Deadline extended for Chelsea 55 affordable housing lottery

The application deadline for the affordable housing lottery at Chelsea 55 has been extended, the City of Chelsea announced Tuesday. The lottery is for six three-bedroom apartments in the multi-family building located at 55 Heard Street.

Chelsea 55 is the city's first City-owned and managed residential building. The City purchased the building in 2025 after it went into receivership. This acquisition aimed to keep the six-unit apartment building affordable and prevent displacement by integrating it into Chelsea's housing stock.

"The City made this strategic purchase to ensure Chelsea families can stay in Chelsea—a goal identified hand-in-hand with community members through the public engagement process for Chelsea ¡Pa’Lante, Onward!, our comprehensive master plan," said City Manager Fidel Maltez.

If Chelsea 55 proves successful in providing stable, affordable transitional housing that meets residents' needs and the City's budget, the administration may explore purchasing additional buildings to expand affordable housing options across Chelsea.

Applications for the lottery can be submitted online. Residents needing translation services for the online application can right-click any empty space on the webpage and select "Translate to [Language]." Paper applications are also available upon request.

Eligibility information, including maximum income limits per household size, is available on the city's website. Priority will be given to current residents, veterans, newly displaced individuals (within the last 24 months), and families. The date for the lottery drawing will be announced soon.

Maximum Income Per Household Size (60% AMI Low Income):

• 3-person household: $89,340
• 4-person household: $99,240
• 5-person household: $107,220

The Department of Public Works is currently renovating the building.

Residents with questions are encouraged to review the Frequently Asked Questions section on the city's website before calling 3-1-1.