Bill > A02502

This bill establishes a Home Stability Support Program designed to help prevent homelessness and provide housing assistance through local social services districts. The program will provide a shelter supplement to eligible individuals and families who are either homeless or facing imminent loss of housing, covering up to 85% of the fair market rent in their district, with the option for local districts to provide additional supplement funding. Eligibility initially focuses on public assistance recipients, starting from October 2026, and expands to include more households by October 2027. The supplement can be provided for up to five years, with potential extension for good cause, and recipients can continue receiving support for one year after losing public assistance eligibility if their income remains below 200% of the federal poverty level. The bill requires local social services districts to contract with non-profit agencies to provide support services, including conflict resolution with landlords, legal referrals, benefits advocacy, and relocation assistance. The program will provide up to 14,000 new shelter supplements annually, distributed based on poverty levels in each district. Additionally, the state will fully reimburse districts for these supplements, using a combination of federal and state funds, and the commissioner must submit an annual report evaluating the program's effectiveness.

Health and Social Services

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2502