Hebrew SeniorLife, New England’s largest nonprofit provider of senior health care and living communities and an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, proposes building 96 units of affordable housing for older adults in Stoughton. Our model of housing with services supports residents in continuing to live their best lives in the community they call home.
In the proposed community on Canton Street, Hebrew SeniorLife plans to offer more than affordable apartments. Supportive services would be designed to help older adults stay healthy, active, and connected so they can continue to thrive. Planned offerings include fitness and wellness activities, resident service coordination, multigenerational programming, and assistance with transitions to higher levels of care if needed.
Through our Right Care, Right Place, Right Time initiative, residents would have access to a wellness team that understands the health needs of older adults and can help coordinate care with primary care providers, specialists, insurance providers, and in-home caregivers. Residents may have opportunities to participate in risk assessments and receive guidance on preventive health supports, nutrition, and overall wellness.
Amenities
In addition to the apartments, amenities may include:
- Fitness center
- Lounges
- Wellness space
- Elevators
- On-site mini-store for groceries, hot soups, and sandwiches with plentiful seating options throughout the community
- Multi-purpose room
- Laundry
- Walking paths
- Community garden
Project Updates
In July 2025, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, through the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, awarded state funding in support of the development. This critical investment builds on the strong local support demonstrated through the approval of Community Preservation Act funds at the May 2024 Town Meeting and the Stoughton Zoning Board of Appeals’ 5-0 vote to grant the comprehensive permit in September 2024.
With state funding now secured, Hebrew SeniorLife is moving forward toward the next phases of development to bring much-needed affordable housing with services to older adults in Stoughton. We anticipate beginning construction in late spring/early summer 2026 with construction completed in 2027.
Community Benefits
The proposed community would have a number of benefits for the Town of Stoughton and its residents, beyond the older adults who would find a home there.
- Address local need: The proposed development would expand affordable senior housing options for older adults in Stoughton.
- Support mobility in the housing market: Additional senior housing could help residents downsize or find alternatives to aging in place, potentially increasing movement within the local housing market.
- Sustainability and green space: The project is being planned with energy efficiency in mind, with the potential to incorporate green space and support the Town’s environmental goals.
- Economic impact: Construction and ongoing operations are expected to bring jobs, community investment, and standard municipal revenue associated with new housing.
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ answers common questions about eligibility, amenities, and what to expect.
People aged 62 and older with incomes at or below 60% of the Area Median Income will be eligible. As of June 1, 2025, that means up to $69,480 for a one-person household or $79,440 for a two-person household. All 96 one-bedroom apartments will be reserved for older adults within this income range, including 36 units specifically set aside for those earning up to 30% of AMI ($34,750).
Affordable housing refers to housing that is restricted via deed to households at specific income levels. For the proposed development, this would be for households at or below 60% of Area Median Income. Subsidized housing is a subset of affordable housing and refers to affordable housing that is further subsidized by the state or federal government. Because of the additional subsidy, these units would be affordable to households with incomes lower than 60% of Area Median Income.
Some of the building amenities may include:
- Fitness center
- Lounges
- Wellness space
- Elevators
- On-site mini-store for groceries, hot soups, and sandwiches with plentiful seating options throughout the community
- Multi-purpose room
- Laundry
- Walking paths
- Community garden
Supportive services in Hebrew SeniorLife communities help keep residents healthy, active, and engaged to ensure they can continue to thrive. The Right Care, Right Place, Right Time initiative gives residents access to a wellness team that understands older adults’ health needs and can help coordinate care with primary care teams, specialists, insurance providers, in-home caregivers, and more. Residents are invited to participate in assessments and receive assistance accessing preventive support, health guidance, and nutrition counseling.
There are over 3,600 older people on the Stoughton Housing Authority’s federal and state public housing waitlists with an additional 1,700 older people waiting for a mobile Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program or Section 8 voucher from the Housing Authority. In total, there are approximately 5,300 older people on both waitlists.
We intend to begin construction in 2026 with the community opening in late 2027. We will update this as we finalize the financing and construction packages.
We will announce when the application process opens, including details about how to sign up for lottery notifications. Please watch this page for updates.
Residents will be selected through a lottery process in accordance with the state’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan guidelines. The process ensures fair and equitable access to all applicants who meet income and age qualifications. Please watch this page for updates.
