MA H1488

Creates a Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) homelessness prevention program for households earning at or below 50% of area median income who face risk of homelessness, eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off within 12 months

At least 50% of program funds must go to households earning no more than 30% of area median income; eligible groups include families with children under 21, elders, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth

Covers up to 12 months of combined rental arrearage and forward rent payments, plus short-term utility payments, broker fees, and other expenses that would otherwise cause housing loss

Households do not need to receive formal eviction notices or utility shut-off notices to qualify; risk can be verified through certified statements from landlords, mortgage holders, or utility companies

Requires annual public reporting by December 31 on program outcomes including application numbers, denial reasons, household demographics by zip code, and housing status at 6, 12, and 24 months after receiving assistance