In Boston, Protecting Communities from the Consequences of Foreclosure

A diverse Boston community alliance initially came together to maintain stability in neighborhoods affected by foreclosures. It has changed focus as its work has continued.

1 minute read

September 17, 2018, 6:00 AM PDT

By Camille Fink


Boston houses

ericodeg / Flickr

Zoe Sullivan traces the history of the Coalition for Occupied Homes in Foreclosure (COHIF), a group in Boston that started in the wake of the subprime housing crisis. As foreclosures spread throughout the city, both homeowners and tenants were left in precarious and unstable situations. The coalition is a diverse group – housing and policy advocates, developers, financiers, and government agencies – that came together to ensure people in lower-income neighborhoods would not be displaced.

In responding to community needs over time, COHIF shifted its work away from advocacy and became an affordable housing developer. This move had its challenges, says Sullivan, and understanding the different perspectives of members was crucial to the coalition’s success. “This capacity to engage in real discussions has helped the group evolve and cultivate the trust that has been essential to its survival and success so far,” reports Sullivan.

More recently, COHIF’s work changed direction again, and it became a community land trust. Members see this as an important step in fostering long-term housing affordability in Boston.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 in Next City

Large historic homes and white picket fences line a street.

The End of Single-Family Zoning in Arlington County, Virginia

Arlington County is the latest jurisdiction in the country to effectively end single-family zoning.

March 23, 2023 - The Washington Post

Buses in downtown Seattle on the dedicated 3rd Avenue bus lanes

Seattle Bus Lane Cameras Capture Over 100,000 Violations

An automated traffic enforcement pilot program caught drivers illegally using transit lanes more than 110,000 times in less than a year.

March 28, 2023 - Axios

Amtrak Acela Express train passing through Harrison station in Newark, New Jersey

‘Train Daddy’ Andy Byford to Oversee Amtrak’s High-Speed Rail Efforts

Byford, who formerly ran NYC Transit and Transport for London, could bring renewed vigor to the agency’s plans to expand regional rail in the United States.

March 28, 2023 - StreetsBlog NYC

A row of Victorian homes in San Francisco, California

San Francisco Rents Cheaper Now Than in 2020

Though ‘cheap’ is a relative term.

March 30 - San Francisco Examiner

25 mph speed limit sign partially obscured by red and orange fall leaves

Study: Seattle’s Lower Speed Limits Reduced Crash Injuries

A change in the city’s speed limits has been shown to reduce the likelihood of injuries during collisions.

March 30 - Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

Couple embracing happily in front of home with "SOLD" sign

Millennials Now Majority Homeowners

Just over half of people in the ‘Y’ generation now own homes, but the largest generation also continues to dominate the rental market.

March 30 - RentCafé

New Updates on PD&R Edge

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

HUD’s 2023 Innovative Housing Showcase

HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research

Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools

This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.

Planning for Universal Design

Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.