We Create Opportunities for People to Live, Work and Thrive

Homeownership

Homeownership

Whether you are trying to determine if homeownership is a realistic goal for you or you need help planning for homeownership, we offer workshops and individual counseling that will help you navigate the complicated homebuying process.

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Small Business Assistance

Small Business Assistance

Our Small Business Development program provides comprehensive pro-active support for entrepreneurs planning to launch their own businesses and for owners of existing small businesses.

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Affordable Housing Development

Affordable Housing Development

Since its inception, Valley Community Development has produced over 391 affordable rental and ownership housing units in one of Massachusetts’ most competitive and coveted real estate markets.

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Our Mission:

Mission and Values

Valley Community Development builds social equity by expanding housing and small business opportunities. Since 1988, we have achieved the following accomplishments:

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Homeowners Assisted

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Small Businesses Helped

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Affordable Homes Developed

Affordable housing under microscope: Housing chair visits region on listening tour to hear about challenges

Affordable housing under microscope: Housing chair visits region on listening tour to hear about challenges

Staff Writer
Published: 9/10/2023 11:55:38 AM

CHESTER — Making good on an offer she extended during a recent legislative debate, East Boston Sen. Lydia Edwards visited Chester on Thursday to learn more about the challenges involved in developing affordable housing in the hinterlands of western Massachusetts.

It was part of a two-day trip for Edwards, who also found time to visit Fitchburg, Holyoke, Great Barrington, Springfield, Hadley and Greenfield.

In Chester, Edwards, who chairs the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing, joined Sen. Paul Mark, D-Becket, on a tour of the Chester Commons, the town’s former high school, which is undergoing extensive renovations since its purchase in 2020 by the Hilltown Community Development Corp.

The building was originally converted to affordable housing in 1987, but had fallen into disrepair under the previous ownership. Hilltown CDC’s aim was to preserve the 15 units of affordable housing for seniors and those with disabilities, while bringing the building up to modern standards of habitability and accessibility.

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Morocco meets Main Street: Meriyem’s Cafe brings flavor of Mediterranean to Northampton

Morocco meets Main Street: Meriyem’s Cafe brings flavor of Mediterranean to Northampton

For the Gazette
Published: 8/30/2023 4:59:56 PM

NORTHAMPTON — A Mediterranean breeze has swept through downtown, bringing a taste and feel of Morocco to Main Street with Meriyem’s Cafe.

Located in the storefront formerly occupied by Dobra? Tea, the Northampton eatery offers its patrons the allure and decor reminiscent of a traditional Moroccan home with an indoor garden or a courtyard, also known as a riad. For an added touch, all of the interior walls have been limewashed with actual limestone, mimicking the appearance of buildings in the western region of North Africa.

A native of Morocco, owner Raina Yetts recalls gathering outside at the riad around a sun oven to cook, eat and be together.

“I wanted that feeling here in America where people could try all of these Moroccan fusion items and Mediterranean fusion items in a gathering place rather than just having us just appear at a wedding a few times a year,” said Yetts.

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Crafts Avenue housing project in Northampton wins Planning Board OK; decision on new hotel delayed

Crafts Avenue housing project in Northampton wins Planning Board OK; decision on new hotel delayed

Published: 8/25/2023 4:49:45 PM

NORTHAMPTON — The Planning Board approved a site plan Thursday for a six-story affordable housing project at 27 Crafts Ave., clearing a key hurdle for the 30-unit building to rise from behind City Hall in the coming years.

Valley Community Development Corporation’s $16.6 million project would be located on a parcel that currently consists of a staircase leading to a parking lot behind City Hall and connecting to the city’s Puchalski Municipal Building.

Preliminary plans show the average size for the apartments would be 327 square feet. The building would also feature bicycle storage rooms, a laundry room and offices for property management, resident services, and maintenance staff on-site.

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