Section 23B:35 - Veterans supportive housing program(a) As used in this section, the following words shall, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, have the following meanings: "Homeless", a veteran:
(i) who is undomiciled and unable to secure permanent and stable housing without special assistance, including, but not limited to, a veteran who is inappropriately housed in an institutional facility and can safely live in the community where services are provided; (ii) in a transitional housing facility without permanent domicile; (iii) in the community, released or discharged after incarceration and who is without permanent and stable housing; or (iv) who is in danger of becoming homeless due to circumstances and criteria established by the secretary, in consultation with the secretary of veterans' services."Qualified nonprofit organization", a private nonprofit organization:
(i) with demonstrated success in developing or operating transitional and permanent housing programs for veterans; and (ii) that is committed to ending veteran homelessness.(b) The secretary of housing and livable communities, in consultation with the secretary of veterans' services, shall establish a veterans supportive housing program to assist qualified nonprofit organizations to develop and preserve supportive housing for eligible veterans. The qualified nonprofit organization shall provide wrap around services to meet the needs of eligible veterans.(c) Eligibility for supportive housing shall include: (i) veterans and their families, or individual veterans, who are homeless and have an unmet housing need as determined by the secretary; and(ii) veterans who have 1 or more disabilities or other life challenges, including, but not limited to: (A) serious mental illness; (B) substance use disorder; (C) living with HIV or AIDS, or another chronic condition or affliction; (D) being a victim or survivor of domestic violence; and (E) post-traumatic stress disorder.(d)(1) The secretary may contract with a qualified nonprofit organization to establish veterans supportive housing pursuant to subsection (b) for a term of not more than 5 years and may renew a contract with a qualified nonprofit organization for like terms in accordance with the procedures established by the secretary, in consultation with the secretary of veterans' services, for the development and preservation of supportive housing for veterans.(2) The secretary may award up to $20,000 per eligible veteran pursuant to subsection (c) in a calendar year to a qualified nonprofit organization that enters into a contract pursuant to paragraph (1).(3) The qualified nonprofit organization shall secure funding for the development and preservation of any supportive housing project within 2 years from the date of the award. The secretary shall establish procedures for the repayment of funds by qualified nonprofit organizations that fail to secure funding within the 2-year period.(e) The secretary, in consultation with the secretary of veterans' services, shall promulgate rules or regulations for the administration of the veterans supportive housing program.Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 23B, § 23B:35
Added by Acts 2024, c. 150,§ 5, eff. 8/6/2024.