Clara Fraden, Longtime CHA Leader and Cambridge Resident, to Assume Role on March 30 Cambridge, MA – The Board of Commissioners of the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) voted unanimously to appoint Clara Fraden as the agency’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO). CHA is charged with providing deeply affordable housing and housing subsidies to over 13,500 individuals in and around Cambridge. Fraden … Read More
Draft FY25 Report Available for Comment
The Cambridge Housing Authority’s Draft FY25 Annual Report for the Moving To Work Deregulation is available for comment here (https://cambridge-housing.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/DraftFY25ReportforPublicComment2-13-26.pdf. Hard copies will be available beginning at 3:00PM on February 17, 2026, at CHA’s Front Desk, 3rd Fl, 362 Green St, Cambridge, MA 02139. Written comments may be submitted by mail or email. All written comments are due by 5 … Read More
CHA Employees Raise $3,500 for Food Pantry Through Paycheck to Plate Initiative
During the recent government shutdown, as key benefits were paused and many households felt the impact, CHA staff began asking a simple question: How could we help? That question led to “SnapBack: Paycheck to Plate”, a one-time, employee-led effort to support neighbors facing food insecurity during a critical moment. Over a two-week period, staff voluntarily contributed a portion of their … Read More
Cambridge Housing Authority Purchases Mellen Street Property for New Family Housing
A new 26,000-square-foot property will bring 90 to 110 modern apartments for Cambridge families in need of affordable housing Cambridge, MA – The Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) announced today the successful acquisition of a 26,000-square-foot property located at 31-37 Mellen Street from Lesley University. This strategic purchase, with the support of the City of Cambridge Affordable Housing Trust, marks a … Read More
Manning Apartments Residents Gain Access to New High-Speed Internet Tier
Residents at Manning Apartments now have a new high-speed internet option available through CHA’s ongoing partnership with the City of Cambridge, Starry, and Crown Castle. The new tier expands on the affordable Starry service first introduced at the property in 2022. This faster option gives residents access to the highest internet speeds available in Cambridge at the lowest cost. Residents … Read More
CHA Seeks Experienced Leader for Chief Executive Officer Position
The Cambridge Housing Authority is announcing the launch of its national search for a Chief Executive Officer following the retirement announcement of Executive Director Michael J. Johnston, who after 34 years of service, will step down in early 2026. The organization is looking for a seasoned leader with a strong commitment to public service and a track record of effective … Read More
Cambridge Housing Authority and Executive Director Honored with 2025 Visionary Award
The Cambridge Housing Authority and Executive Director Michael J. Johnston have been honored with the 2025 Visionary Award by the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. This prestigious award recognizes leadership, innovation, and dedication to advancing the Cambridge community. CHA joins other inspiring recipients whose work exemplifies innovation, collaboration, and service to the community. The ceremony was held at the Hyatt Hotel … Read More
Cambridge Housing Authority Releases 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
New plan represents collective voices, ideas, and hopes of CHA community Cambridge, MA – Today, the Cambridge Housing Authority (CHA) officially launches its next five-year strategic plan to guide the future of the agency until 2030. Over the past year, the Cambridge Housing Authority team, led by CHA’s Board of Commissioners, Executive Director Michael Johnston, and Director of Strategic Initiatives … Read More
VIDEO: Creativity on Display at CHA’s Annual Pumpkin Contest
The Cambridge Housing Authority’s 2025 Pumpkin Contest is back! Each CHA department put their creativity on display, with judging once again by our friends and neighbors at the City of Cambridge Multi-Service Center. Check out this year’s incredible pumpkins and see which ones took home top honors.