The bill aims to enhance access to supportive housing in Massachusetts by establishing an interagency supportive housing finance and strategy board tasked with addressing homelessness. It amends Section 3 of chapter 121H of the General Laws to allow the executive office to allocate funds to support the efforts of the interagency housing and homelessness external advisory council in creating and expanding supportive housing units. Additionally, a working group will be formed to develop strategic and financial plans to increase supportive housing units by at least 2,000, identify resource-sharing opportunities among state agencies, and prioritize households facing chronic homelessness or complex needs.

The working group will consist of at least eight members, including key officials from the executive offices of housing and health, legislative committee chairs, and a representative from the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance. The group is tasked with examining various objectives, such as ensuring regional coordination of services, leveraging Medicaid benefits for housing stability, and developing support services for families at risk of homelessness. A report detailing their findings and recommendations is required to be submitted by December 31, 2027.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 121H-3