Section 231.NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] [Eligibility for matching funds]1. In addition to meeting the requirements set forth in subsection 2 of section 9 of this act, for a project to be eligible for the matching funds described in subsection 1 of section 9 of this act, the project must be determined by the Office to be a qualified project as provided in this section.2. A qualified project is a facility or facilities designed, developed and operated to: (a) Provide comprehensive, sustainable and compassionate support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness; and(b) Assist those individuals and families to overcome the barriers created by homelessness, find housing stability and achieve their full potential, while at the same time allowing them the opportunity to contribute to the economy of this State and participate in its workforce.3. Services offered at a qualified project may be provided in collaboration with a nonprofit participant, for-profit or not-for-profit service provider, local government or other communitybased organization within the public or private sectors.4. The lead participant in a qualified project shall:(a) In consultation with local governments, identify the site or sites where the qualified project will be located;(b) Have a construction and development plan that identifies the sources and uses of funds to be used to construct the qualified project, including, without limitation, a private or nonprofit capital investment of not less than $75,000,000;(c) Have a financial operating plan that sets forth revenues and expenditures for the first 10 years of operations and identifies sources of funding from private and public sources, including, without limitation, local, state and federal governments;(d) Have an operating plan that identifies the services that will be provided at the qualified project;(e) Establish a board of directors consisting of not less than nine members, each of whom must be a resident of this State and none of whom may be persons holding elected office or who held elected office in the immediately preceding 3 years;(f) Identify and establish a qualified management and operating team of professionals with the requisite experience and expertise to effectively operate the qualified project; and(g) Establish a technical advisory committee comprised of nonprofit organizations and local governments focused on providing essential services to the community, including, without limitation, those primarily related to homelessness prevention, food insecurity, domestic violence, emergency services and public safety, workforce development, education, early childhood development, housing, health and wellness and social services. The technical advisory committee shall advise the board of directors by providing critical insight into the most pressing needs of community members, thereby ensuring the organization is continually evolving to address current challenges within the local community.5. A qualified project may include, without limitation:(a) Navigation centers and emergency intake facilities that provide emergency shelter, nutritious meals, hygiene facilities, clothing and access to essential supplies. Such facilities must implement a low-barrier approach to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility, address the immediate needs of those experiencing homelessness and identify individuals who are ready, willing and able to utilize a broader range of available services.(b) Health care and mental health care, including, without limitation, medical care, mental health counseling, addiction treatment programs and preventive care tailored to the unique needs of the homeless population.(c) Job training and employment assistance, including, without limitation, the development of vocational training programs, job placement services and partnerships with local businesses and other service providers to equip individuals with marketable skills, employment opportunities and the necessary support for sustainable employment.(d) Transitional housing services that: (1) Facilitate temporary accommodations and support programs to assist individuals or families experiencing homelessness or unstable housing situations; and(2) Are designed to provide a bridge between homelessness and permanent housing by offering a safe and stable living environment and supportive services to assist individuals or families stabilize their lives and regain independence.(e) Permanent housing solutions that facilitate access to a range of housing options, including, without limitation, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing and affordable housing initiatives in partnership with local governments, housing authorities, landlords and developers.(f) Integrated social service providers, including, without limitation, organizations or agencies that offer a comprehensive range of services and program access to individuals and families, including, without limitation, case management, housing assistance, employment and job training, health and mental health services, food and nutrition assistance, financial and economic support, child and family services and legal aid and advocacy.(g) Community engagement and education through public awareness campaigns, educational workshops and community outreach initiatives to foster empathy, dispel stereotypes and engage the broader community in addressing homelessness.Added by 2023, Ch. 501,§10, eff. 6/15/2023.