highlights

• Installed 576 raised garden beds across Boston neighborhoods
• Launched the Urban Agriculture Ambassador Program, providing: 115+ one-on-one gardening consultations; 55 hands-on workshops; Engaged youth in a six-week intensive gardening program
• Completed 6 community-led projects, including farms, gardens, food forests, and greenways
• Began construction on 5 additional projects, expanding gardens, food forests, and public plazas