Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey announced that the state will gradually stop using hotels and motels to shelter homeless families over the next couple of years.
The goal is to help more families find permanent housing and manage costs. Healey explained that the number of families seeking shelter has dropped in recent months, from an average of 40 families per day to around 15-18 families per day.
The governor pointed out that the current shelter system is becoming unsustainable. Last year, Healey declared a state of emergency and set a cap of 7,500 families in the shelter system. The state has also prohibited homeless families from sleeping at Logan Airport in Boston.
Starting in the 2025 and 2026 fiscal years, the use of hotels and motels for shelters will be phased out. These facilities do not provide enough space for services and can be isolating for families. The state will work with families to find stable housing.
Additionally, Healey’s administration is proposing an increase in temporary rental assistance. Families could receive up to $25,000 per year for two years, compared to the current benefit of $30,000 over two years or $45,000 over three years.
Starting December 10, homeless families will be placed on one of two tracks based on their needs: the Rapid Shelter Track or the Bridge Shelter Track. The Rapid Shelter Track is for families who can quickly find permanent housing and will receive 30 days of support. The Bridge Shelter Track is for families with more complex needs, such as pregnant women or people with disabilities, who may need more time to find stable housing.
Gladys Vega, president of La Colaborativa, an immigrant aid group, stressed the importance of having a safety net for people struggling with housing costs. She pointed out that many families are just one paycheck away from homelessness due to rising rental prices.
Massachusetts has faced increased demand for homeless services, partly because of an influx of migrants. In June, Healey announced stricter rules for shelter eligibility, stating that families not prioritized for assistance would only be allowed to stay at overflow sites for five days.
The state also began limiting how long homeless families can stay in shelters to nine months, with two possible 90-day extensions.