Portsmouth Housing Authority acquires 12-unit property from Cross Roads House

PORTSMOUTH — Cross Roads House has chosen the Portsmouth Housing Authority to purchase and manage its transitional housing property at 200 Greenleaf Avenue in Portsmouth.

Cross Roads House has owned and managed the property since 2018 as a transitional, single-room rental option for individuals from the shelter who are ready to become tenants but unable to afford a traditional apartment rental in the area.

“PHA is a longstanding partner of ours, with a synergistic mission to create housing opportunities in Portsmouth for our residents," said Will Arvelo, executive director at Cross Roads House. "The nonprofit organization has been developing and managing affordable housing in the city for more than 70 years, and I can’t think of a better steward for this property, both now and in the future.”

Arvelo said the transaction will allow Cross Roads House to step back from being property managers but will keep the intent of the property intact.

“Now we can now stay focused on our primary mission of providing temporary shelter and robust support programs to the unhoused on the Seacoast,” Arvelo said.

Cross Roads House acquired the property from Great Bay Services in 2018 and converted it to single-room-occupancy housing for eligible shelter residents. It consists of 12 single bedroom units, each with a shared bath. Residents also share a common kitchen and living area. Existing residents will not be affected by the sale and will remain as tenants of PHA.

“This acquisition is a part of PHA’s strategic focus on both preserving and growing the supply of affordable housing in Portsmouth. Portsmouth is losing more affordable housing than we are building so it’s important that we take every opportunity to preserve the affordable housing that is already here,” said Craig Welch, executive director at PHA. “We are excited about this acquisition, especially as it comes from such a key partner as Cross Roads House, an organization that understands the value of this kind of housing for our community.”

Sarah Parker grew up on the Seacoast and has been a tenant at 200 Greenleaf for the last few years. She’s relieved that she will continue to rent her tiny unit as she is on disability and needs a subsidized rental to avoid becoming homeless.

“I can’t afford thousands of dollars in rent, said Parker. "This allows me to pay my other bills.”

Portsmouth Housing Authority owns and manages Wamesit Place, which is located across the street, so property management will be seamless.

This article originally appeared on Portsmouth Herald: Portsmouth Housing Authority acquires 12-unit property from Cross Roads House