In this subtitle, “Program” means the Housing Navigator and Aftercare Program.

There is a Housing Navigator and Aftercare Program in the Department.

The purpose of the Program is to assist families and individuals who are experiencing, or who are in imminent danger of, a housing crisis in obtaining and maintaining permanent housing.

A family may apply for Program services if the family is the recipient of or is in the process of applying for temporary cash assistance, as defined in § 5–301 of the Human Services Article.

A housing navigator shall assist a family or an individual client with securing and maintaining permanent, affordable housing by: assisting the client with searching for and obtaining permanent, affordable housing; developing a comprehensive, current list of housing resources and expanding the list of housing resources to include new resources; establishing a working relationship with the client and advocating for the client with landlords, property managers, realty companies, and other sources of low–income housing; working with a client’s case manager, when applicable, to coordinate services to the client; assisting the client, as needed, with issues that contribute to chronic housing problems, such as budgeting and household management; and performing other duties as assigned by the Department.

Program funds may be used for: salary and FICA for housing navigators and aftercare case managers; client–related expenses, including: first and final months’ rent; transportation for housing searches; moving expenses; essential furnishings; storage; arrearages; credit checks and housing application fees; security deposits; utility deposits; and other identified needs; and other items that the Department designates. A local administrative agency shall be designated by the Department or a local government to manage the Program in a particular subdivision, provide services, and provide funds for additional costs, including operating costs, related to the Program.

Subject to the limitations of the State budget, beginning in fiscal year 2019 and for each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include in the annual budget an appropriation for the Program of $516,828.