Strengthening Boston Communities Since 1968

Tenants Development Corporation was established in 1968 as a tax-exempt, public charitable organization to preserve historic buildings while providing affordable housing for Boston-area residents with low-to-moderate incomes. Initially focused on the South End neighborhood, TDC became the nation’s first community organization to develop housing utilizing the mortgage insurance offered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Over the years, TDC has revitalized some of Boston’s most historic row houses, including 397 Massachusetts Avenue, where Dr. Martin Luther King lived as a student while attending Boston University. As housing needs grew, we expanded our new construction efforts and continued to restore older properties. TDC manages many of these properties, providing essential programs and services for tenants and empowering them to take an active role in leading our organization.

Always Looking to the Future

At Tenants Development Corporation, we take pride in being one of the United States’ oldest grassroots, community-based organizations dedicated to defending the rights of people from diverse races and cultures to access quality, affordable housing. And we’re just getting started. Our goal is to extend our programs and services for youth, adults, and seniors throughout the Greater Boston Area while advocating for and empowering tenants of all backgrounds. Explore our community Programs and Contact Us to discover how you can get involved for good.