Senate Bill 2629

AN ACT TO AUTHORIZE AND DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO ESTABLISH A THREE-YEAR PILOT PROJECT IN CERTAIN PARTICIPATING MUNICIPALITIES TO FURNISH MODULAR OR REHABILITATED HOMES TO INDIVIDUALS WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT RISK OF EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS; TO DIRECT THE DEPARTMENT TO ESTABLISH THIS PROGRAM IN COOPERATION WITH FEDERAL AGENCY PROGRAMS THAT ARE TARGETED TO ASSISTING PEOPLE WHO ARE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS BY PROVIDING HOUSING, SERVICES AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES; TO REQUIRE A REPORT TO THE LEGISLATURE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. (1) For purposes of this act, the term "homeless" shall mean an individual who is living in a shelter, is sleeping in a place not meant to be used as a sleeping accommodation, such as the street or in an abandoned building, or will imminently lose their housing.

(2) The Mississippi Department of Human Services shall establish a three-year pilot project to include the City of Jackson, the City of Canton, the City of West Point and the City of Moss Point. The purpose of the pilot project shall be for each participating municipality or county to furnish modular or rehabilitated homes to individuals who are homeless or at risk of experiencing homelessness.

(3) The department shall establish this program in cooperation with federal agency programs targeted to assisting people who are experiencing homelessness by providing housing, services and support.

(4) The department shall, in each year of the duration of the pilot project, report to the Legislature on the status of the project with recommendations for the addition of counties and municipalities.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2020.