MA S961

Establishes the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition homelessness prevention program for households at or below 50% of area median income who are at risk of homelessness, eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-off within 12 months

Requires at least 50% of program funds go to 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

Provides up to 12 months of combined rental arrearage and forward rent payments, plus assistance for utility costs, broker fees, and other expenses that could lead to homelessness

Allows households to qualify without having received formal eviction notices or utility shut-off notices; direct payments available to tenants when landlords are unresponsive

Mandates annual reporting by December 31 to legislative committees on application data, household demographics by zip code, payment amounts, and housing status tracking at 6, 12, and 24 months after assistance