For more than three decades, MAHA’s organizing has been rooted in the voices and experiences of people working to become homeowners and stay rooted in their communities. What began in 1988 as a grassroots effort led by low- and moderate-income residents has grown into a statewide movement that brings together homebuyers, homeowners, advocates, and allies. Through community organizing and persistent advocacy, MAHA has worked alongside banks, insurers, and elected officials to expand access to affordable homeownership, increase investment in historically under-resourced neighborhoods, and improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents. This organizing helped make programs like the ONE Mortgage possible — and today, hundreds of MAHA members continue to advocate for the funding and policies needed to ensure affordable homeownership is accessible across the state.
Take action with MAHA and be part of the movement to keep the dream of homeownership within reach for all!
Rooted in lived experience and collective action, these campaigns move us closer to affordable homeownership for all.
Increasing Affordable Homeownership Production
Down payment assistance and affordable mortgages only work if there are homes people can actually buy. Right now, Massachusetts simply isn’t building enough affordable homes for low- to moderate-income homebuyers. We are organizing to expand the pipeline of affordable homeownership opportunities in Boston and across the state by advocating for strong public investment in programs like Commonwealth Builder, which supports the development of affordable homes for purchase. Increasing funding and access to these programs is critical to keeping families in their communities and making homeownership a real option for more Massachusetts residents. Homeownership must be a central part of the state’s housing strategy — not an afterthought.
Down Payment Assistance for First-Time, First-Generation Homebuyers (STASH)
For many first-time, first-generation homebuyers, the biggest barrier to homeownership isn’t monthly payments — it’s coming up with the down payment. STASH helps address this inequity by providing $20,000 in down payment assistance to first-generation homebuyers across Massachusetts. This investment delivers powerful results, helping families achieve stability, remain in their communities, and begin building intergenerational wealth. Our organizing focuses on securing renewable, statewide funding for STASH to expand its impact and ensure first-generation homebuyers are not left out of the state’s housing plan.
Affordable Mortgage Programs
Even with down payment assistance, many first-time homebuyers are priced out by high interest rates and monthly costs. The ONE Mortgage program provides some of the most affordable mortgage products in Massachusetts, and the enhanced ONE+ Mortgage makes homeownership even more accessible. Right now, ONE+ is available in Boston and Gateway Cities, while ONE is available statewide — but access shouldn’t depend on where you live. Our organizing focuses on securing stable funding and expanding both ONE and ONE+ so these deeply affordable mortgage options are available statewide, helping more families achieve sustainable homeownership and stay rooted in their communities.
Building a Statewide Homeownership Network
We are bringing together housing and homebuyer organizations from across Massachusetts to strengthen collaboration and build a united voice for affordable homeownership. This emerging network creates space for organizations to share priorities, elevate the experiences of first-time homebuyer education program graduates, and advocate together for a housing strategy that expands investment in homeownership while protecting rental funding. As federal ARPA funds wind down and state housing decisions become more consequential, a coordinated statewide approach is more important than ever. Organizations interested in learning more or exploring collaboration are encouraged to reach out to organizing@mahahome.org.
Get Involved with Us!
Want to buy a home but feeling like it’s not possible? Take action with MAHA Organizing to fight for the funding, programs, and resources you need!
