St. Joseph, MA

About St. Joseph’s Community

St. Joseph’s Community is a cooperative housing development built in 1969 that provides “shares” to residents, making them owners and eligible for income tax deductions. That’s pretty special. But, this culturally diverse community is also lovely, with handsome, 2 ½ story townhomes surrounded by thriving trees, bushes and flowers in abundance.

There are 14 one-bedroom, 42 two-bedroom, 48 three-bedroom, 27 four-bedroom and 6 five-bedroom homes, for a total of 137. Each unit is worth one share, and the value of the share depends on how many bedrooms the family requires.

Ninety homes are established under Section 8 based housing laws, and tenants pay 30 percent of their income. The other units are also affordable, although under other guidelines. All would-be residents must apply and must meet the income guidelines every year.

Members vote for a Board of Directors, which decides on policies. Trinity Management Company executes those policies and sees to day-to-day financial and site operations. The management team ensures that city, state and federal guidelines and laws are followed, maintenance is timely and resident needs are met.

Among the amenities is hard-wood flooring. Units with more than two bedrooms have washer/dryer hookups. All have security systems and outlets for air conditioners and cable TV. The kitchens feature modern appliances. There is an outdoor fire pit that residents can reserve for special occasions.

There are young people, more mature people, older adults and families at St. Joseph’s, which makes it a nice, vital community. Among the special events is a Youth Fun Day in summer, a SJC/Boston Police Game Night each fall, and the National Night Out in early August. Seniors at the site enjoy an annual Day Trip, which this year is to Kittery, Maine, for shopping at the outlet stores and a bite to eat at Warrant’s Lobster House. Last year they went to Martha’s Vineyard. The seniors also enjoy an annual Holiday Dinner Outing. The Annual Shareholders Meeting is the first Monday of April.