What Worcester Housing Authority does

Worcester Housing Authority (WHA) is a quasi-governmental Public Housing Authority established in 1937 under Massachusetts state law and headquartered at 630A Plantation Street, Worcester, MA. WHA operates an integrated affordable housing platform comprising approximately 3,000 federal- and state-subsidized public housing units across 24 developments, a Leased Housing Department administering over 4,000 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) serving nearly 10,000 individuals through a network of approximately 1,300 participating private landlords, and specialized housing for adults with disabilities under Chapter 689 contracts with Massachusetts DMH and DDS. WHA also operates A Place to Live, a 24-unit permanent supportive housing facility for chronically homeless individuals, opened in October 2023 as the first such facility in New England created by a Housing Authority.

The authority's business model is funded primarily through three streams: federal HUD subsidies (Operating Fund, Capital Fund, and Housing Assistance Payments for vouchers), state EOHLC funding for state-aided public housing, and tenant rent (set at 30% of adjusted household income for public housing residents). WHA pairs its core housing programs with a comprehensive resident services stack including the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and A Better Life (ABL) self-sufficiency and financial coaching programs, Futures Academy and summer camps for youth, WHA Seniors Shine for elderly residents, and a Homeownership Program. Self-reported outcomes include one-in-three FSS/ABL graduates achieving homeownership (three times the national average) and nearly half of participants boosting their credit scores.

WHA's current operating focus is a multi-year capital program: the four-phase Curtis Apartments Redevelopment (372 to 527 units, 2024-2032, with Trinity Financial), the Lakeside Apartments Redevelopment (202 to ~356 units, 2023-2030, with Tremont Development Partners and E3 Development), the Lincoln Park Tower Riser plumbing infrastructure project, and the 'Roots to Rise' master plan for the 560-apartment Great Brook Valley community. Technology is described as standard public housing property management and HUD-compliant Section 8 voucher administration, with no disclosed AI/ML capabilities, proprietary technology, or data assets. WHA is governed by a Board of Commissioners and led by CEO Alex Corrales and COO Peter Proulx, with 101-250 employees and a service area covering Worcester and Worcester County, Massachusetts.

Name

Worcester Housing Authority

Legal name

Worcester Housing Authority

Website

https://worcesterha.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1937

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Worcester Housing Authority is a quasi-governmental public housing authority managing ~3,000 subsidized housing units, 4,000+ Section 8 vouchers, and resident services programs for low-income families, elderly, and disabled residents in Worcester and Worcester County, Massachusetts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Housing Services

NAICS

Other Community Housing Services (624229), Temporary Shelters (624221), Other Residential Care Facilities (6239)

SIC

Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Services-Social Services (8300), Real Estate Operators (No Developers) & Lessors (6510)

akta.pro primary industry

Public & Affordable Housing Programs (Subsidies, Vouchers, Public Housing) (BPAIANAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Housing Voucher & Rental Assistance Programs (Tenant-Based/Project-Based) (FSALAKAI), Affordable & Subsidized Housing Property Management (LIHTC, Section 8) (BPAJAFAD), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ), Housing Assistance & Homeless Services (BPAGAEAB)

Keywords

• Public housing management
• Section 8 vouchers
• Affordable housing programs
• Housing assistance services
• Subsidized rental housing

Headquarters

HQ city

Worcester

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Subsidies: WHA receives federal funding from HUD for public housing operations and Section 8 Housing Assistance Payments (HAP), as well as state funding from Massachusetts for state-aided public housing programs.
2. Tenant Rent Payments: Residents pay rent based on 30% of their adjusted household income, with WHA collecting rental income from public housing units.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Worcester Housing Authority manages approximately 3,000 apartments of federal and state subsidized public housing across 24 developments and administers over 4,000 Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) serving nearly 10,000 individuals in Worcester and Worcester County, Massachusetts. Its offerings include affordable rental housing at 30% of adjusted household income, specialized housing for persons with disabilities (Chapter 689, DMH/DDS, AHVP), permanent supportive housing for the chronically homeless, and resident services covering self-sufficiency (FSS, ABL), homeownership pathways, youth programs, and senior services.

Product overview

Worcester Housing Authority operates a multi-faceted housing platform providing approximately 3,000 units of federal and state subsidized public housing, over 4,000 Section 8 vouchers serving nearly 10,000 individuals, and specialized housing for people with disabilities. The core housing programs are complemented by comprehensive resident services including the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and A Better Life (ABL) self-sufficiency programs, youth programming (Futures Academy, Summer Camps), senior services (WHA Seniors Shine), and a Homeownership Program. Major redevelopment projects include the four-phased Curtis Apartments Redevelopment (527 total units), Lakeside Redevelopment (356 units), and the Great Brook Valley master plan. Specialized offerings include A Place to Live (24-unit permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless) and the Regional Capital Assistance Team (RCAT) for other housing authorities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Public Housing Federally and state-subsidized rental housing program for income-eligible low-income families, elderly, and persons with disabilities. WHA manages close to 3,000 apartments across 24 developments; residents pay rent at 30% of adjusted household income and are admitted through WHA's centralized waiting list process.
• Section 8 Leased Housing (Housing Choice Vouchers) Housing Choice Voucher program that subsidizes rent for income-eligible families leasing units from approximately 1,300 participating private landlords. WHA's Leased Housing Department manages over 4,000 mobile and project-based vouchers, conducts unit inspections, processes Housing Assistance Payments, and monitors participant compliance.
• Special Housing for Persons with Disabilities (Chapter 689, AHVP, DMH/DDS) Housing opportunities for individuals and families with disabilities, including Chapter 689 housing for adults with mental disabilities, Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP), DMH Rental Assistance Program, and DMH/DDS project-based Section 8 housing. Accessible apartments meet federal and state accessibility guidelines.
• Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Voluntary program helping WHA households increase earned income through educational, employment, and financial services. Participants can accrue funds in an escrow account when their rent increases due to increased income, and receive the escrow balance upon program completion as a pathway to homeownership.
• A Better Life (ABL) Program Self-sufficiency program empowering WHA families to build financial strength and achieve upward economic mobility through dedicated coaching, credit-building support, and empowerment programs.
• Homeownership Program Program assisting WHA residents in achieving homeownership, available to Section 8 voucher holders through the HCV Homeownership Program and to qualified first-time buyers through affordable condominium units delivered via WHA redevelopment projects (estimated sales price $200,000-$250,000).
• Futures Academy (Youth Tutoring) After-school homework assistance and tutoring program for youth in grades 2-6 residing in WHA properties (Great Brook Valley and Curtis apartments), offering skill development, enrichment activities, and small-group tutoring. WHA's youth programs collectively serve over 1,200 children and families each year.
• Summer Camps Summer camp programming providing WHA youth with opportunities to stay active, learn, and have fun during school breaks through local community summer camp partnerships.
• WHA Seniors Shine Comprehensive senior program offering free transportation, health and wellness initiatives, pet clinics, vaccine fairs, food pantry services, community gardens, and leadership activities for elderly WHA residents.
• A Place to Live - 38 Lewis Street (Permanent Supportive Housing) Permanent supportive housing facility at 38 Lewis Street providing 24 fully furnished micro-studio apartments with a 24-hour Resident Manager, Case Manager, security system, card access, community room, and laundry facilities, serving chronically homeless individuals including those with physical or mental disabilities.
• Regional Capital Assistance Team (RCAT) Regional service securing and administering capital funding for WHA and other regional housing authorities across Central-West Massachusetts, supporting modernization, redevelopment, and infrastructure capital projects.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly half of ABL and FSS participants boost their credit
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

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

• Tremont Development PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Tremont Development LLC Partners was hired by WHA Board of Commissioners to redevelop Lakeside Apartments. With over 25 years of multifamily housing experience, they led over $1 billion in community investments. Rich Mazzocchi brings expertise from Boston Capital in both affordable and market rate multifamily housing.
• E3 Development LLCcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2023Woman-owned E3 Development LLC was hired alongside Tremont Development for Lakeside Apartments redevelopment. Founded in 2018 by Eliza Edelsberg Datta, E3 focuses on affordable and mixed-income residential projects responding to local community needs, previously directing $1 billion pipeline at The Community Builders.
• Trinity FinancialcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Trinity Financial was selected as the developer for Curtis Apartments redevelopment project. Founded in 1987, the company specializes in urban development in the Northeast and handled the Worcester County Courthouse conversion to Courthouse Lofts. The Curtis project will replace 372 units with 527 modern units including the new Economic Opportunity Center.
• Housing Opportunities Unlimited (HOU)coreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHOU serves as the relocation consultant for Lakeside redevelopment, having successfully relocated over 33,000 units across the country. They conduct resident assessments, coordinate temporary and permanent relocation, and assist with moving costs and service transfers.
• Davis Square ArchitectsmajorTechnology or IntegrationArchitectural firm designing the Lakeside Apartments redevelopment. Responsible for building design concepts including elevator accessibility, sprinkler systems, and mixed-income unit configurations.
• Bohler EngineeringmajorTechnology or IntegrationCivil engineering firm for Lakeside redevelopment, handling site engineering, topography considerations, and erosion/sediment control planning.
• Maloney PropertiesmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerProperty management and resident services partner for Lakeside redevelopment, working alongside WHA to manage new units and coordinate resident services.
• UtilemajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerLead firm for Great Brook Valley master planning project 'Roots To Rise'. Collaborating with WHA staff, Ground Landscape Architects, and Nitsch Engineers to develop a comprehensive vision for 560-apartment community redevelopment.
• Ground Landscape ArchitectsmajorTechnology or IntegrationLandscape architecture firm collaborating on Great Brook Valley 'Roots To Rise' master planning project, focusing on open space design and neighborhood improvements.
• Nitsch EngineersmajorTechnology or IntegrationEngineering firm collaborating on Great Brook Valley 'Roots To Rise' master planning project, providing civil and structural engineering expertise.
• Innovation Learning CentermajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner for WHA's Creative Minds youth art program, providing fun, educational creative activities that enrich lives and encourage youth to dream big.
• Boys & Girls Club of WorcestermajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAfter-school programming partner providing Kids Club program at WHA sites with transportation to main club for boxing, swimming, and special activities. Annual membership is $25.
• LUK Inc.majorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerNonprofit multiservice agency providing the LUK Mentoring Program, pairing caring role models with youth who benefit from additional support. LUK is dedicated to improving safety, health, and emotional well-being of youth and families in Central Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Housing Authorities (Regional)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerWHA partners with other Massachusetts housing authorities including Brockton, Holyoke, Lowell, and Springfield on shared initiatives. WHA's Director of Health & Safety Compliance shares expertise with other housing authorities across Massachusetts.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Boston Housing Authority: Largest public housing authority in Massachusetts, operating public housing and Section 8 voucher programs in Boston. Directly comparable mission, HUD funding structure, and resident services model — though at significantly greater scale than WHA.
• Springfield Housing Authority: Massachusetts PHA explicitly named as a WHA partner on shared initiatives. Operates public housing and Section 8 in a similarly-sized secondary city, making it a close operational and peer benchmark.
• Cambridge Housing Authority: Massachusetts housing authority administering public housing and Housing Choice Vouchers in Cambridge. Comparable programmatic mix including FSS-style self-sufficiency programs and mixed-income redevelopment initiatives.
• Holyoke Housing Authority: Massachusetts housing authority identified as a WHA regional partner. Operates similar federal/state subsidized housing programs in a small post-industrial New England city.
• Brockton Housing Authority: Massachusetts housing authority listed as a regional peer/partner. Operates comparable public housing and voucher programs in a similarly mid-sized gateway city.
• Lowell Housing Authority: Massachusetts PHA partnering with WHA on cross-jurisdiction initiatives. Comparable in serving an older post-industrial city with significant low-income housing demand.

Others

• Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC): State-level regulator and funder for Massachusetts PHAs including WHA. Not a peer operationally, but as WHA's primary state counterpart for funding oversight, policy, and state-aided programs, it is the key ecosystem participant.

Broad incumbents

• Housing Authority of the City of Los Angeles (HACLA): Large California PHA operating Section 8, public housing, and innovative programs (Section 8 mobility, homeless initiatives). Comparable HUD funding model and self-sufficiency programming.
• Chicago Housing Authority: Major urban housing authority with comparable mixed-finance redevelopment (Plan for Transformation) and federal/state funding structure. A useful incumbent benchmark for large-scale PHA capital programs.
• New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA): The largest public housing authority in the United States. Same federal HUD regulatory framework and programmatic model as WHA, but operates at vastly greater scale with a national policy profile.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WHAuthority
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@WHAuthority
• Facebookfacebook.com/WorcesterHousing
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/worcester-housing-authority
• Instagraminstagram.com/whauthority

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

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Frequently asked questions about Worcester Housing Authority