Lottery update
On June 1, 2026, we held the lottery which created the Essex Village waiting list. All of the 2,700+ qualified applicants who applied by the May 1, 2026 deadline were included in the lottery and assigned a random position on the list.

Screening process
As an applicant’s name approaches the top of the waiting list, and if a unit becomes available that matches their household qualifications, we will contact them to schedule a screening appointment. 2,777 applicants entered the lottery for 41 apartments. Because of this, it is difficult to estimate how long it may take for an application to reach the top of the waiting list.

While waiting, we encourage applicants to continue their housing search.

Moving in
Successful applicants who accept an apartment will likely be able to move to Essex Village starting in mid-July. This schedule is subject to change and is only approximate. Thank you for your patience as we screen applications and offer apartments to our applicants as efficiently as possible.

Essex Village

 

Way Finders’ transformational efforts in Holyoke continue building on the community energy and revitalization started by the public library renovation and our Library Commons development completed and leased 2021. Essex Village will consist of 41 affordable units on 4 sites, through the gut rehab of a vacant historic building (circa 1888) across from the library, and the construction of three townhome-style buildings within a block of each other.

The four Essex Village buildings are located at the following addresses, close to our existing Library Commons development and the Holyoke Public Library:

  • 213-215 Chestnut Street
  • 188-190 Chestnut Street
  • 344 Appleton Street
  • 207 Elm Street

Amenities:

  • Heating, cooling, electric and hot water all included in rent!
  • On-site laundry
  • 43 Parking Spaces
  • Adjacent to Holyoke Public Library; accessible to public transportation and other amenities; walking distance to Lawrence Elementary School
  • 24/7 maintenance staff on call

Project Highlights

  • 41 units on 4 sites
  • 23 units will be for households with incomes at or below 60% AMI
  • 18 units will be reserved for those with incomes at or below 30% AMI
  • 4 units for residents with physical disabilities
  • 1 unit for a resident with sensory issues
  • Property Management office and coordinated resident services

View the Renderings

Click on the images below to view larger.

See a drone video of Essex Village under construction in December, 2025

Email us at essexvillagerc@wayfinders.org.