Massachusetts Homeless Shelters Reach Capacity Limit, Governor Imposes Waitlist Amid Surge in Migrant Families

Amid funding and space issues, the state moves to a four-tiered prioritization system; state legislature approves $50 million emergency funding to create safe overflow sites.

Faced with an unstable housing situation, rising homelessness, and an increased influx of migrants, Massachusetts has reached full capacity in its shelters, prompting the state to impose a cap of 7,500 families and place others on a waitlist.
To ease the burden on the already-strained shelter system, the state has moved to a four-tiered prioritization system, with priority given to families with very young children, those with acute medical needs, or who are at an imminent risk of domestic violence.
The Massachusetts House has approved $50 million in emergency funding to create ‘safe overflow sites’ for those on the waitlist, with specifications that these locations should open within 30 days of the bill passing.
Governor Maura Healey is also considering limiting the duration of stay for families in Massachusetts shelters, a move that would mirror recent changes in New York City, where Mayor Eric Adams imposed a 60-day limit for families and a 30-day limit for single adults.
Advocates and nonprofit organizations expressed concern for the lack of alternate arrangements for those denied shelter and warned against imposing small-scale solutions to a wider problem. They have also called for dialogue and the active involvement of agencies specialized in resettlement.