Policy in Massachusetts

Governor's Letter to the Senate and House of Representatives

Governor Deval Patrick signed the final FY'12 Budget into law on July 17, 2011. This budget has an impact on key housing, income and shelter service programs for families, individuals and youth. This includes a new HomeBASE program for families at-risk and experiencing homelessness. Below is a description of the HomeBASE program and what it does.

 

HomeBASE is a new housing program that will build upon the Emergency Assistance Flexible Funds program and other state initiatives to help families with children obtain and retain housing. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) officially will launch the program this Monday, August 1st, with the program rollout taking place over the next several weeks and months. The program will serve families already in Emergency Assistance (EA) shelters and motels, as well as new families. DHCD is implementing the program along with 11 regionally based HomeBASE providers from across the Commonwealth.

EA-eligible families will be assessed for two types of HomeBASE  assistance. Eligible families can receive either:

• "Household assistance" of up to $4,000/per year to help the family stay in place or relocate. Funds can be used flexibly to cover such needs as rental arrearage payments, security deposits, payments to host families, and medical bill assistance; OR
• "Rental assistance" to provide an ongoing monthly rental subsidy. Families will pay 35% of their income towards rent and utilities in approved rental units, with the HomeBASE subsidy covering the balance. Families in compliance with their housing stabilization plans will have the opportunity to continue in the program for up to 36 months.

In addition, families who are eligible for HomeBASE and are in need of immediate shelter will be placed in temporary accommodations while waiting to use the other HomeBASE benefits.

Currently I think policy on the homeless in Massachusetts is working towards a better future. The new policies put in place seem better than those of the past. But we are going to have to wait and see what happens.

-Elizabeth