HI HB574

Appropriates $16,500,000 for fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021 to the Department of Human Services and Department of Health to fund outreach programs, rapid re-housing, housing first initiatives, family assessment centers, law enforcement assisted diversion programs, and coordinated statewide homelessness initiatives.

Establishes a short-term rental assistance pilot program with $800,000 appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, administered by the Department of Human Services to provide time-limited rental assistance and financial case management to homeless or at-risk families and individuals.

Establishes a long-term rental assistance pilot program with $1,500,000 appropriated for each of fiscal years 2019-2020 and 2020-2021, administered by the Executive Office of Aging to provide ongoing rental assistance to individuals over age 60 who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness, ensuring they pay no more than 50 percent of income for rent.

Authorizes the Department of Human Services and Department of Health to merge the new pilot programs with existing homeless or rental assistance programs and to establish rules and qualification standards for program beneficiaries.

Takes effect July 1, 2019.