''Handicapped persons of low income'', persons whose annual net income is less than the amount necessary to enable them to maintain decent, safe and sanitary housing and who have been determined, pursuant to regulations issued by the secretary of housing and livable communities to have an impairment which is expected to be of long continued and indefinite duration, which substantially impedes the ability to live independently in conventional housing and which is of such a nature that such ability could be improved by more suitable housing conditions. Except as required by federal law, and notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, a history of alcohol or substance use shall not constitute a qualifying impairment. Eligibility for protection as a handicapped or disabled person under state or federal anti-discrimination laws does not constitute a guarantee of eligibility for housing as a handicapped person of low income as defined herein. A person who has a handicap as defined in paragraph seventeen of section one of chapter one hundred and fifty-one B shall still meet the definition set out herein in order to be eligible for housing as a handicapped person of low income.
''Housing authority'', a public body politic and corporate created pursuant to section three or corresponding provisions of earlier laws.
''Housing project'', such projects for housing as a housing authority is authorized to undertake under sections twenty-five to thirty-three, inclusive.
''Low rent housing'', decent, safe and sanitary dwellings within the financial reach of families or elderly persons of low income, and developed and administered to promote serviceability, efficiency, economy and stability; together with all necessary appurtenances of such dwellings.