Affordable Housing Trust

The purpose of the Carlisle Affordable Housing Trust (CAHT) is to provide for the preservation and creation of affordable housing in Carlisle. 

The Affordable Housing Trust was established by the Town of Carlisle through a Declaration of Trust in 2006. In 2019, the Trust absorbed the responsibilities of the Carlisle Housing Authority. In 2021, Town Meeting approved a bylaw that reorganized the membership of the Trust, and reaffirmed its financial and legal powers.

The Trust is administered by seven Trustees, at least one of whom is a member of the Select Board. The remaining six members are Carlisle residents appointed by the Select Board. The Declaration of Trust authorizes the Trustees “to acquire by gift, purchase or otherwise, in accordance with procedures set forth in the Declaration, real estate and personal property, both tangible and intangible, of every sort and description…“ in furtherance of the Trust’s purpose. 

The Trust was instrumental in the development of the Benfield Farms senior apartment complex, which is owned and operated by Neighborhood of Affordable Housing (NOAH), and the Bedford Road group home, which is owned and operated by Toward Independent Living and Learning, Inc. (TILL, Inc.). Both developments operate under long-term ground leases with the Trust. Community Preservation Act funds were employed to help defray infrastructure costs for these developments.

The Trust is actively seeking to work with property owners in Carlisle to identify opportunities for affordable (income-qualified) housing development that fits within the character of Carlisle.