MA H1566

Department of Housing and Community Development would administer RAFT homelessness prevention programs 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 reserved for households with incomes at or below 30% of area median income; eligible groups include families with children under 21, elders, persons with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth

Maximum benefit set at 12 months' rent, covering arrearages, short-term future rental or utility payments, and other expenses that would leave households at risk of homelessness

Households would not need to be in active eviction proceedings or have received utility shut-off notices to qualify; risk may be verified through certified statements from landlords, mortgage holders, or utility companies

Annual reporting to legislature required by December 31, including application statistics, denial reasons, demographic data by zip code, and housing status outcomes at 6, 12, and 24 months; rental assistance documents identifying landlords, addresses, and payment amounts would become public records while tenant names remain protected