Bill > S111

This bill aims to improve emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness in Massachusetts. The key provisions include: 1. Expanding eligibility for emergency housing assistance to families who have an immediate need, even if they have not spent a night in a public or private place not designed for regular sleeping accommodation. 2. Requiring the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) to inquire about immediate need and offer shelter placement on the same business day a family requests assistance, unless the family is ineligible. 3. Prohibiting DHCD from denying assistance based solely on the need for further verification, and requiring DHCD to access relevant data from the Department of Transitional Assistance to determine eligibility. 4. Allowing applicants to self-certify documentation during COVID-19 and subsequent emergencies, and waiving the 12-month ban on re-entering the program. 5. Establishing an ombudsperson unit within DHCD to advocate for applicants and participants in the emergency assistance and short-term housing transition programs. The bill aims to streamline the application process, improve access to emergency housing, and provide oversight and advocacy for families experiencing homelessness.

Budget and Finance, Health and Social Services

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/192/S111