MA H1496

Department of Housing and Community Development would administer the RAFT homelessness prevention program for households at or below area median income who face risk of homelessness, eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off within 12 months

50% of program funds must be set aside for households with incomes at or below 30% of area median income; eligible households include families with children under 21, elders, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth

Maximum total benefit capped at 12 months' rent, covering arrearages, short-term forward rental or utility payments, and other expenses preventing homelessness

Annual report required by December 31 to legislative committees detailing referral sources, application statistics, denial reasons, household demographics by zip code, and housing status at 6, 12, and 24 months after assistance

Documents identifying landlords, property addresses, and assistance amounts would become public records, while tenant names would remain confidential