Homeless families face limits on shelter stays as Massachusetts grapples with migrant influx
BOSTON — Massachusetts will begin limiting how long homeless families can stay in shelters as the state continues to grapple with an influx of homeless migrants.
Starting June 1, the total length of stay will be limited to nine months, after which families will be eligible for up to two 90-day extensions, under a supplemental budget approved by state lawmakers and signed by Democratic Gov. Maura Healey on Tuesday.
The law also requires the state Office of Housing and Livable Communities to establish a rehousing plan and provide case management for all individuals in shelters after they leave the program, and requires the plan to be recertified every 60 days so that families can remain eligible.
Extensions would be based on circumstances such as employment or participation in a workforce training program, veteran status, impending residential placement, avoiding educational interruptions for children in public school, and pregnancy or who have recently given birth.
Extensions may also be offered to people with a diagnosed disability or medical condition, a single parent caring for a disabled child or family member, a single parent without adequate childcare and those at risk of harm from domestic violence.
Families nearing the end of their shelter period can receive a hardship waiver, and all families must be given 90 days’ notice before the state ends benefits.
Healey called the restrictions on emergency shelters “a responsible step to address our capacity and budget constraints as Congress has continued to fail to take action on immigration reform.”
The bill signed by Healey also includes $251 million for shelter costs for the fiscal year ending June 30, including $10 million for approved workforce training programs and $10 million for a tax credit for companies that provide job training to homeless families.
Other states have also faced pressure on their homeless shelter programs.
Lawmakers in New York recently approved a $237 billion state budget that includes plans to boost housing construction and address the migrant crisis. Chicago has spent more than $300 million in city, state and federal funds to provide housing, health care, education and more to more than 38,000 mostly South American migrants who have arrived in the city since 2022.
The new law in Massachusetts would also permanently ban outdoor dining and craft mixed drinks, a policy that initially began during the COVID-19 pandemic.