Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority

The Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority (MHRA) is the largest public housing agency in Northern New England. In addition to owning and managing 1,271 housing apartments for low-income families, elderly, and adults with disabilities, MHRA provides housing subsidies for over 2,000 households through the administration of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program. MHRA also offers the Homeownership Program conducted in conjunction with the Housing Choice Voucher Program and operated in partnership with New Hampshire Housing Finance Authority and NeighborWorks Southern New Hampshire.

MHRA is also widely recognized for its array of supportive housing services offered to residents. Among the many programs operated by MHRA are adult employment and vocational services, social activities for the elderly and adults with disabilities, and supportive services programs that provide daily services needed (meals, housekeeping, etc.) to allow the elderly and persons with disabilities to maintain their independence.

History

MHRA began operating its public housing program in 1945 with 85 units of temporary war housing. An independent, public non-profit, MHRA was established by state legislation and confirmed by a referendum of Manchester citizens in 1941. With policy oversight from a five-member Board of Commissioners, MHRA’s Executive Director and staff carry out all day-to-day operations, in accordance with local, state and federal laws and regulations.

In 1989, MHRA’s original name – Manchester Housing Authority – was changed to Manchester Housing and Redevelopment Authority to better reflect MHRA’s role as the primary redevelopment entity in the City of Manchester. Through the years, MHRA has carried out a number of major redevelopment initiatives that have changed the face of Manchester and contributed substantially to the city’s economic health by creating jobs and increasing Manchester’s tax base. Among the projects in which MHRA was involved were the SHNU Arena, Manchester Air Park, the Center of New Hampshire, and the Amoskeag Millyard.

Today, MHRA continues to assist the Manchester community through various assistance programs and by developing much needed new housing.

As the region’s leading provider of housing assistance, and in its capacity as a redevelopment agency, MHRA’s current operations and plans for the future are ambitious and exciting. Creative efforts spearheaded by the Authority have recently produced new affordable housing development initiatives creating much needed housing in our community.