Bill > H1488

This bill establishes a new homelessness prevention program administered by the executive office of housing and livable communities to provide financial assistance and support to households at risk of losing their housing. The program targets households with incomes at or below 50% of the area median income who are facing potential eviction, housing subsidy loss, foreclosure, or utility shut-off within the next 12 months. At least 50% of the program's funds will be directed to households earning 30% or less of the area median income. Eligible households include families with children under 21, elderly individuals, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth. The program can provide cash benefits for rental arrears, utility payments, broker fees, and other expenses that could prevent homelessness, with funds available for up to 12 months of combined rental and forward rent payments. The bill requires direct payments to tenants if landlords are unresponsive and mandates an annual public report detailing program statistics, including referral sources, application numbers, household demographics, and housing status at 6, 12, and 24 months after receiving assistance. The program aims to coordinate with other state agencies to streamline application processes and promote upstream homelessness prevention.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1488