The Neighborhood Developers

What The Neighborhood Developers does

The Neighborhood Developers (TND), founded in 1978 and legally organized as a nonprofit community development corporation in Massachusetts, develops and preserves affordable housing and delivers community economic-mobility services in Chelsea, Revere, and Everett, three contiguous cities north of Boston. TND owns and operates a portfolio of 649 affordable homes serving 1,450 residents as of 2023, with roughly 300 additional homes in the development pipeline across new construction and acquisition-rehabilitation. Its housing developments include Passive House-standard new construction (1005 Broadway, completed 2022, with rooftop solar) and supportive housing for formerly homeless families and veterans (Bellingham Hill Family Homes, North Bellingham Veterans Home). TND is pursuing an expansion of the Forbes Site in Chelsea in partnership with Mass Audubon and GreenRoots — up to 225 affordable homes combined with permanently protected open space and waterfront restoration at approximately $68M total project cost.

The organization's service model is built around four integrated programs: Real Estate Development (new construction and acquisition of naturally occurring affordable housing), CONNECT (a Financial Opportunity Center delivering financial coaching, job search and pre-apprenticeship training via MassHire PACMAN, SNAP food assistance enrollment, housing assistance with Metro Housing|Boston, and IRS VITA free tax preparation), Community Building (resident-led organizing through three committees — CET, RCC, HEC), and Resident Services (stabilization support for TND tenants via WinnResidential property management). CONNECT serves clients through a multi-channel intake — online forms, a phone hotline, walk-in inquiries — and a federated partner referral network. Revenue and capital are drawn from four streams: rental income from affordable units, philanthropic donations (supplemented by a 50% Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credit on gifts of $1,000+), government grants and ARPA-funded programs, and real estate development financing via LIHTC equity and construction/permanent debt.

Since 2018, TND has operated as a founding member of Opportunity Communities (OppCo), a shared-services parent organization providing back-office administration, HR, financial management, and high-capacity real estate development and asset management expertise — a structure that provides scale advantages in development capacity while preserving local program autonomy. Leadership sits with Executive Director Rafael Mares, alongside a Director of Resident Services and Deputy Director of Resident Services. The organization holds the 2025 Candid Platinum Seal for nonprofit transparency.

Name

The Neighborhood Developers

Legal name

The Neighborhood Developers, Inc.

Website

https://theneighborhooddevelopers.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1978

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

The Neighborhood Developers is a Massachusetts nonprofit community development corporation founded in 1978 that develops and preserves affordable housing for 1,450 residents in Chelsea, Revere, and Everett, while delivering integrated financial coaching, job training, and resident services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Affordable Housing and Community Development Services

NAICS

New Housing For-Sale Builders (236117), New Multifamily Housing Construction (except For-Sale Builders) (236116), Residential Building Construction (2361), Residential Property Managers (531311)

SIC

Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552), Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), General Bldg Contractors - Residential Bldgs (1520)

akta.pro primary industry

Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction (IMAFABAI), Community Development & Neighborhood Revitalization (CDBG, Place-Based Initiatives) (BPAIANAE)

Keywords

• Affordable housing development
• Community development services
• Resident financial coaching
• Supportive housing programs
• Community organizing advocacy

Headquarters

HQ city

Chelsea

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

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

Revenue model

1. Affordable Housing Development: TND develops affordable housing properties, generating revenue through development fees, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, construction financing, and permanent financing arrangements. Revenue is reinvested into creating and preserving affordable housing units.
2. Rental Income: TND owns and operates rental apartments in Chelsea, Revere, and Everett. Revenue is generated through monthly rent payments from tenants in affordable housing units.
3. Donations and Fundraising: Individual and corporate donations, event fundraising (Raise the Roof gala raising $232,500), and monthly giving program (Cornerstone Partners). Donations of $1,000 or more qualify for 50% Community Investment Tax Credit.
4. Government Grants and Subsidies: TND receives funding from state, federal, and local government sources including the Affordable Homes Act, ARPA funding, and various housing development subsidies to support affordable housing creation and community services.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

The Neighborhood Developers is a nonprofit community development corporation that develops and preserves affordable rental and homeownership housing in Chelsea, Revere, and Everett, Massachusetts. Beyond real estate, it operates CONNECT Services, a Financial Opportunity Center offering free financial coaching, job search and training assistance, housing assistance, food/SNAP enrollment, and free VITA tax preparation for low-income residents. It also runs Community Building programs that train resident leaders and advocate for housing and environmental justice.

Product overview

The Neighborhood Developers (TND) is a nonprofit community development corporation offering a multi-service portfolio focused on affordable housing and economic empowerment in Chelsea, Revere, and Everett, Massachusetts. The organization operates four core programs: Real Estate Development (creating and preserving affordable housing through new construction and acquisitions), CONNECT Services (a Financial Opportunity Center providing financial coaching, job search assistance, housing assistance, food assistance via SNAP, and free tax preparation through VITA), Community Building (resident-led advocacy and organizing), and Resident Services (support for TND tenants to maintain housing stability). TND has developed numerous housing projects including the Passive House-standard 1005 Broadway, North Bellingham Veterans Home for formerly homeless veterans, and Bellingham Hill Family Homes for homeless families. Services are delivered through direct provision and partnerships with organizations including WinnResidential for property management, MassHire for employment services, and various housing and social service agencies.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CONNECT: A Financial Opportunity Center operated by TND offering financial coaching, job search assistance, housing assistance, food assistance, free tax preparation (VITA), and other economic empowerment services to residents of Chelsea, Revere, and Everett.

Products and services

• Real Estate Development Development and preservation of affordable housing in Chelsea, Revere, and Everett, including new construction and acquisition of existing properties for affordable rental apartments.
• CONNECT Services A Financial Opportunity Center providing integrated services including financial coaching, job search assistance, housing assistance, food assistance, and free tax preparation (VITA) to residents of Chelsea, Revere, and Everett.
• Community Building Coalition-based community organizing and leadership development programs that empower residents to advocate for housing equity, environmental justice, and neighborhood improvements.
• Resident Services Ongoing support services for TND tenants including rental assistance, employment support, financial education, and wellness resources to maintain housing stability.
• 1005 Broadway A 38-unit affordable housing development in Chelsea designed to Passive House standards with rooftop solar panels, located along Mill Creek waterfront with public pocket park access.
• Bellingham Hill Family Homes Seven rental apartments for formerly homeless families, TND's first supportive housing project targeting families living in shelters or imminent risk of losing housing.
• North Bellingham Veterans Home Ten studio apartments of supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals with preference for veterans, renovated from an American Legion post.
• 25 Sixth Street A mixed-income development near Bellingham Square featuring 56 rental apartments and six homeownership units, including the first homeownership project in Massachusetts to utilize ARPA funding.
• VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) Free tax preparation services provided by IRS-certified volunteers for low-income individuals, seniors, and limited English proficiency taxpayers.
• Financial Coaching One-on-one personal finance sessions with dedicated coaches to help clients with budgeting, debt management, credit building, savings plans, and homeownership preparation.
• Job Search & Training Help Career coaching services helping residents find employment, overcome hiring barriers, access training (including ESOL and vocational programs), create resumes, and prepare for interviews.
• Housing Assistance Services to prevent eviction and displacement including rental assistance education, emergency housing support, tenant rights information, and landlord advocacy.
• Food Assistance (SNAP) Assistance enrolling in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) with help navigating eligibility, application process, and accessing additional benefits.

Quantifiable outcome

• 649 homes serving 1,450 people in 2023, with 300 more homes in development
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

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

• Mass AuduboncoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Partnership to transform the 18-acre Forbes Site in Chelsea into Chelsea Creek Sanctuary. Mass Audubon acquired the property in March 2026; the vision includes permanently protected open space, restored waterfront access, climate resilience features, and up to 225 affordable homes. Total project cost approximately $68 million.
• GreenRootscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 March 2026Women-led, resident-led grassroots environmental justice organization collaborating on Chelsea Creek Sanctuary project. Represents decades of advocacy for returning Chelsea waterfront to community access. Partner in development of Forbes Site transformation.
• Opportunity Communities (OppCo)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTND is a founding member of OppCo, which handles back-end administration, HR, and financial management since 2018. OppCo delivers access to high-capacity expertise in real estate development, asset management, and resident services. TND benefits from greater scale while sustaining local roots.
• MassHousingcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerTND partners with MassHousing CommonWealth Builder program, the largest state-level program addressing racial homeownership gap in the nation. 25 Sixth Street is the first homeownership project in Massachusetts to utilize ARPA funding. MassHousing received $115M of ARPA funds for the program.
• Causeway DevelopmentmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner on 1005 Broadway project. TND and Causeway Development prioritized climate concerns and built to Passive House standards with solar panels.
• WinnResidentialcoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProperty management company hired by TND to oversee day-to-day operations including rent collection, property maintenance, work order management, and tenant communications. Works closely with TND Resident Services team.
• Enterprise Community PartnersmajorGTM or Marketing PartnerArts funder for Affordable Housing Design Leadership Initiative and 1005 Broadway mural project. Program explored connections between art, health, and resilience in housing, engaging community members in design processes.
• MassHire Metro NorthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOne of five agencies in CONNECT constellation providing employment services. Offers PACMAN pre-apprenticeship program for facilities maintenance and trade-related construction occupations. Connected clients to Central Cooling and Heating for HVAC apprenticeships.
• La ColaborativacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerGrassroots organization serving Chelsea's immigrant community. Partnered on Javier Zamora virtual fireside chat event and provides housing assistance services to clients.
• Metro Housing|BostonmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHousing assistance partner providing access to RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in the Emergency) and other emergency housing programs for at-risk households.
• Housing FamiliesmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner providing supportive case management for Bellingham Hill Family Homes, serving formerly homeless families living in shelters or temporary housing.
• UnitedHealthcareminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEmployee volunteers installed playground equipment at Revere pocket park through 'Do Good. Live Well' employee volunteer initiative.
• Chelsea Cultural CouncilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal cultural council providing grant funding for 'Welcome to Chelsea' mural at 1005 Broadway, supporting public art that reflects community diversity.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Lawrence CommunityWorks: Resident-led community development organization in Lawrence, MA focused on affordable housing, financial empowerment, and community building. Direct peer in geography-adjacent Massachusetts CDC landscape.
• Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation: Boston-area Latino-rooted community development corporation producing affordable rental housing, homeownership, and resident services. Highly comparable to TND in mission, geography, and integrated housing-plus-services model.
• Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH): East Boston-based CDC focused on affordable housing development, preservation, and resident services for immigrant and low-income families. Comparable mission, target population, and Boston metro operating geography.
• Jamaica Plain Neighborhood Development Corporation (JPNDC): Boston-area CDC developing and preserving affordable housing while running resident services including financial coaching and job training. Closely comparable to TND's mixed housing development + CONNECT services model.

Broad incumbents

• City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development: City-level housing and community development agency that funds and partners with CDCs like TND. Larger and broader in scope but operates in the same affordable housing and community development space.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/chelseacet
• Xx.com/_TND_inc

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

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 The Neighborhood Developers