Section 4765 - Emergency Housing Relief Fund and Program1.Creation. The Emergency Housing Relief Fund, referred to in this section as "the fund," is established within the Maine State Housing Authority. The fund may receive money from any available state, federal or private source. The fund may not lapse, but must be carried forward to carry out the purposes of this subchapter. [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]
2.Program. The Emergency Housing Relief Fund Program, referred to in this section as "the program," is established within the Maine State Housing Authority. [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]
3.Uses of fund. The fund may be used for short-term or long-term assistance under the program, which may include:A. Providing rental assistance or appropriate housing for people experiencing homelessness who are staying in hotels as a short-term housing solution; [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]B. Supplementing or creating a program similar to the home investment partnerships program created pursuant to the federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 to purchase and convert appropriate buildings to housing to address the needs of people experiencing homelessness or facing other immediate housing needs; [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]C. Supplementing or enhancing other short-term rental assistance programs such as rapid rehousing services; [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]D. Creating supportive housing for people with disabilities, mental health challenges or substance use disorder using an approach that prioritizes providing permanent housing to people experiencing homelessness; and [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]E. Any other use that addresses housing emergencies in the State. [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).] [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]
4.Reporting. Beginning February 1, 2023, the Maine State Housing Authority shall provide a quarterly report of expenditures from the fund and the goals and achievements of the program to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over housing matters. [2021, c. 635, Pt. WW, §1(NEW).]
Added by 2022, c. 635,§ WW-1, eff. 4/20/2022.