Westwood Housing Authority/Westwood Affordable Housing Associates, Inc.

WHA/WAHA NEWS!!

JUNE 24, 2024 - New Officers Elected!

At the Annual Re-Organization Meeting held in June, the WHA/WAHA joint Boards unanimously elected Elissa Gordet Franco, Chair/President, Eric Alden, Vice-Chair/Treasurer and Christine Previtera, Clerk.

INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THE WAHA BOARD?

This is a three-year appointed position. If you would like to learn more, please contact Jane O'Donnell regarding next steps!

Below is the link if you are interested in learning more about access to WAHA's Fair -Housing Lottery Program:

LINK FOR LOTTERY INFORMATION:

A Tribute to Juliet Onderdonk, an Affordable Housing Pioneer in Westwood
from the February 2024 Westwood Wire:

Dedication of Jill's House

On Saturday, January 27, 2024, a dedication ceremony for "Jill's House" was held by Westwood Housing Authority (WHA) and Westwood Affordable Housing Associates, Inc. (WAHA) at the Jaillet Meeting Room.

The newly renovated home, owned by WAHA was named to honor the late Juliet Onderdonk, who was an active and dynamic member of the Westwood community and a tireless advocate for affordable housing. Jill was a founding member of the WHA/WAHA. She was a pioneer in affordable housing; working for over 40 years at both the local and state level to achieve her mission of providing safe, functional and affordable housing for all residents.

The dedication was attended by Ms. Onderdonk's family and friends as well as the members of the Select Board and the joint boards of the Housing Authority and Westwood Affordable Housing Associates.

Article submitted by Jane O'Donnell, WAHA Housing Coordinator.

Photos by Charlotte Lynch, Director of Original Content & Operations for Westwood Media Center.

Westwood Housing Authority (WHA) and Westwood Affordable Housing Associates, Inc. (WAHA)

WHA and WAHA contribute to the development and management of affordable housing in Westwood. WAHA is an independent non-profit agency that manages the operation of 14 rental units in 4 duplexes and 6 single family homes located throughout town. These properties are owned by WAHA, the Housing Authority's non-profit arm, Rented only to income-eligible families.

Contact WAHA Housing Coordinator Jane O'Donnell for further information:

580 High Street

Westwood, MA 02090
(781) 320-1031
jodonnell@westwoodma.gov

Westwood Housing Authority (WHA)

The Westwood Housing Authority (WHA) was established in 1988 by a Town Meeting vote. The Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development has mandated that the Town of Westwood provide a minimum number of affordable rental units under Executive Order 215. WHA is responsible for the management and operation of 14 such rental units in the Town of Westwood. All tenants must be certified as low income and are recertified annually according to State and Federal guidelines.

The Westwood Housing Authority has four elected members and one state appointee (currently unfilled):  

ELISSA GORDET FRANCO, CHAIR/PRESIDENT
ERIC ALDEN, VICE CHAIR/TREASURER
CHRISTINE PREVITERA, CLERK
LOU RIZOLI, MEMBER  

Westwood Affordable Housing Associates, Inc. (WAHA)

The non-profit arm of the housing authority, Westwood Affordable Housing Associates, Inc. (WAHA) was formed in 1994 to pursue creative options for funding the development or purchase of affordable rental units in Westwood.  

The WAHA Board currently has six members, and is supported in their work by the Housing Coordinator.  All elected Housing Authority members also sit on the WAHA Board.

Josepha Jowdy

 Gary Kaplan

WAHA owns four duplexes, and six single family houses for a total of 14 rental units operated in coordination with the Westwood Housing Authority.  All tenants must be certified as low income and are recertified annually according to State and Federal guidelines. All units are currently rented and/or being updated and prepared for occupancy after a fair housing lottery has taken place.

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT WHA/WAHA BY CLICKING ON THE LINKS BELOW:

AN ARTICLE ON WAHA IN THE WESTWOOD WORD, WINTER 2024

THE HISTORY OF WESTWOOD HOUSING ASSOCIATES, INC. (WAHA)

Housing Assistance  and Voucher Programs

The Westwood Housing Authority does not administer any direct housing subsidy (i.e., Section 8 vouchers or federal public housing).  Any resident interested in applying for rental assistance may file an application with the  Dedham Housing Authority at 26 O'Neil Drive, Dedham, MA 02026.  Telephone (781) 329-5380.