Housing Assistance Corporation

What Housing Assistance Corporation does

Housing Assistance Corporation (HAC) is a 501(c)(3) Massachusetts nonprofit founded in 1974 and headquartered in Hyannis, providing the regional housing services backbone for Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket. The organization operates the only HUD-approved housing counseling agency in the region and serves as the exclusive regional administrator for federal Section 8 and Massachusetts state housing vouchers (MRVP, THRIVE) across Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties. With a 2024 annual budget of $48.5 million and roughly 120 employees across five locations, HAC has built more than 600 affordable homes and apartments, monitors 250+ affordable units, and delivered integrated services — including homeless outreach, family shelters, HomeBASE diversion, permanent supportive housing, RAFT homeless prevention, energy-efficiency weatherization, youth transitional housing, and a 2-year Family Empowerment program — to 9,000 individuals in 2025, a 40% year-over-year increase.

The organization's technology footprint is conventional nonprofit-stack: Google Analytics, UserWay accessibility widget, Cognito Forms for intake, Constant Contact for email, Eventbrite for events, and Akismet for spam filtering. There is no proprietary AI/ML platform; core operations rely on standard CRM-style case management and voucher administration workflows. HAC monetizes via a diversified revenue model layered across four streams: government grants and voucher administration contracts (federal HUD, Massachusetts state programs), private philanthropy (Hermann, Bilezikian, Zammer foundations; Rockland Trust; Eastern Bank Foundation), municipal investments from 11 Cape Cod towns, and rental/real estate income from owned affordable housing and the wholly-owned Cape Community Real Estate brokerage subsidiary.

Go-to-market is hybrid direct-to-consumer and community-led: clients access services through Hyannis, Orleans, and Cataumet offices and an online intake portal, while advocacy and fundraising flow through the Walk for Hope and Oysters & Champagne events, HACbeat newsletter, and the Housing to Protect Cape Cod coalition. Key strategic partners include Catholic Charities (shelter operator at St. Joseph's House), Duffy Health Center (on-site medical/behavioral health), Preservation of Affordable Housing (co-developer on Brewster Woods), the Cape Cod Commission (regional planning), and Barnstable County/MassDevelopment (capital funding for the 460 West Main Street shelter relocation).

Name

Housing Assistance Corporation

Legal name

Housing Assistance Corporation

Website

https://haconcapecod.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1974

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Housing Assistance Corporation

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Nonprofit Housing Services

NAICS

Community Housing Services (62422), Administration of Housing Programs (925110), Other Residential Care Facilities (62399)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro primary industry

Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Housing Benefits & Rent Subsidy Administration (BPAIAKAG), Affordable Rental & Multifamily Housing Finance Programs (LIHTC/Tax Credits/Subsidized Loans) (FSALAKAF), Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction (IMAFABAI)

Keywords

• Affordable housing development
• Homeless services
• Rental voucher administration
• Housing counseling
• Nonprofit social services

Headquarters

HQ city

Hyannis

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and Contracts: Receives federal and state funding to administer housing voucher programs, homeless prevention assistance (RAFT), and other housing services across Cape Cod and the Islands. The organization is the regional administrator for federal Section 8 vouchers and Massachusetts state programs.
2. Private Donations and Philanthropy: 91% of every donation goes directly to housing assistance programs. Receives donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations including Hermann Foundation, Bilezikian Family Foundation, Zammer Foundation, Rockland Trust, Eastern Bank Foundation, and others.
3. Housing Development and Real Estate: Develops affordable housing units for rent and sale. Built over 600 homes and apartments. Monitors 250+ affordable units across the Cape and Islands. Sells affordable homes through lottery process.
4. Town Investments: Receives funding support from Cape Cod towns including Brewster, Falmouth, Orleans, Provincetown, Wellfleet, Truro, Harwich, Eastham, Sandwich, Mashpee, and Bourne through Human Services departments.

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Housing Assistance Corporation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that administers federal and state rental voucher programs (Section 8, MRVP, THRIVE), develops and monitors affordable housing (600+ homes built, 250+ units monitored), runs homeless prevention and shelter programs (RAFT, family shelters, HomeBASE, Permanent Supportive Housing), and provides HUD-approved housing counseling, energy efficiency services (HEARTWAP, weatherization), ADU technical and financial assistance, and the Rent 365 seasonal-to-year-round conversion incentive program across Cape Cod and the Islands.

Product overview

Housing Assistance Corporation operates as a comprehensive nonprofit housing services organization offering a portfolio of integrated programs and services. The core offerings include Affordable Housing Development (having built 600+ homes), Rental Voucher Programs (Section 8, MRVP, THRIVE), Homeless Prevention (RAFT, Private Prevention, Workforce Housing Relief), Shelters & Homeless Services (including Family Shelters, HomeBASE, and Permanent Supportive Housing), and Education & Housing Counseling (the only HUD-approved counseling agency in the region). Additional services include Energy Efficiency Programs (weatherization, heating systems), Youth & Young Adult Services, Family Empowerment transitional housing, the Rent 365 seasonal-to-year-round conversion program, and ADU Program support. The organization also operates Cape Community Real Estate (CCRE) as a real estate brokerage division and provides Case Management and Housing Advocacy services. These programs work together to provide a full continuum from homeless outreach and prevention through shelter, stabilization, and affordable homeownership.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Affordable Housing Development Development, construction, and ownership of affordable housing units for rent and purchase on Cape Cod, having built over 600 homes and apartments to date with 140+ additional units in the pipeline. Buildings are designed for high energy efficiency using green materials and systems. Targets families, seniors, veterans, and disabled populations.
• Rental Voucher Programs Regional administration of federal and state housing voucher programs across Barnstable, Dukes, and Nantucket counties, including the federal Section 8 program, the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP), and the THRIVE workforce housing subsidy, helping over 900 households and 650 property owners afford housing on Cape Cod.
• Homeless Prevention Administers rent and mortgage assistance to keep people safely housed, including the state-funded RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition), Private Prevention Funds, and the Workforce Housing Relief Fund. Served 1,023 applicants with financial assistance to stay housed in 2025.
• Shelters & Homeless Services Comprehensive emergency shelter and supportive housing services including St. Joseph's House (the only overnight shelter for individuals on Cape Cod, operated by Catholic Charities with HAC as landlord), Family Shelters, HomeBASE emergency diversion, and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). Includes dedicated day program with education, training, and behavioral health services.
• Education & Housing Counseling HUD-approved housing counseling services for Cape Cod and the Islands, including first-time homebuyer courses, Money Matters financial literacy, and one-on-one housing counseling. Served 4,862 households in 2025 through housing counseling and education.
• Energy Efficiency Programs Administers energy-efficiency programs for low-income households, including Weatherization & Energy Assessments and the Heating System Programs (HEARTWAP) for heating system repairs and replacements. Performed 773 energy audits in 2025.
• Youth & Young Adult Services Targeted services for unaccompanied youth and young adults ages 16-24 experiencing homelessness or housing instability, providing individualized case management, temporary and permanent housing solutions, and connections to education, employment, and mental health care.
• Family Empowerment A 2-year supportive transitional housing program for households exiting Family Shelters, combining temporary shelter with intensive case management focused on financial literacy, employment, and family well-being.
• Cape Community Real Estate (CCRE) Full-service nonprofit real estate brokerage division of Housing Assistance that serves as broker on market-rate sales across Cape Cod.
• ADU Program Technical Assistance and Financial Assistance program for homeowners looking to build an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) on their property to expand affordable housing supply.
• Rent 365 Program Provides financial incentives to homeowners that convert their seasonal rentals into year-round rentals, addressing Cape Cod's workforce housing needs.
• Real Estate Monitoring Services Monitors 250+ affordable units across the Cape and Islands to ensure compliance with affordable housing covenants, regulations, and program requirements.
• Case Management One-on-one housing case management services for individuals enrolled in specific Housing Assistance programs to help stabilize housing and utilize housing resources. Includes coordination with partner agencies like Falmouth Human Services.
• Housing Advocacy Advocacy training and community organizing efforts to advance reforms that expand pathways to stable, attainable housing across the region, including the Housing to Protect Cape Cod coalition with Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod.

Quantifiable outcome

• 4,862 households received housing counseling and education
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration7 records

Partnerships

Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Catholic CharitiescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Catholic Charities operates St. Joseph's House shelter, the only overnight shelter for individuals on Cape Cod. Housing Assistance is the landlord, providing the facility at 460 West Main Street. Catholic Charities manages day-to-day shelter operations and self-funds the day program including education, training, and housing search support.
• Duffy Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Duffy Health Center provides primary medical and behavioral health services on-site at the new St. Joseph's House shelter location at 460 West Main Street, offering integrated healthcare to shelter guests.
• Cape Cod CommissionmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Collaborated on Housing Cape Cod: The Regional Strategy report addressing housing supply, affordability, and availability issues. The Cape Cod Commission is the regional planning and economic development agency.
• Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Partnership on Brewster Woods affordable housing development, completed in 2023, providing 30 affordable rental units. POAH is a nonprofit real estate developer focused on preserving affordable housing.
• The Concord GroupminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCommissioned by Housing Assistance to conduct Housing Market Overview and Benefits of Housing Development in Barnstable County report in 2022, analyzing the regional economy and housing market.
• APCC (Association to Preserve Cape Cod)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint mapping project with Housing Assistance to identify priority areas for natural resource protection and affordable moderate-density housing development.
• Housing to Protect Cape Cod CoalitioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCoalition in partnership with Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce and Homebuilders and Remodelers Association of Cape Cod to advocate for housing solutions and empower community members to support pro-housing policies.
• Falmouth Human ServicesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing case management referrals for Falmouth residents experiencing housing instability, connecting them with Housing Assistance case managers.
• Horizons for Homeless ChildrenminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing childcare volunteers at family shelters who support children in shelter with play and enrichment activities.
• Cotuit Center for the ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerProvides art programs at St. Joseph's House shelter including weekly art sessions and Drumming through Trauma program for shelter guests.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves16 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Heading Home: Greater Boston nonprofit operating emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent supportive housing with an integrated housing-first model. Directly comparable to HAC's homeless services, Family Shelter, and Permanent Supportive Housing service lines targeting similar vulnerable populations.
• Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH): National nonprofit real estate developer preserving and operating affordable rental housing. POAH is a direct strategic partner on the Brewster Woods development and operates an essentially identical nonprofit affordable-housing-development and property-management model targeting LIHTC-financed multifamily rentals in similar regional markets.
• Father Bill's & Mainspring: Massachusetts nonprofit providing emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, workforce housing, and affordable housing development across Southeastern MA. Closely parallels HAC's full continuum (homeless prevention → shelter → affordable housing development) and serves a comparable regional geography.
• Habitat for Humanity of Cape Cod: Local Habitat affiliate operating across Cape Cod with overlapping affordable homeownership development, homebuyer education, and volunteer-driven construction programs. Directly competes for the same Cape Cod affordable-housing pipeline, homeowner counseling clients, and pro-housing advocacy platform.
• Community Teamwork Inc. Northeastern Massachusetts anti-poverty and housing nonprofit administering rental assistance, homeless prevention, weatherization, and affordable housing development. Closely comparable to HAC's energy efficiency, housing counseling, and homeless prevention programs within a regional Community Action Program model.
• Housing Assistance Corporation of the Berkshires: Western Massachusetts nonprofit operating under a near-identical name and similar regional housing assistance model (rental assistance, housing counseling, homeless prevention, homeownership). Provides the closest like-for-like comparison of services, structure, and scale for a peer organization.

Broad incumbents

• Pine Street Inn: One of New England's largest homeless services organizations operating shelters, housing programs, workforce development, and street outreach in Greater Boston. Comparable service portfolio to HAC (shelter, outreach, housing placement) but operating at larger scale and in an urban rather than regional-rural geography.
• Massachusetts Housing Partnership: Statewide public-nonprofit housing finance and policy organization that supports affordable housing production, education and policy advocacy across Massachusetts. Comparable to HAC in combining lending/finance, education, and policy advocacy roles but with statewide scope rather than a regional focus.
• MassHousing: Massachusetts state housing finance agency administering mortgage finance, rental housing programs, and statewide affordable housing initiatives. Overlaps with HAC in administering state and federal housing subsidy programs and shaping housing policy, but operates statewide and at much greater scale.

Regional players

• Boston Housing Authority: Municipal public housing authority administering federal public housing and Section 8 vouchers at city scale in Boston. Shares federal housing subsidy program administration DNA with HAC but operates as a government authority in a separate (urban) market rather than as a regional nonprofit.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@housingassistancecapecod
• Facebookfacebook.com/HousingAssistance
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/housing-assistance-corporation
• Instagraminstagram.com/housingassistance
• Xx.com/HAConCapeCod

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Housing Assistance Corporation