Bill > H1552

This bill creates an interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board to address homelessness in Massachusetts, consisting of 18 members including the Lieutenant Governor (who will chair the board), representatives from various state agencies, and stakeholders from housing and mental health organizations. The board's primary responsibilities include developing strategic and financial plans for creating a supportive housing pipeline, identifying opportunities to combine resources from a supportive housing pool fund, and issuing joint proposals to address chronic and high-need homelessness. The bill also establishes a supportive housing pilot program within the executive office of housing and livable communities, which aims to provide at least 2,000 units of supportive housing to individuals, families, and young adults experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Additionally, the bill requires multiple state agencies to develop a memorandum of understanding to coordinate community-based supportive services and housing subsidies, with an action plan that includes benchmarks for assessing potential financial savings from avoiding institutionalization or shelter care. The legislation mandates the development of a plan to pair Medicaid housing benefits with community-based behavioral health services, with the goal of creating a comprehensive approach to supporting vulnerable populations and reducing homelessness.

Budget and Finance, Housing and Urban Affairs

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/H1552