About the Lawrence Housing Authority
Who We Are
The Lawrence Housing Authority is the 10th largest housing authority in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. It was established in 1938 and opened its doors in 1942. The LHA was created as a result of the Housing Act of 1937 to provide decent, affordable housing to low- and moderate-income Lawrencians.
Through the years, industry brought successive waves of immigration as people from many nationalities moved here to work in the mills. Neighborhoods developed near industry and jobs, and as the housing infrastructure caught up with the needs of a growing populace, the authority expanded throughout the north and south of the city.
Since its inception, the LHA has played a significant role in the history of Lawrence, known as the city of immigrants. Over the last 70 years it has served many generations of immigrant communities. As these communities have progressively migrated, they have led to change the makeup of our current majority of residents, which is composed of mainly Latinos from Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic, as well as a small portion from Central and South America.
Our housing stock is composed of large family developments and elderly disabled high rises, as well as scattered sites throughout the city that represent the historic development and progress over the years.
FAQs and Resources
The Federal Family Public Housing waitlist is currently closed.
The State Family & Elderly Public Housing and MRVP waitlists are open and you can apply here.
For the Housing Choice Voucher Program HCVP (Section 8), apply here.
Applicants interested in applying for the Moderate Single Room Program, please stop by our office to pick up an application at the Admission & Occupancy Office: 353 Elm Street, Lawrence, MA 01841
The average wait in public housing depends on several factors, including the time and date of your application, the program you have applied for, and the vacancy in our developments. The average wait in HCVP (Section 8) is between 12-13 years.
The Lawrence Housing Authority only accepts checks or money orders. As a tenant you can pay your rent at your development Office or at our Administration & Finance Office: 353 Elm Street, Lawrence, MA 01841
You can always call our emergency line 978-689-0281.
Monday – Friday, 8:30am-4:30pm
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