Budget Amendment ID: FY2024-S3-422

EHS 422

Improvements to the RAFT Homelessness Prevention Program

Ms. Rausch, Messrs. Eldridge and Gomez, Ms. Miranda, Messrs. Brady and Moore, Ms. Jehlen, Messrs. Keenan and O'Connor, Ms. Edwards, Messrs. Lewis and Collins and Ms. Lovely moved that the proposed new text be amended in section 2, in item 7004-9316, by inserting the following:- “; provided further, that for the purposes of this program, to receive cash benefits or other services, it shall not be necessary for a household to have received a shut-off notice from a utility company, notice to quit or summary process summons and complaint, or otherwise be subject to the summary process pursuant to chapter 239 of the General Laws; provided further, that the executive office and administering agencies shall make direct payments available to tenants whose landlords are unresponsive or refuse payments; provided further, that the executive office shall not require applicants to demonstrate rental arrears in order to be eligible for forward rent payments and stipends; provided further, the executive office and administering agencies shall approve requests for multiple months of forward rent payments and stipends from otherwise eligible applicants if such payments would not exceed the rolling 12-month benefit award limit.”