Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership

The mission of the Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership is to promote responsible and sustainable home ownership opportunities for low and moderate income earners by producing comprehensive training and counseling as well as promoting the use of special mortgage products and down payment assistance programs.

Founded in 1986 by The Ethnic Covenant, Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership (MVHP) was created to expand housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income families in Greater Lowell and the Merrimack Valley. In its early years, MVHP developed affordable housing, constructing three condominium communities in Lowell and Lawrence.

In 1991, MVHP shifted its focus and became a pioneer in the emerging field of homeownership education. We launched Project Genesis, a comprehensive first-time homebuyer education program designed to equip families with the knowledge and confidence to purchase and sustain homeownership responsibly.

Today, more than 25,000 households have completed our HUD-certified homebuyer education program. Classes are offered monthly in English, Spanish, and Khmer, ensuring culturally responsive access to information and resources.

Beyond the classroom, MVHP provides:

• One-on-One Housing & Credit Counseling
  • Personalized sessions to assess mortgage readiness, improve credit, reduce debt, and create an actionable path toward homeownership.
• Down Payment Assistance Program Administration
  • Administrative and technical support for local and state down payment assistance programs, helping first-time buyers access critical financial resources.
• Affordable Housing Lottery Services
  • Marketing, application processing, and compliance services for deed-restricted and income-restricted homeownership developments.
• Landlord & Multifamily Training
  • Educational workshops for individuals interested in purchasing and responsibly managing multifamily properties.

For nearly four decades, MVHP has remained committed to promoting responsible and sustainable homeownership, strengthening neighborhoods, and helping families build long-term stability.