The New Bedford Housing Authority (NBHA) is the public housing authority for the city of New Bedford. Founded in 1938, NBHA continues to be an integral part of the fabric of the city. With close to 1,650 federal public housing units and 850 state aided units, NBHA services over 6,000 individuals by providing safe, well maintained, and affordable housing units. In addition, NBHA administers nearly 1,800 federally-funded rental vouchers through HUD's Voucher Choice Program. This allows us to provide rental assistance payments to landlords to assist another 3,300 men, women, and children in securing affordable housing. We work to develop, acquire, operate, and lease out affordable housing options for our residents who have limited incomes.
The funding for NBHA primarily comes from the federal government through the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), and the collection of resident rents.
NBHA is committed to providing quality, affordable housing, that is decent and safe, to eligible families in the community. We strive to make the best use out of all available resources so that our residents may live in an environment that is clean, well-maintained, and attractive.
Our goal is to manage our public housing units in a manner that is consistent with good, financially sound property management practices. By taking advantage of available community and government resources, we intend to provide our residents with as many opportunities for economic self-sufficiency as we can identify. We endeavor to instill pride and a desire for an enhanced quality of life for both our residents and their families. We are committed to serving our residents, and the community as a whole, in a manner that demonstrates professional courtesy, respect, and caring.
NBHA treats all applicant and resident families equally without regard to color, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, physical handicap, or disability.
Board of Commissioners
The New Bedford Housing Authority (NBHA) is governed by a Board of Commissioners. The NBHA Board of Commissioners is made up of a five (5) member panel. Commissioners are appointed to five (5) year staggered terms. Four of the members are appointed by the Mayor of New Bedford with the approval of the City Council. The fifth member is appointed by the Governor. The Board meets monthly on the first Thursday of each month.
Current Composition of Board:
- Bruce J. Oliveira - Chairman
- Cynthia L. Edwards - Vice-Chairman
- Timothy P. Walsh - Commissioners
- Melvin L. Davis - Commissioners
- Leona J. Fisher - Treasurer
- Steven A. Beauregard - Executive Director and ex oficio Secretary
Departments
Central Administration connecting all departments 508-997-4800
Tenant Selection
Eximina DeMedeiros
T: 508-997-4829 ext. 102
F: 508-997-4808
Leased Housing
Stacey Sousa
T: 508-997-4829 ext. 115
F: 508-997-4833
Accounting
Randy Morin
T: 508-997-4829 ext. 125
F: 508-997-4826
Assistant Executive Director
Wendy Mendoza- Rivera
T: 508-997-4829 ext. 117
Modernization, Planning, and Development
Cynthia Spence
T: 508-997-4852
F: 508-997-4825
Computer and Information Systems Manager
Joseph Pereira
T: 508-997-4829
F: 508-997-4826
Security and Compliance Director
Sam Ackah
T: 508-997-4849
F: 508-997-4868
Procurement Office
Kevin Rego
T: 508-997-4824
F: 508-961-3081
Maintenance (Emergency after hours) 508-676-2859
TYY (Hearing Impaired) 508-997-4874
Modernization, Planning, and Development
The Modernization Dept is responsible for administrating grants awarded by the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD), and the MA Department of Housing & Community Development (DHCD) for construction and modernization projects. we providing planning, management over site and collaboration with architects , engineers, contractors , designers and consultants to implement projects included in our capital plans.
Security
The New Bedford Housing Authority is constantly striving to enhance existing programs and policies to keep our communities safe. With the help of residents and neighbors, the implementation of innovative programs, and vigorous lease enforcement by NBHA staff, we can continue to maintain the safety of NBHA properties.
The NBHA has a Security Office led by a Manager of Security. The Security Office works closely with local, state, and federal law-enforcement officers to ensure the safety and security of all public housing residents, visitors, and employees.
No Trespass Policy
The NBHA has had a long-standing policy of issuing No Trespass notices to individuals that are no longer welcome at certain NBHA properties. No Trespass Notices are either served for on-site behavior or for any criminal activity conducted off of the property, that, if committed on NBHA grounds, would have adversely affected the health, safety, or quality of life of our residents.
Resident Police Officer Program
The New Bedford Housing Authority was the first public housing authority in the nation to successfully implement a Police Residency Program. This program featured in many of our federal developments positively affects our properties by providing an on-site police presence, positive role models for young adults and children, thereby improving the relationship between New Bedford Police officers and residents of the Authority.
Security Cameras
The NBHA employs the use of digital, wireless security cameras to ensure safety and security of our residents and their neighbors. Our high-rise buildings have interior cameras in the common areas as well as their external grounds. Our larger family developments have cameras covering all of their exterior grounds. Currently, we have twenty-one (21) security cameras in use in developments and buildings located throughout the city.