Authority: Title 36, Chapters 8, 9, and 11; and Title 58.1, Chapter 3, Articles 4 and 13, Code of Virginia.
A. Out of the amounts in this Item, $3,482,705 from the general fund, $100,000 from dedicated special revenue, and $3,427,000 from federal trust funds the first year and $3,482,705 from the general fund, $100,000 from dedicated special revenue, and $3,427,000 from federal trust funds the second year shall be provided to support services for persons at risk of or experiencing homelessness and housing for populations with special needs, and $4,050,000 the first year and $4,050,000 the second year from the general fund shall be provided for homeless prevention. Of the general fund amount provided, the department is authorized to use up to two percent in each year for program administration. The amounts allocated for services for persons at risk of or experiencing homelessness shall be matched through local or private sources. Any balances for the purposes specified in this paragraph which are unexpended on June 30, 2019, and June 30, 2020, shall not revert to the general fund but shall be carried forward and reappropriated.
B. The department shall report to the Chairmen of the Senate Finance, the House Appropriations Committees, and the Director, Department of Planning and Budget, by November 4 of each year on the state's homeless programs, including, but not limited to, the number of (i) emergency shelter beds, (ii) transitional housing units, (iii) single room occupancy dwellings, (iv) homeless intervention programs, (v) homeless prevention programs, and (vi) the number of homeless individuals supported by the permanent housing state funding on a locality and statewide basis and the accomplishments achieved by the additional state funding provided to the program in the first year. The report shall also include the number of Virginians served by these programs, the costs of the programs, and the financial and in-kind support provided by localities and nonprofit groups in these programs. In preparing the report, the department shall consult with localities and community-based groups.
C. Out of the amounts in this Item, $1,100,000 the first year and $1,100,000 the second year from the general fund shall be provided for rapid re-housing efforts. In keeping with the specific goals of the Balance of State Continuum of Care, $200,000 of this amount in each year shall be focused on ensuring that no veteran is homeless or in a shelter for more than 30 days. These funds shall be used to supplement other state and federal programs, shall be directed to areas throughout the state where federal funds are not available, and shall be used to serve those veterans ineligible for federal benefits.
D. The department shall continue to collaborate with the Department of Veteran Services to ensure coordinated efforts towards reducing homelessness among veterans.
E.1. Out of the amounts in this Item, $5,500,000 the first year and $5,500,000 the second year from the general fund shall be deposited to the Virginia Housing Trust Fund, established pursuant to § 36-142 et seq., Code of Virginia. Notwithstanding § 36-142, Code of Virginia, when awarding grants through eligible organizations for targeted efforts to reduce homelessness, priority consideration shall be given to efforts to reduce the number of homeless youth and families.
2. As part of the plan required by § 36-142 E., Code of Virginia, the department shall also report on the impact of the loans and grants awarded through the fund, including but not limited to: (i) the number of affordable rental housing units repaired or newly constructed, (ii) the number of individuals receiving down payments and/or closing assistance, and (iii) the progress and accomplishments in reducing homelessness achieved by the additional support provided through the fund.
F. Out of the amounts in this Item, $15,800,000 the first year and $15,800,000 the second year from federal trust funds shall be provided to support Virginia affordable housing programs and the Indoor Plumbing Program.
G. Out of the amounts in this Item, $50,000 the first year and $50,000 the second year from the general fund and one position shall be provided to support the administrative costs associated with administering the tax credits authorized pursuant to § 58.1-435, Code of Virginia.
H. The department shall develop and implement strategies, that may include potential Medicaid financing, for housing individuals with serious mental illness. The department shall include other agencies in the development of such strategies including the Virginia Housing Development Authority, Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, Department of Medical Assistance Services, and Department of Social Services. The department shall also include stakeholders whose constituents have an interest in expanding supportive housing for people with serious mental illness, including the National Alliance on Mental Illness Virginia, the Virginia Housing Alliance and the Virginia Sheriff's Association. An annual report on such strategies and the progress on implementation shall be provided to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by the first day of each General Assembly Regular Session.