New Bedford’s WHALE receives $1.05 million ARPA grant to create affordable housing units

WHALE is honored to receive a $1.05 million grant from City of New Bedford’s Housing Expansion Initiative, announced April 1, 2022. Five affordable housing development projects were awarded a total of 11.2 million from federal funds received by the City under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program administered by the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development.

WHALE is creating eight affordable housing units at the historic Hillman Firehouse on County Street. Originally constructed in 1892-93 as a neighborhood fire station and, later, the City’s Civil Defense Headquarters, the once beautiful brick and granite exterior, punctuated with terra cotta accents, was slated for demolition until WHALE and the City stepped in to rescue it.

A historic landmark, the Hillman Firehouse once contributed to the fabric of a vibrant neighborhood but had become abandoned and derelict. Restored to its original beauty, the building will provide affordable housing, bringing new life and a sense of pride to the community.

The Hillman Firehouse is $3 million dollar restoration project that is consistent with WHALE’s overarching goal to use historic restoration as a tool to:

• stabilize neighborhoods, develop affordable housing and educational space
• foster economic vitality and create workforce opportunities
• expand New Bedford’s growing arts and culture sector
• preserve New Bedford’s rich historical sites and multicultural heritage

“Quote from Teri or Diane” Include “We are truly grateful for the City’s support, and thank Mayor Mitchell and the City’s Office of Housing and Community Development, led by Patrick Sullivan, along with our federal delegation: Congressman Keating, and Senators Warren and Markey.