An Act relative to residential assistance for families in transition (RAFT)

This bill creates the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program to prevent homelessness for low-income households. It provides cash benefits or services to families at or below area median income who face eviction, foreclosure, or utility shut-offs within 12 months, without requiring prior legal notices or shut-off warnings. Benefits cover past-due rent/mortgage (up to actual debt) or future payments for up to 12 months' rent, with 50% of funds reserved for households earning ≤30% of area median income. The program specifically serves families with children under 21, elders, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth. The Department of Housing must annually report detailed data on program usage, demographics, and outcomes to state legislative committees.