MS HB505

Creates the Mississippi Special Needs Housing Steering Council composed of 14 members including representatives from the Governor's office, mental health, Medicaid, corrections, and housing-related organizations, plus one individual residing in the program after it becomes operational.

Council will assist the Mississippi Home Corporation in creating and administering a Special Needs Housing Program that provides bridge funding and stable supported community-integrated housing for individuals with mental illness, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and other populations with special needs.

Eligible populations for the program include persons re-entering society after incarceration, persons with HIV/AIDS, homeless persons and families, and other similarly identified individuals with special needs as defined by the council.

Mississippi Home Corporation provides administrative support to the council and funding must come from the Mississippi Affordable Housing Development Fund, a dedicated sustainable funding source, or both.

Effective date is July 1, 2025.