Senator Adam Gomez and nonprofit providers pressed the committee to pass S996 / H1554, a bill to secure housing for returning citizens by coordinating housing planning, vouchers and services to support reentry.

Why it matters: Witnesses said housing is a cornerstone of successful reentry — without stable housing, employment, family reunification and rehabilitation become more difficult. Senator Gomez described the bill as an "evidence-based reentry housing program" that would coordinate the Department of Corrections, probation, parole, and community organizations.

Evidence and programs: Noah Risley of Just for Housing described the SHARP program (Stable Housing and Reentry), which provides 12–18 months of wraparound services; he reported a 2% recidivism rate among program participants and said the program saved the Commonwealth an estimated $3 million over five years. He and others urged the committee to establish state-level resources and a dedicated office or funding to scale similar programs.

Design considerations: Testimony recommended early discharge planning for housing needs, prioritization for state‑funded housing pools or vouchers, and outcome-based metrics to track recidivism and housing stability.

Conclusion: Supporters asked the committee to report S996/H1554 favorably to allow program expansion and formal state partnerships with community providers.