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 Since its incorporation in 1970, the Wayland Housing Authority (WHA) has provided, maintained, administered, and advocated for housing for low- and moderate-income people in Wayland. The WHA, as a public authority constituted under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 121B, administers several housing programs for the Town, including:
- Bent Park Elderly Housing
- Cochituate Village Apartments Elderly Housing
- Family Scattered Site Public Housing, 25 units
- Section 8 Voucher Rental Assistance Programs, a federal program that pays rent to private landlords for qualified low-income tenants.
The WHA also participates in the federal Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program. The FSS program encourages communities to develop local strategies to help public housing. Equally important, the FSS program provides support services and information to Section 8 voucher families to help them obtain employment that will lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency. The WHA has a part-time FSS Caseworker to manage the program.
The WHA office is also a resource for the Town on other affordable housing programs, such as:
- Soft Second Loan Program (first-time homebuyer mortgage assistance)
- Affordable Accessory Apartment Program (incentives for construction of accessory apartments on Wayland homes for low-income tenants)
- First-time Homeownership Programs.
WHA representatives serve on the Wayland Housing Partnership, the Community Preservation Committee, the Nike Site Reuse Advisory Committee, and the Master Plan Study Committee. Contact the WHA office or the Town Clerk for information about these positions.
Every year, the WHA updates its federal housing programs plan, which describes the WHA’s mission, long-range goals, objectives, and intended actions. Anyone who is interested may review the Housing Plan at the WHA office.
Many people are not familiar with how public housing programs work, or what are their requirements. Here, then, is a quick overview. The WHA raises its operating funds from rent revenue and, for the federal programs, HUD operating subsidies. Capital improvements are funded by the government, or from operating reserves, or with use of a commercial loan. Occasionally, the WHA may request monies from already-collected Community Preservation Act funds. A minimum of 10% of funds collected are dedicated to affordable housing, with a preference for preserving or rehabilitating existing housing units over creating new.
All people who wish to be considered for public housing must submit an application and supporting documentation. The WHA conducts a review of income and assets to determine preliminary eligibility. If the prospective tenant passes that threshold review, the WHA undertakes a review of the applicant’s background to make a determination of eligibility and suitability. Every WHA public housing resident is subject to an annual recertification of income and eligibility.
To apply for public rental housing and Section 8 rental vouchers, visit the WHA office. All WHA-administered housing programs have a local reference, that is, those people who live, work, attend school, have relatives, or grew up in Wayland are given priority over applicants who do not have a Wayland connection.
The WHA works with Town boards and committees to foster the development of affordable housing in Wayland. Currently, the WHA is helping the Town obtain funding for a feasibility study of property on Doran Road. The study will evaluate the site with regard to its possible use for affordable housing, open space, and space for a possible future septic treatment plant to serve the surrounding neighborhood.
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