BHA was established by the Mayor and City Council in October of 1935 in accordance with the provisions of General Laws, Chapter 121, secs. 26 I et seq. The federal public housing program dates back to the initial occupancy of the Mary Ellen McCormack (formerly named Old Harbor) development in May of 1938. State legislation in 1948 initiated the state-aided public housing program. The Federal Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8) was established by the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which was written to help address the issue of rising housing costs. Both programs have become an integral part of the government's commitment to meeting basic housing needs. BHA is managed and controlled by an Administrator who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Mayor of the City of Boston. On August 7, 2023, Kenzie Bok assumed the role of Administrator, with “the power and authority to act as the Mayor’s agent with respect to all matters affecting the BHA, including without limitation the power to execute any and all documents as needed with such matters.” In total, BHA currently owns and/or oversees approximately 10,000 rental units of public housing in Boston and houses more than 17,000 people under the public housing program. BHA owns 56 housing developments. Of the 56 developments, 32 are designated as housing for seniors and residents with disabilities and 24 are designated for low-income families. In addition to public housing, BHA administers approximately 14,979 rental assistance vouchers, otherwise known as Tenant-Based Section 8 vouchers that allow families to rent in the private market and apply a subsidy to their rent. Vouchers through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher (MRVP) Program assist an additional 867 households. With this assistance, residents are able to pay approximately 30-40 percent of their income toward rent and BHA pays the remainder. BHA helps provide housing to approximately 34,000 people under these programs. In addition, BHA provides subsidy to more than 2400 households under its Section 8 Project-Based Voucher and Moderate Rehabilitation programs. Boston Housing Authority (BHA) collaborates with partner organizations to provide various services for residents. The services provide opportunities for skills training, educational advancement and economic advancement through self-sufficiency. BHA programs also support youth activities and health and wellness assistance.
