Bill > S1011

This bill strengthens the HomeBASE program by expanding housing assistance for families with children or pregnant individuals. Specifically, the bill allows eligible families to receive short-term housing transition program benefits initially for 24 months, with subsequent 12-month renewable allotments. Families who previously complied with their rehousing plan can continue to receive assistance, and the executive office is prohibited from imposing income eligibility restrictions once a family is enrolled. The bill allows families facing eviction for no-fault or excused-fault reasons to apply for benefits, even after a court summons has been filed. Families can receive up to $50,000 in household assistance during the first 24-month period and up to $25,000 in subsequent 12-month periods. Additionally, families can combine and maximize benefits from the Massachusetts short-term housing transition program and residential assistance for families in transition funds if they are eligible for both programs and the assistance is non-duplicative. The overall goal is to provide more flexible and supportive housing assistance to help families maintain housing stability.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S1011