Affordable Housing Resources on Cape Cod

There are many organizations involved in affordable/attainable housing efforts – on the local, regional, State, and federal levels. The Orleans Housing Authority owns and operates housing for eligible households. Barnstable County and the Cape Cod Commission are active in regional efforts and provide information and reports. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts has long been active in this area and has a wealth of information and assistance available through multiple agencies. For those seeking affordable housing and related services in the area, many non-profit organizations provide information and assistance to Orleans residents, as well as residents of Barnstable County, the Cape Cod region, and the State.

• Town of Orleans: the Department of Planning and Community Development provides staffing for the Affordable Housing Committee and Affordable Housing Trust Board and is the point of contact for the Town on housing matters. A half-time Affordable Housing Coordinator (email: mallgeier@town.orleans.ma.us) works under the supervision of the Director of Planning.
• Orleans Housing Authority: The Housing Authority is empowered to carry out the duties of a local housing agency under Chapter 121B of Massachusetts General Law. These duties include the planning, construction, operation and maintenance of rent subsidized housing for low income individuals and families, veterans, the elderly and the disabled. Though the Authority is State funded, the Board of Commissioners are all citizens of the Town of Orleans. The Authority manages 131 units of housing under a variety of programs.
• Lower Cape Housing Institute: Organized and carried out by the Community Development Partnership with funding from the five towns of the Lower Cape and other organizations, the Institute provides ongoing education and technical assistance to elected and appointed municipal officials and town staff about strategies to increase housing production on the Lower Cape. Programming is free of charge and is open to all interested town board and committee members (not just the ones who deal with housing specifically). The two components of the LCHI are virtual workshops, covering a range of topics addressed by regional housing experts; and quarterly Municipal Peer Group Meetings, an informal space for housing advocates to network and share ideas, challenges, and best practices.  Click for Information on the 2023-2024 program and here for upcoming events.