Bill > H1570

This bill establishes a pilot program within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to address student homelessness in Massachusetts, targeting communities with high rates of homeless students, particularly Gateway Cities. The program will select five communities to work towards "functional zero" student homelessness within 5 years and substantially reduce homelessness within 10 years. Participating communities will receive Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) housing vouchers to house up to 10% of currently homeless students and their families annually, along with $500,000 per year to develop program infrastructure. To be eligible, communities must demonstrate support from local leadership (mayor, school superintendent, and housing departments), commit to annual housing goals, agree to data sharing, and focus on residents from 2025 onward. The program will be implemented through community-based organizations and include components such as research, service coordination, resource documentation, best practices development, and an enhanced management information system. A separate fund will be established to support the initiative for five years, with the goal of improving educational and health outcomes for homeless students and their families by providing stable housing.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1570