Bill > H1566

This bill establishes a residential assistance for families in transition (RAFT) homelessness prevention program administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development. The program provides financial assistance to households at or below area median income who are at risk of homelessness, eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off within the next 12 months. Importantly, households do not need to be in active summary process (legal eviction proceedings) or have received a utility shut-off notice to qualify. The program sets aside 50 percent of funds for households with incomes at or below 30 percent of area median income and is designed to help diverse household types, including families with children under 21, elders, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth. Eligible households can receive benefits up to 12 months' rent, which can cover arrears, future rental or utility payments, and other expenses that might lead to homelessness. The bill also requires the department to submit an annual report detailing program metrics, including referral sources, application data, household demographics, and housing status of participants at six, twelve, and twenty-four months after receiving assistance. Additionally, the bill includes a provision making certain program documents public records while protecting the privacy of individual renters and occupants.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1566