This bill appropriates a total of $24 million to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2026, and June 30, 2027, specifically aimed at supporting homeless prevention, rehousing, and shelter services. The funding includes $12 million each year for contracting with nonprofits that provide a continuum of services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness, as well as an additional $3 million each year for a housing stabilization fund to assist with eviction prevention and rehousing services. The bill also allows the DHHS to accept and expend any matching federal funds without prior approval from the fiscal committee of the general court, thereby streamlining the process for accessing additional resources.

Furthermore, the bill mandates the renewal of the 1915(i) Medicaid state plan amendment to sustain a Medicaid benefit for supportive housing services. The DHHS is required to implement this new supportive housing Medicaid benefit and report its progress to the legislature on November 1, 2025, and November 1, 2026. The bill does not authorize new positions within the department, although it is noted that the implementation of these services may necessitate the creation of two new staff positions for effective management and oversight. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.