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HomeBASE

HomeBASE. Western Massachusetts Homelessness Resource Fair June 14, 2018. What is HomeBASE?. Rehousing benefit for homeless families Three entry points Diversion from Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter – “Front Door” Exit from EA shelter – “Back Door”

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HomeBASE

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  1. HomeBASE Western Massachusetts Homelessness Resource Fair June 14, 2018

  2. What is HomeBASE? • Rehousing benefit for homeless families • Three entry points • Diversion from Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter – “Front Door” • Exit from EA shelter – “Back Door” • Exit from DPH-funded domestic violence shelter or BSAS residential family treatment program – “Side Door” • Benefit of up to $8,000 over a 12-month period • Payments are made directly to landlords and vendors by 11 HomeBASE Regional Administering Agencies around Massachusetts

  3. Emergency Assistance (EA) eligibility • Except for families exiting through the “Side Door,” households first must be found eligible for EA in order to use HomeBASE • EA eligibility is determined by DHCD homeless coordinators at regional DTA offices or telephonically (1-866-584-0653) • MA resident with dependents under 21 or pregnant • Income below 115% Federal Poverty Guidelines • Assets below $2,500 • Homeless because of at least one of four qualifying reasons: • No-fault fire, flood, natural disaster, condemnation, or foreclosure • Fleeing domestic violence • No-fault eviction or excused fault eviction • Child is exposed to a substantial health and safety risk

  4. Accessing HomeBASE • Front Door • Family stays somewhere safe temporarily and searches for a unit with the help of HomeBASE Diversion case manager • Family must use HomeBASE within 60 days of being found eligible for EA • Back Door • Family stays in EA shelter and searches for a unit with the help of shelter rehousing case manager • No time limit as long as family remains in EA • Side Door • Family stays in DPH program and searches for a unit with the help of HomeBASE Administering Agency case manager • No time limit as long as family remains in DPH program

  5. Examples of allowable uses of HomeBASE • First month’s rent • Last month’s rent • Security deposit • Monthly rental stipend (only in MA, and only for non-subsidized housing) • Relocation out of state • Furniture up to $1,000 (waivers available for families of seven or more) • Moving expenses • Utility arrears

  6. Stabilization • Every family who uses HomeBASE receives 12 months of stabilization services • Exception: families who move out of state • If the family’s origin was shelter: • The shelter provider provides the stabilization • If the family’s origin was the Front Door or a DPH/BSAS program: • The regional HomeBASE Administering Agency provides stabilization • Family and stabilization case manager develop a stabilization plan that might include: • Further housing search • Connection to community resources • Job search assistance • Help with increasing income and budgeting

  7. Contact Amy MullenHomeBASE and RAFT Contract and Compliance CoordinatorDivision of Housing StabilizationDepartment of Housing and Community Development(617) 573-1368amy.mullen2@mass.gov

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