BOSTON – On Wednesday, the governor of Massachusetts unveiled a proposal aimed at modifying the emergency shelter system, suggesting that at least one member of families applying for assistance must have legal status in the country. This measure comes amidst escalating worries regarding safety protocols within the shelters.
Democratic Governor Maura Healey is advocating for more rigorous background checks for individuals seeking shelter, which would require disclosure of criminal records from Massachusetts and other states. Her initiative entails that applicants must provide proof of identity, residency, and immigration status prior to being granted shelter, in contrast to the current system that permits individuals to be housed before any documentation is submitted. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to restrict eligibility to those experiencing evictions specifically within Massachusetts, rather than from across the nation.
“I believe these changes are appropriate and needed to ensure the long-term sustainability of the state shelter system in a way that aligns with the original intent of the law,” Healey stated. She emphasized that these modifications would enhance safety within the shelters, assist local communities in addressing the needs of families without housing, and lead to a more financially stable shelter system.
The governor’s proposal must navigate the legislative process for approval.
Massachusetts has seen an influx of migrants since 2023, straining its shelter system for homeless families, a challenge mirrored in cities like New York, Chicago, and Denver, all facing increased rates of homelessness.
Last year, Healey announced that families not prioritized for emergency assistance shelters would only be able to utilize overflow sites for a maximum of five days. She explained that the tightening of restrictions was necessary due to persistent capacity issues within the emergency assistance system and the imperative to maintain financial sustainability.
Additionally, the state imposed a limit on how long homeless families can reside in shelters, capping their stay at nine months, with the possibility of two extensions lasting 90 days each. Concerns surrounding safety have risen following the discovery of a migrant armed with drugs and an automatic weapon at one shelter. State records reveal numerous serious incidents at these facilities, including reports of sexual assault.
House Speaker Ronald Mariano commented on the proposal, noting it aligns with ongoing efforts by lawmakers to reform the shelter system. “From the outset of the shelter system crisis, the House has consistently led the initiative to ensure that the Commonwealth’s emergency assistance program could remain financially viable in the long term, culminating in reforms that limit the maximum length of stay and mandate job training for those in the shelter system,” he asserted.
Republican legislators, who have seized upon safety concerns to critique the governor’s management of the migrant situation, expressed support for Healey’s new proposal, perceiving it as an indication of her readiness to collaborate on these pressing issues. “With the growing consensus not only on Beacon Hill, but throughout the Commonwealth, that major changes are needed urgently, we have the opportunity to finally implement actions that will enhance safety, accountability, and the sustainability of the system,” stated Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr.
