Sustainable Communities

Although sustainability projects often deal with buildings or the physical environment, Boston Housing Authority (BHA) knows that the most important aspect of sustainability refers to people - specifically BHA's residents, neighbors, and staff. Sustainable living relies on the collaboration between nature and human beings for our mutual benefit, and BHA's sustainability work is therefore aimed at improving resident quality of life and health as much as it is about protecting the environment. Throughout all BHA’s sustainability efforts, the agency will prioritize the needs and well-being of its residents.

Resident involvement has been crucial to past BHA sustainable projects, especially our Smoke-Free Housing Initiative to improve resident health and improve air quality in BHA housing. The Resident Empower Coalition and Resident Advisory Board remain crucial to BHA's work to improve the lives of our residents.

BHA seeks to use sustainability principles to build resilient communities for residents and improve public health as well as overall quality of life. Through resident participation and outreach, BHA will enhance our community's understanding of the climate crisis, the agency’s work to mitigate our environmental impact, and how residents can be involved in our various sustainability initiatives. Additionally, BHA will seek to strengthen the resiliency of our communities against climate change and economic difficulties.

Objectives for Sustainable Communities

In pursuing the following objectives within the BHA Sustainability Strategy, BHA's goal is to engage with residents to foster resilient, healthy communities.

1. Engage with residents while planning sustainability initiatives
2. Promote resident participation in the implementation of sustainable programs
3. Create opportunities for sustainable activities and food production through urban agriculture
4. Assist with efforts to ensure resident access to affordable and consistent public transportation
5. Increase public safety at BHA sites
6. Promote digital equity and technology accessibility for residents
7. Grow residents' and voucher holders' economic mobility through programs such as AMP Up and Family Self-Sufficiency

These initiatives work to connect residents to green jobs through the City of Boston's PowerCorps program, improve food access for residents by creating community gardens, expand resident access to sustainable transit methods like BlueBikes, contribute to residents' feelings of safety and comfort at their development, and more.