OSPCD: Housing Stability
City of Somerville FY21 Budget
Mission Statement
The mission of the Office of Housing Stability is to prevent the involuntary displacement of Somerville residents who are in the process of eviction or others at risk of losing their housing; to assist those needing to relocate to find and transition to appropriate housing; to assist homeless families and individuals to access shelter where necessary; and to identify and implement policies and programmatic initiatives designed to increase the supply of affordable housing, target housing resources to those at risk of displacement and enhance tenants’ rights.
FY21 Budget Process Adjustments
The Mayor's amended FY21 budget proposal included additional investments in the Office of Housing Stability beyond what was originally proposed. This funding became available as a result of reductions made to the Police Department. Additional investments include:
$51,856 in Personal Services to fund a new position, Case Manager/Special Initiatives Manager.
$45,790 in Ordinary Maintenance in additional funding for the Flexible Housing Stabilization Assistance Program.
Changes from FY20
Personal Services - A decline in personal services was driven by a shift in base general fund salaries to grand funding opportunities.
Ordinary Maintenance – is flat over year. The shift in $80K from professional services to legal services represents a year over year line item accounting correction. OHS staff will also be assisting with the administration and oversight of the $1.5M in rental assistance grant funds being provided to selected non-profit agency partners .