HI HB1773

Appropriates funds to the Department of Human Services for fiscal year 2016-2017 to continue administering Housing First Programs for chronically homeless individuals, with funding deposited to the housing first special fund established under Hawaii Revised Statutes section 346-377.

Appropriates funds for a Rapid Re-housing Program to assist homeless working individuals or families in obtaining or maintaining permanent housing, with a maximum rent supplement of $500 per month and coverage for housing stabilization services and administrative costs.

Appropriates funds for 1.75 full-time equivalent positions within the Hawaii Public Housing Authority to manage the rent supplement program under chapter 356D, Hawaii Revised Statutes, with coordination of case management, financial literacy, and employment training services.

Establishes legislative findings that Hawaii has the highest per capita rate of homelessness of any state and that Housing First and rapid re-housing programs are proven cost-effective interventions addressing homelessness for different populations.

Takes effect July 1, 2050.