The Housing Opportunities Program

The Phillips Brooks House Harvard Yard Cambridge, MA 02138 | phone 617.855.5HOP | fax 617.496.2461 | email

Working Papers

The articles below relate to our ongoing efforts to improve the microfinance model on which HOP is based; they define our role within the community and our methods of doing business. These papers are works in progress, and also somewhat individualistic. They do not necessarily reflect official positions or views of the Housing Opportunities Program.

Social Enterprise and Affordable Housing - Rich Worf. Contrasts HOP's practices with those used by typical for-profit agencies. While banks use collateral to offset their downside risk, HOP relies on an intimate knowledge of client's financial situation and commitment to their community.
A Local Perspective on HOP - Paul Niehaus. Describes the need for HOP in relation to recent economic developments in Eastern Massachussetts. Personal view of HOP's current operations and future outlook.
Social Enterprise Contest Proposal - Paul Niehaus, Rich Worf, Michelle Lee. Proposal submitted by HOP in the spring of 2002 to create a new group-lending model. Draws on microfinance theory and experience in developing countries to create incentive-compatible mechanisms to improve client selection and enforce repayment.
The Economics of HOP - Paul Niehaus (PDF). A collection of notes on economic topics relating to HOP, including: the microfinance movement, the rationale for lending, housing markets and policies, the relationship between repayment rates and HOP's social impact, and group-lending schemes.