LYNN — The Lynn Armory has been awarded $5.9 million in state and federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits. The award will support the redevelopment of a historic former armory into 52 units of supportive housing for veterans, including on-site services and community space. 

The funding is part of a broader $44 million package announced by the Healey-Driscoll administration to support 11 housing developments across Massachusetts. Altogether, the projects are expected to create or preserve 401 homes for seniors, veterans, and individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

State officials highlighted the Lynn Armory project during an announcement event in the city, pointing to it as a key example of how historic preservation and housing development can intersect to address urgent needs. 

Once completed, the project will transform a long-standing yet underutilized building into permanent housing specifically designed to serve veterans, many of whom face barriers to stable housing.

“We’re working every day to make Massachusetts more affordable, and that starts with making sure people have a safe, stable place to live,” said Gov. Maura Healey in a press release.  “These investments will create more than 400 homes across Massachusetts and connect veterans, seniors, and families with the services they need to stay healthy, get back on their feet, and build a future.”

Supportive housing combines affordable units with access to services such as health care, mental health support, and job training. The goal is not only to provide shelter, but to help residents achieve long-term stability and independence.

At the Lynn Armory, that model will take shape through on-site case management and a community space designed to connect residents with resources. 

“We are so excited,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said during the announcement on Tuesday morning, referring to the creation of more than 50 units of supportive housing for veterans. “These projects don’t move forward without the hard work and commitment of so many folks,” 

Nicholson also noted the complexity of bringing such developments to fruition. 

“They’re complicated, not because the people involved don’t want these projects to open…” Nicholson said. “They’re complicated because of decisions that lawmakers and policymakers have made at levels beyond the folks that are here in this room.”

The Lynn Armory project has been in development for years, with director of the Lynn Housing and Neighborhood Development (LHAND) planning and development, Jeff Weeden, noting that the effort began roughly eight years ago. 

“It’s a historic building on our historic common, and so it’s wonderful to see it preserved and activated,” Nicholson said. “And for such an important and fitting cause, to make sure that our veterans have an affordable place to live with the kind of supportive services that allow them to thrive.”

Weeden described the project as transformative, both for the building and for the population it will serve.

“Supportive housing is not just about providing a roof over someone’s head, but about stability, dignity, and opportunity,” he said. “By combining safe, affordable housing with access to services, we are giving these veterans the tools they need to rebuild their lives,” 

Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll underscored the broader impact of such developments across the state. “Supportive housing works. It helps people stay housed, improves health outcomes, and strengthens communities,” she said in a press release. “These developments will make a real difference for residents across Massachusetts by pairing affordable homes with the services people need.”

According to the Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities, Juana Matias, more than 250 of the 401 homes funded in this round will be affordable to households earning less than 60 percent of the area median income, with more than 200 units reserved for households earning less than 30 percent. 

In practical terms, Matias said, some of the units in Lynn will serve individuals earning under $35,000 a year.

It was emphasized that the investments are part of a larger statewide strategy to address affordability and homelessness. Since taking office in 2023, the Healey administration has awarded more than $137 million to supportive housing developments, creating or preserving nearly 900 homes.

The focus on veterans is particularly significant, as state data shows they are disproportionately represented among the homeless population. Secretary of Veterans Services Dr. Eric Goralnick stated the Lynn Armory’s 52 units will play a role in ongoing efforts to reduce veteran homelessness.

“These awards help us build more housing, but more importantly, they help build more stable and secure lives,” Matias said. “They help veterans, families, and seniors find not only a place to live, but a real foundation for the future.”

Once finished, the Lynn Armory is expected to stand as both a preserved historic landmark and a new source of stability for dozens of veterans in the region.

A rendering of the proposed 52 units of housing for veterans in the former Lynn Armory.

Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson speaks about the project that will turn the former Lynn Armory into 52 units of supportive housing for veterans.

Jeff Weeden, from LHAND’s office of Planning and Development, speaks about the project that will turn the former Lynn Armory into 52 units of supportive housing for veterans.

State Sen. Brendan Crighton speaks about the project that will turn the former Lynn Armory into 52 units of supportive housing for veterans.

Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Juana Matias speaks about the funding being provided to convert the former Lynn Armory into supportive housing for veterans.

Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services Dr. Eric Goralnick speaks about the funding being provided to convert the former Lynn Armory into supportive housing for veterans.

Jared Nicholson, mayor of Lynn, stands front and center with Brendan Crighton, state senator, behind him; Juana Matias, secretary of housing and livable communities, in the striped shirt; Dr. Eric Goralnick, secretary of veterans services, in the blue suit and red tie; and Charles J. Gaeta, executive director of Lynn Housing Authority & Neighborhood Development, fifth from right, join other officials after the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced a $44 million package that would support 11 housing developments across Massachusetts.

Local and state officials tour the former Lynn Armory building, which is set to be converted into 52 units of supportive housing for veterans thanks to the help of state and federal funding.

Secretary of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services Dr. Eric Goralnick walks into the former Lynn Armory building.

Jeff Weeden, from LHAND’s office of Planning and Development, explains the plans for converting the Lynn Armory building into 52 units of supportive housing for veterans.

Local and state officials tour the former Lynn Armory building, which is set to be converted into 52 units of supportive housing for veterans thanks to the help of state and federal funding.