Current Request

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) (7004-9024)
FY’09 Budget: $35.1 million (including $4.5 million from MassHousing)
FY’10 Budget: $35.4 million (including $2.5 million from MassHousing)
FY’11 Final: $37 million (including $2.7 mil. from MassHousing and $2.1 mil. Gubernatorial FMAP veto)
FY'12 House One: $35.9 million
FY’12 Request: $38.2 million

We believe MRVP is the most effective tool to immediately address the excessive demand on homeless shelters. Through a combination of project-based vouchers leveraging other resources and new mobile vouchers, this program has the potential to efficiently provide stable housing for families and individuals at risk of homelessness. The average MRVP voucher costs approximately $600 per month, significantly less than the average cost of shelter which is $3,000 per month. Furthermore, we believe there is great potential to explore asset development opportunities within the program to bolster household incomes over time and reduce dependence on state assistance.

Home and Healthy for Good (7004-0104)
FY’11 Final: $1.2 million
FY'12 House One: $1.2 million
FY’12 Request: $1.2 million

Home and Healthy for Good is a critical Housing First program. As of November 15, 2010, 455 formerly chronically homeless people have been housed in this program. Tenant retention stands at 84%. The annual costs per person decreased from $33,514 before housing to $24,007 after housing placement, resulting in an annual savings of $9,507 per person. We supposrt continuing this critical program for individuals.