Massachusetts Implements Controversial Policy: Homeless Families Denied Shelter Beds, Forced onto Waitlist

Massachusetts Faces Growing Homeless Crisis as Emergency Shelter Capacity Reaches Limit

The state of Massachusetts is grappling with a surge in the number of homeless families seeking emergency shelter, with the figure now approaching 7,500. Democratic Governor Maura Healey has stated that the state is no longer able to accommodate these families and will instead place them on a waitlist, prioritizing those with the greatest needs.

Governor Healey has expressed her concern about families being left on the streets, but has acknowledged that the state has reached its shelter capacity. The increase in demand is partially attributed to a rise in migrant families entering Massachusetts.

This issue is not unique to Massachusetts, as other areas are also struggling with an influx of migrant families seeking shelter. New York City Mayor Eric Adams has recently announced a limit of 60 days for shelter stays for migrant families with children. In Chicago, officials are exploring options to relocate asylum-seeking migrants from police stations and airports to winterized camps with large tents.

As of Wednesday, there were 7,488 families in emergency shelter in Massachusetts. Critics argue that Governor Healey’s decision to cap shelter placements violates the state’s “right-to-shelter” law, which legally requires Massachusetts to provide emergency shelter to eligible families.

Under Governor Healey’s plan, priority will be given to women, young children, and those with acute medical needs and health issues. The state is also considering implementing limits on the length of time a family can stay in a shelter.

With winter approaching, officials are scrambling to prevent families from ending up on the streets. A flyer has been prepared by the state to provide families denied shelter with a few options, including returning to their last safe place of stay.

To address the situation, Governor Healey has announced a $5 million grant program to help local organizations establish overnight shelters for families and pregnant individuals with no other options. Massachusetts lawmakers are also considering a bill to allocate $50 million for one or more temporary refuge locations for homeless families while they wait for shelter space. Democratic House Speaker Ronald Mariano has suggested using a single large site like the Hynes Convention Center in Boston or smaller sites spread throughout the state.

Homeless advocates, such as Kelly Turley, director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, have urged the Legislature to approve funding for a large living site similar to the one proposed by Speaker Mariano. Turley emphasizes the need for congregate shelter to be available to prevent families from being forced into unsafe living conditions.

Meanwhile, advocates welcoming new migrants to the state are concerned about how to assist those who have no friends or family and nowhere to stay. Geralde Gabeau, executive director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute in Boston, questions whether it is acceptable to leave people, especially those with babies, on the streets. She emphasizes the need for a place to send them.

Currently, families in Massachusetts are housed in various facilities across 90 cities and towns, ranging from traditional shelters to temporary sites like college dormitories. The state Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities has issued guidance on forthcoming changes to the shelter system. The highest priority will be given to families at immediate risk of domestic violence or with infants up to 3 months old, immunocompromised family members, high-risk pregnancies, or family members requiring medical devices such as tracheostomy tubes. The age and medical needs of family members will also be taken into account when determining priority levels.

Under the new guidance, families will be offered available shelter units based on their position on the waitlist. The waitlist will be updated daily, and eligible families will be contacted via email, phone calls, and text messages. Families on the waitlist for six months or longer will need to undergo another assessment.