Amendment #797 to H4100

Amendment Regarding Emergency Shelter Programs for Eligible Families

Representatives Reinstein of Revere, Kocot of Northampton, Toomey of Cambridge, Ferrante of Gloucester, Provost of Somerville, Chan of Quincy, Calter of Kingston, Ayers of Quincy, Fallon of Malden and Smith of Everett move to amend the bill in section 2, in item 7004-0108, in line 35 by inserting after “, not including time spent in temporary accommodations” the following: “provided further, that not less than $3 million shall be allocated for financial assistance for families with incomes at or below 115% of poverty that are at-risk of homelessness but are not yet eligible for Homebase, provided that this financial assistance shall be administered by community action agencies as defined  in Section 24 of Chapter 23B of the Massachusetts General Laws, provided that this financial assistance shall pay up to $3,000 per household for rental arrearages, short-term subsidy, or first month’s rent/last month’s rent/security deposit; provided further that arrearage payments shall be to landlords who have issued a notice to quit but who agree to withdraw the notice and extend the tenancy if payment is provided and that short term subsidy or first month, last month, security deposit funds, provided that funds shall be offered only if funds will  prevent a family from becoming homeless; provided further that families served shall include families that are at risk of homelessness but have not yet sought eligibility determination for HomeBASE services and shall also include families at risk of homelessness but do not yet meet eligibility criteria for HomeBASE services and are referred to community action agencies by HomeBASE agencies or other nonprofit or service organizations or government entities”.