Bill > SB869

This bill establishes the West Virginia Housing Stability Fund, a special state treasury fund administered by the Secretary of the Department of Human Services, to address housing instability and homelessness among families and children in West Virginia. The fund will be financed through legislative appropriations, grants, donations, and investment income, and any remaining balances will carry over to the next fiscal year. The Secretary can then disburse these funds as grants to child welfare agencies, housing authorities (which are defined as city, county, or regional entities created under state law), and qualifying nonprofit organizations (defined as tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code that provide housing assistance, child welfare, or care for at-risk youth). These recipient organizations will use the grant money to provide housing assistance vouchers, including short-term rental assistance, and utility bill assistance payments for essential services like electricity, gas, water, and heating fuel to eligible residents. Priority for assistance will be given to low- to moderate-income families with minor dependent children, those with children in the state child welfare system, and families at risk of losing their homes due to housing or utility issues. Other eligible individuals or households must have incomes not exceeding 80% of the area median income and demonstrate homelessness, unsafe living conditions, utility shutoff issues, or other housing instability threatening family preservation. The bill also mandates that recipient organizations report annually on their use of funds and outcomes, and requires the Secretary to create legislative rules to implement these provisions.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=869&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill