MA H1570

Establishes a pilot program within the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to address student homelessness, which has increased 59% over the past 10 years to over 30,000 students in school year 2023-2024

EOHLC will issue a request for proposals to select 5 communities to participate in achieving "functional zero" student homelessness within 5 years, with priority given to Gateway Cities with the highest need

Selected communities receive up to 5 years of resources including Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) vouchers sufficient to house up to 10% of homeless students annually, plus $500,000 annually for program infrastructure

Participating communities must demonstrate support from the Mayor, School Superintendent, and Housing Departments, commit to annual housing goals, and agree to share data and best practices

Creates the Access to Coordinated Housing and Education Fund to sustain the initiative for 5 years, with program implementation through contracts with qualified community-based organizations