|
HOUSING COURT-SUPPORTED TENANCY PROGRAM
RECEIVES POSITIVE REVIEW
A
report on the Tenancy Preservation Program (TPP) run
by MassHousing in partnership with the Housing Court
has concluded that the program is highly effective in
preventing homelessness among tenants with mental disabilities.
The recently-issued report, conducted by the University
of Massachusetts Donahue Institute, also reflects that
TPP is exceptionally cost effective in preventing at-risk
households from being evicted as a result of behaviors
related to mental disabilities.
"The
Donahue Institute Report on the Tenancy Preservation
Program confirms that it is a critical resource for preventing
homelessness among some of the most vulnerable members
of our society," said Chief Justice of the Housing
Court Steven Pierce. "The Housing Court has expanded
the program throughout the state, based on the positive
outcomes that we have achieved for these families in
collaboration with MassHousing."
The
detailed study of 676 TPP cases was conducted from January
2008 through June 2009 and involved 732 adult tenants,
581 minor children and 106 adult children. The study
concluded that the average cost of a TPP case was just
$2,377.
TPP
was started by MassHousing in 1999 in Springfield and
has since expanded statewide to all five divisions of
the Housing Court. TPP attempts to prevent homelessness
by addressing tenancy problems of vulnerable residents
who are at risk of eviction for lease violations resulting
from mental illness, substance abuse, mental retardation,
elderly dementia or other mental impairments. TPP functions
as a neutral party between the landlord and tenant. In
consultation with the Housing Court, TPP works with the
property owner and tenant to determine whether the disability
can be reasonably accommodated and the tenancy preserved.
If the tenancy cannot be preserved, TPP can assist the
tenant in transitioning to other suitable housing.
TPP
is a collaborative effort between MassHousing, the Department
of Housing and Community Development, Executive Office
of Health and Human Services, Executive Office of Elder
Affairs, and regional social service providers.
|
