SB1479: Rapid re-housing pilot project; Department of Housing and Community Development to establish.

SENATE BILL NO. 1479
Offered January 25, 2011
A BILL to direct the Department of Housing and Community Development to establish a rapid re-housing pilot project.
Patron-- Whipple

Unanimous consent to introduce

Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  § 1. That as part of the homeless intervention program established in accordance with subdivision 21 of § 36-139 of the Code of Virginia, the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development shall establish a three-year rapid re-housing pilot project in geographic regions of the Commonwealth. The purpose of the pilot project is to fill the gap between family income and the cost of housing for very low income working families, with priority given to recipients of assistance under Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) created pursuant to § 63.2-600 of the Code of Virginia and working families and individuals living in shelters.

§ 2. The Director shall require biannual reports from the participating localities in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the program, including (i) the number of eligible applicants for the pilot project, (ii) the number of eligible applicants served, (iii) the average monthly rental assistance amount, (iv) the average income of such persons from employment, and (v) such other information as the Director deems necessary.

§ 3. At the end of the three-year period, the Director shall make a final report to the Governor and the Housing Commission on the effectiveness of the pilot project indicating overall family outcomes of the eligible recipients relative to employment, income, and housing status, and such other relevant information as the Director deems appropriate. The Director shall include in the final report his findings and recommendations.