HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

152nd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HOUSE BILL NO. 443

AN ACT TO AMEND TITLE 31 OF THE DELAWARE CODE RELATING TO LOW BARRIER NAVIGATION CENTERS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF DELAWARE:

Section 1. Amend Subchapter II, Chapter 40, Title 31 of the Delaware Code by making deletions as shown by strike through and insertions as shown by underline as follows:

§ 4030. Low Barrier Navigation Centers.

(a) For purposes of this section:

(1) “Low Barrier Navigation Center” or “LBNC” means a non-congregate, interim housing facility designed to rapidly transition individuals or families into permanent housing with minimal barriers to entry. These centers must provide privacy, security, and access to necessary amenities and services, including sleeping quarters, sanitation facilities, and communal spaces. LBNCs must also offer comprehensive support services, such as case management, health services, child services, employment assistance, and aid in securing permanent housing.

(2) “Minimal barriers to entry” means the following are permitted:

a. The presence of partners if it is not a population-specific site, such as for survivors of domestic violence or sexual assault, women, or youth.

b. Pets.

c. Storage of possessions.

d. Privacy, such as partitions arounds beds or private rooms.

(b) DSHA shall establish and administer Low Barrier Navigation Centers to assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

(c) DSHA may use third-party providers to establish and administer LBNCs.

(d) To implement this section, DSHA may use funds from the General Assembly, local and federal agencies, nonprofits, and private sources.

(e) DSHA shall establish standards and procedures for the establishment and administration of LBNCs.

(f) DSHA shall annually prepare a report detailing all of the following:

(1) A description of all operating LBNCs and how many individuals are served.

(2) A description of LBNCs that are being developed but are not yet operational.

(3) An accounting of funds spent on LBNCs.

(4) The number of individuals that have transitioned to permanent housing after visiting an LBNC.

(g) DSHA shall submit its annual report to the Governor, the General Assembly, and the Director and Librarian of the Division of Research of Legislative Council no later than January 1 of each year.

SYNOPSIS

This Act requires the Delaware State Housing Authority to establish and administer Low Barrier Navigation Centers (LBNCs). LBNCs are non-congregate, interim housing facilities designed to rapidly transition individuals or families into permanent housing.