Affordable Housing Trust

The purpose of the Hanover Affordable Housing Trust is to provide for the creation and preservation of affordable housing in the Town of Hanover for low and moderate-income households. The Trust was established by a vote of Town Meeting in May of 2009. The Board of Trustees is composed of seven trustees, which shall include at least one member of the Select Board, one member of the Community Preservation Committee, and five at-large members. 

All affordable housing in the Town of Hanover is privately owned and managed. The Town encourages those that are looking for affordable housing opportunities in Hanover to contact South Shore Housing in Kingston, Massachusetts.

Affordable Septic Program

The Hanover Affordable Housing Trust offers residents in need of septic system upgrades the opportunity to apply for financial assistance to complete necessary improvements. The Hanover Affordable Septic Program is available for eligible Hanover residents to apply for a partially forgivable septic system betterment loan. The Hanover Affordable Housing Trust provides this loan at a three-and-a-half percent (3.5%) interest rate for a period of 7 years, and the loan is 90% forgivable if you remain in the home for the full term of the loan.

Learn more about the Affordable Septic Program by viewing the program details and application.

Emergency Short-Term Rental Assistance Program

As in many communities, some Hanover residents may be facing difficulties finding available housing that meets their needs and financial capabilities. Some of our neighbors and residents are in dire situations.

The Emergency Short-Term Rental Assistance Program (ESTRAP) was created by the Town of Hanover with funding provided by the Hanover Affordable Housing Trust. The ESTRAP provides emergency rental assistance, in the form of a grant, to low-income residents of Hanover who are in crisis and are struggling to secure housing and/or make rent payments. The program allows residents to remain in Hanover while seeking an affordable option or support program. The ESTRAP provides short-term rental assistance only and is not a long-term solution for housing insecurity.

Learn more about ESTRAP by viewing the program application and requirements.

Small Repair Grant Program Application