2025 Chelsea Housing Authority Annual Report: Transforming Public Housing
- The Pratt
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
The Chelsea Housing Authority (CHA) made major strides in 2025 toward transforming public housing and improving the quality of life for residents across the community. From completing the DUO redevelopment project to launching the next phase of neighborhood revitalization and expanding digital access, the year marked a period of progress, collaboration, and innovation.
With a continued focus on resident empowerment, modern infrastructure, and inclusive community development, CHA is building a stronger future for Chelsea families.
Building on the Success of the DUO Redevelopment
One of the biggest milestones in 2025 was the full occupancy of the DUO apartments, which completed the redevelopment of the former Innes community.
The DUO project demonstrated what modern public housing can achieve: attractive living spaces, thoughtful design, and a community-focused environment that supports residents both inside and outside their homes.
Building on that success, CHA began moving forward with its next major redevelopment initiative — the Fitzpatrick and Prattville project. Design plans were submitted for city approval at the end of 2025, marking an important step toward transforming another historic neighborhood.
The redevelopment will create a mixed-income community that preserves housing for the current 198 public housing families while adding workforce and market-rate housing options.
Fitzpatrick and Prattville: Reimagining a Historic Community
Originally built in 1949 and 1951, the Fitzpatrick and Prattville apartments were developed to house returning World War II veterans and their families.
While these buildings have served residents for decades, aging infrastructure has created challenges that traditional capital improvement programs cannot fully address. The new redevelopment project aims to solve these issues while creating a vibrant, modern community.
The redevelopment will feature:
Modern housing and updated infrastructure
Inclusive living environments
Expanded outdoor spaces and recreation areas
Support services for residents
Opportunities for local businesses and economic activity
CHA has also committed to protecting residents throughout the redevelopment process with several key guarantees:
Right to return for all current residents
No-cost relocation assistance
A Resident Advisory Committee to ensure resident voices guide the process
Through collaboration with residents, community partners, and the City of Chelsea, this project will help reshape the neighborhood for future generations.
Expanding Digital Equity Through High-Speed Internet
Access to reliable internet is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity for education, employment, healthcare, and daily life.
Recognizing this need, CHA launched an initiative to provide low-cost, high-speed fiber internet to residents, beginning with Prattville Apartments.
The program gained national attention when CHA became the first housing authority in Massachusetts to install free Wi-Fi for residents, earning a Gateway Cities Innovator Award from MassINC in 2024.
Throughout 2025, the program expanded as low cost high speed fiber optic internet installations continued at Mace, Scrivano, Buckley and Margolis .
For residents like Aliana Colon, a single mother raising two children, reliable internet has made a meaningful difference.
“I really appreciate the fast internet. It helps me keep my job and work remotely, helps with mental health services, and supports my kids’ education. It’s a big help for a single mom.”
The initiative continues to grow, with CHA securing funding to expand fiber internet access to 566 additional housing units.
Empowering Residents Through Self-Sufficiency Programs
Another major focus for CHA is helping residents build financial stability and long-term independence.
Two programs play a key role in this mission:
Federal Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program
State Self-Sufficiency Program (SSP)
These programs provide residents with coaching, education, and financial tools to achieve goals such as:
Career advancement
Debt reduction
Savings growth
Homeownership
In 2025, 15 residents graduated from these programs, demonstrating the impact of dedicated support and personal determination.
Resident of the Year: Tania Zelaya
One standout success story from 2025 is Tania Zelaya, who was named CHA’s Resident of the Year.
A CHA resident since 2018, Tania joined the Self-Sufficiency Program in 2021 with a goal of improving her financial management skills.
With the support of financial coaches, she successfully:
Reduced debt
Built savings for her children’s future
Strengthened her financial independence
Today, she continues to pursue her next goals—buying a home and helping her children attend college. Her story reflects the broader mission of CHA’s programs: helping residents turn goals into reality.
Recognizing the People Behind the Chelsea Housing Authority Mission
CHA’s work is made possible by dedicated staff members who support residents every day. One inspiring example is Carmen Torres, the Family Self-Sufficiency Coordinator who has served CHA residents for more than 30 years.
Known for her positivity, dedication, and mentorship, Carmen continues to help residents achieve their financial and educational goals—even while courageously battling breast cancer for the second time.
Her resilience and commitment make her a powerful example of the supportive culture within CHA.
Community Partnership of the Year: Chelsea Black Community
Strong partnerships are essential to building inclusive communities.
In 2025, CHA honored the Chelsea Black Community (CBC) organization as its Partner of the Year.
Led by Joan Cromwell, the CBC works to strengthen Chelsea through advocacy, community engagement, and programs focused on social equity.
CHA staff and residents participate in many CBC events, including:
Juneteenth celebrations
Black History Month programs
COVID-19 vaccination clinics
Thanksgiving food distributions
These collaborations help create a stronger, more connected Chelsea.
Investing in Housing Improvements
In addition to large redevelopment projects, CHA completed over $6 million in capital improvements across its properties in 2025.
Major projects included:
Window replacements at Margolis, Scrivano, and Mace Apartments
Floodproofing improvements at Prattville
Fire alarm upgrades at Buckley Apartments
HVAC replacements for community rooms
Roof restoration and accessibility upgrades
Additional modernization projects are scheduled to continue through 2026.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As CHA moves into 2026, the organization remains focused on its mission:
To revitalize and enhance the living experience while creating sustainable, safe, and welcoming communities.
With the continued redevelopment of Fitzpatrick and Prattville, expanded digital access, and resident-focused programs, CHA is building on its momentum and creating opportunities that extend far beyond housing.
The transformation of Chelsea’s public housing is well underway—and the future is bright.