HI SB2570

Establishes a rapid re-housing assistance program within the Department of Human Services designed to help homeless families and individuals move into permanent housing quickly and achieve housing stability.

Program must be designed to qualify for federal emergency shelter grants while also allowing use of other allowable federal grants.

Authorizes the department to provide housing relocation and stabilization services (including rental application fees, security deposits, utility costs, housing search, case management, legal services, and credit counseling) and short- to medium-term rental assistance (up to 24 months).

Expands the definition of "homeless" to include individuals currently in permanent housing as participants in the rapid re-housing program who were formerly homeless.

Appropriates general funds for fiscal year 2016-2017 to establish and operate the program, effective January 1, 2017, with planning to commence July 1, 2016.