BOSTON
- Wednesday, August 30, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu, together with the Mayor’s
Office of Returning Citizens (ORC), announced today the opening of
applications for the Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program. This innovative grant
aims to meet the housing needs of Boston’s returning citizens—those who are
returning to Boston after being released from county, state, or federal
correctional facilities. The total allocation of $1,100,000 for Fiscal
Years 2024-26 will provide critical housing support including rental assistance,
intensive case management, housing locator/search services, and other
housing related services.
“Every
Bostonian deserves affordable, accessible housing. The Rapid Rehousing
program will empower our returning citizens to not just reintegrate but
also thrive in their communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m
excited to see how these grants will support the City’s mission to build
trust and rapport with constituents in our efforts to combat recidivism.”
With
this grant, the ORC is not only focusing on housing but also encouraging
applicant organizations to build comprehensive support systems that will
help returning citizens to stay stably housed. The programs should be
designed to accommodate the various needs of the returning citizens, including
financial literacy, job training, health care access, legal advocacy,
family reunification, and educational services.
“We
are excited to be able to work with our non-profit partners to provide
housing support to returning citizens,” said David Mayo, Executive
Director of the Mayor’s Office of Returning Citizens. “Stable housing
is key to preventing recidivism and this boost of support will help many to
get back on their feet.”
Housing
is the number one priority and challenge for returning citizens returning
home to Boston from incarceration. According to the Boston Reentry
Study completed by the Harvard Kennedy School’s
Rappaport Institute, more than one in three of all returning citizens are
either unhoused or living in unstable housing six months after release from
prison; after one year, nearly half of returning citizens are unhoused or
living in unstable housing. The RRH grant provides critical support to
housing returning citizens, especially as rents continue to rise in the
City of Boston.
The
RRH grant will provide for a step-down approach to rental assistance,
initially covering up to 100 percent of the rent and gradually reducing the
percentage depending on the participant’s ability to pay. This is the first
ever Rapid Rehousing grant to target services to formerly incarcerated Boston
residents.
“This
grant opportunity is another example of Boston seeing a need and meeting it
through an innovative partnership strategy,” said José F. Massó, Chief
of Human Services. “We look forward to launching this program later
this year and connecting more returning citizens to housing resources.”
Applications
for the Rapid Rehousing Grant are now open, with
proposals due by October 25, 2023. Interested applicants can attend the
RC-Rapid Rehousing Application virtual information session on September 6,
2023, from 9 to 11 a.m. Those interested can register for the information
session here.
The grant is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) and will be
administered through a competitive process. Registered non-profit
organizations are invited to apply, with awards likely ranging from
$550,000 to $1,100,000 depending on the application and the capacity of the
organization. The ORC expects to announce awards later this fall.
The
Office of Returning Citizens understands the importance of addressing
barriers, advocacy, and fostering strong partnerships to create positive
social impact and collaborative initiatives. The Office envisions a Boston
where returning citizens can return to their families, flourish in their
communities, and regain their sense of dignity. For more information about
ORC resources, visit here.
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