Nonprofits Collaborate with City of Malden to Create Affordable Housing Opportunity

Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC), a community-based organization serving Greater Boston, has acquired The Salvation Army’s property at 213 Main Street in Malden, the City of Malden, ACDC, and The Salvation Army announced. ACDC will work closely with Mayor Gary Christenson, Ward 1 Councillor Peg Crowe, and the City’s Office of Strategic Planning & Community Development (OSPCD) to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and community-centered planning process to develop a neighborhood-scaled project bringing needed affordable housing for working families in Malden.

“Like so many Greater Boston cities, Malden is in dire need of affordable housing to keep our community together. I am proud to support this 100% affordable project, which will help address the ongoing housing crisis,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “This deal illustrates the continued commitment of The Salvation Army and ACDC to serving our residents, and I am grateful to have them as partners in meeting our affordable housing goals.”

“ACDC’s intentions are to ensure that Malden remains affordable and accessible to individuals and families of all income levels and uphold the cultural and economic diversity that makes Malden a vibrant city. I commend the City of Malden for their commitment to affordable housing by passing the Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance in 2021 and now working with us on this project,” said Angie Liou, Executive Director of ACDC. “Thank you to The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division for trusting ACDC to continue the legacy of addressing community needs at 213 Main Street.”

“From the beginning, Asian Community Development Corporation has been a strong, communicative, and trusting partner committed to serving all of our residents,” said City Councillor Peg Crowe. “I look forward to working with them to engage our neighbors in a community-centered design process for neighborhood-scale affordable housing.”

The City of Malden provided financing for the acquisition using $949,900 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The project was recommended by the City’s ARPA Subcommittee on Housing, including Co-Chairs Councillor Amanda Linehan and OSPCD Director Deborah Burke, and members Andrew Spofford, Katzia Small, and Councillor Karen Colón Hayes.

“The American Rescue Plan Act represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to make transformative investments in our communities. Ensuring the city’s housing stock stays affordable is a critical tactic for keeping Malden welcoming to all who want to live here, and our committee is proud to contribute to this important neighborhood project,” said City Councillor Amanda Linehan.

A 100% affordable housing development will replace the vacant building at 213 Main Street. Community input will support the design process for this neighborhood-scaled project. ACDC will take over maintenance of the property immediately.

“For individuals and families living paycheck-to-paycheck or for those who are at-risk in their current living situations, access to quality, affordable housing is pivotal to their long-term stability,” said Major Marcus Jugenheimer, General Secretary, The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division. “We are grateful to ACDC and the City of Malden for recognizing this need as we continue to support our neighbors in the Mystic Valley.”

Malden community members can find future updates on 213 Main Street at www.cityofmalden.org/213main.

To date, ACDC has leveraged over $200M to develop and preserve over 300 housing units to advance affordable housing for working-class and immigrant communities in Greater Boston.

About Asian Community Development Corporation
Since 1987, Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC) has been working in underserved and immigrant Asian American communities in Greater Boston, Malden, and Quincy, by building affordable homes and vibrant spaces, empowering families with asset-building tools, and strengthening communities through resident and youth leadership and civic engagement.