Thanks for the summary below from Mass. Coalition for the Homeless and for the materials from DHCD. Congratulations to all of our region’s providers who are working incredibly hard for a smooth start-up – best of luck and thank you!
As you know, HomeBASE is a new housing program that will build upon the Emergency Assistance Flexible Funds program and other state initiatives to help families with children obtain and retain housing. The Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) officially will launch the program this Monday, August 1st, with the program rollout taking place over the next several weeks and months. The program will serve families already in Emergency Assistance (EA) shelters and motels, as well as new families. DHCD is implementing the program along with 11 regionally based HomeBASE providers from across the Commonwealth.EA-eligible families will be assessed for two types of HomeBASE assistance. Eligible families can receive either:
- “Household assistance” of up to $4,000/per year to help the family stay in place or relocate. Funds can be used flexibly to cover such needs as rental arrearage payments, security deposits, payments to host families, and medical bill assistance; OR
- “Rental assistance” to provide an ongoing monthly rental subsidy. Families will pay 35% of their income towards rent and utilities in approved rental units, with the HomeBASE subsidy covering the balance. Families in compliance with their housing stabilization plans will have the opportunity to continue in the program for up to 36 months.
In addition, families who are eligible for HomeBASE and are in need of immediate shelter will be placed in temporary accommodations while waiting to use the other HomeBASE benefits.
Please follow the links below for outreach and education materials from DHCD on HomeBASE.
We will continue to keep you informed as new information and program regulations become available.
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From the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD):
HomeBASE flyer for families already in EA shelter and motel placements: English version and Spanish version
HomeBASE flyer for new EA/HomeBASE applicants: English version and Spanish version
For more information, see the flyers or contact DHCD at 1-877-418-3308.
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