Massachusetts Court to Decide on Controversial Cap on State's Emergency Shelter System for Homeless and Migrant Families

Decision Looms as Lawyers Argue Over Legality of Shelter Cap Amid Surge in Migration and Housing Shortage, Governor Healey's Administration Insists on the Need Due to Strained Budget and Lack of Space

• The Massachusetts state's shelter system cap is under scrutiny by a Suffolk Superior Court judge, who will decide on its legality. Governor Maura Healey’s administration asserts the cap is necessary due to extreme strain on the program from increased migration and a housing shortage.
• The state’s shelter usage was close to capacity with 7,389 families receiving emergency assistance as of last Tuesday, and about 40-50 new families applying for support each day.
• New state regulations filed by Healey’s administration assert the 'right-to-shelter' state’s authority, but also propose instituting a waitlist and limiting the duration of stay for families in the system, an average of which is currently over a year.
• Critics argue that the plan violates the state's 'right-to-shelter' law and could force families back into unsafe and unstable living conditions.
• Mitigative measures proposed by Governor Healey include the provision of work permits for migrants to help them transition out of the shelter system and a $4 billion bill to make housing more affordable.

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