What is Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation?

Nuestra Comunidad Development Corporation (Nuestra) is a nonprofit community development corporation that builds affordable housing and supports residents in Roxbury and surrounding Boston neighborhoods, including Dorchester and Mattapan. Its work centers on homes, community, wealth, well-being, and opportunity — with a particular focus on anchoring Black, Latino, and immigrant communities. If you are looking for affordable housing in these neighborhoods, resident services, or a community organization to connect with, this page explains what Nuestra does and how its work is organized.

What Nuestra does

Nuestra's work falls into three connected areas described on its site:

• Property Development — Building and preserving affordable housing.
• Resident Services & Property Management — Supporting residents and managing properties.
• Community Life — Strengthening local culture, businesses, and homeownership.

Property Development

Over the past 40+ years, Nuestra has developed more than 900 affordable rental homes and nearly 200 affordable homeownership opportunities. The organization frames this work as ensuring that all Bostonians can share in the city's economic growth and prosperity.

One recent example is Dudley Crossing, which earned Phius Passive House certification (announced May 22, 2025) — a recognized standard for highly energy-efficient building design.

Resident Services & Property Management

Nuestra's resident services go beyond building maintenance. Residents take part in community meetings, block parties, and volunteer clean-street days, with the goal of keeping neighborhoods welcoming and safe. The organization also operates a Resident Portal for people living in its properties.

Community Life

Nuestra describes its community work as building "pride of place" by:

• Supporting local culture
• Employing local contractors and workers
• Sustaining local businesses
• Creating homeownership opportunities

Who it serves

Nuestra's stated focus is the residents of Roxbury and surrounding neighborhoods, with an explicit commitment to anchoring Black, Latino, and immigrant communities in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan. Its housing work is aimed at affordability — both rental and ownership — rather than market-rate development.

Recent organizational news: merger with Urban Edge

Nuestra has announced plans to merge with Urban Edge, another Boston community development organization. According to the site, on February 15, 2026, following a unanimous vote by Nuestra's current Board of Directors, a new Board of Directors was appointed and Emilio Dorcely, CEO of Urban Edge, became Interim Executive Director of Nuestra, effective that day. The announcement describes the new board's formation as a significant milestone in the merger process and states that the merger will increase the organizations' capacity. If you are engaging with Nuestra — as a resident, partner, or applicant — it is worth checking the site for updates as the merger proceeds.

How to get in touch

The site lists separate contact paths depending on who you are:

The site also notes Boston commercial spaces available for lease under "Current Lease Availability," and offers a Nuestra News sign-up for updates.

What to keep in mind

• Housing availability is not guaranteed. The site highlights past development totals (900+ rentals, ~200 ownership opportunities) rather than current openings. For current availability, use the Resident Portal or contact the organization directly.
• The merger is in progress. Leadership and contact structures may change; confirm details before relying on them for an application or partnership.
• Scope is geographic. Nuestra's work is concentrated in Roxbury, Dorchester, and Mattapan — if you are outside these neighborhoods, its programs may not apply to you.

For the most current information on housing, leasing, or the merger, start with the organization's website and the contact path that matches your role.