Massachusetts to Reduce Shelter Stays and Phase Out Hotel Use for Homeless Families

Governor Healey announces a shift toward shorter shelter stays and increased rental assistance to address housing challenges and rising costs.

Massachusetts plans to phase out the use of hotels and motels for homeless families during fiscal years 2025 and 2026, citing unsustainability and isolation concerns.
Governor Maura Healey proposes reducing the shelter stay limit from nine months to six months, pending legislative approval, while introducing a two-track shelter system to tailor support to families' needs.
The state will increase rental assistance under the HomeBASE program, raising the annual subsidy to $25,000 per family for two years, compared to the current $15,000 per year limit.
The new shelter system will include a 'Rapid Shelter Track' for families capable of quickly transitioning to permanent housing and a 'Bridge Shelter Track' for those with more complex needs.
The changes aim to address a strained shelter system impacted by rising housing costs and an influx of migrants, with officials emphasizing the need for a sustainable and humane approach.