Massachusetts Limits Shelter Stays for Families

Governor Maura Healey's administration is set to implement significant reforms to Massachusetts' emergency shelter system, aiming to phase out hotel and motel stays for homeless and migrant families over the next 19 months. The new policies include limiting stays in shelters from nine months to six, with provisions for high-risk families to receive longer accommodations. Healey's office emphasized the need for these changes to address the system's unsustainable costs, which exceed $1 billion annually. A new two-track system will be introduced, allowing families to either quickly transition to housing or receive extended support based on their needs. These reforms follow recommendations from a legislative commission aimed at reducing reliance on costly temporary housing solutions. While the administration seeks legislative approval for these measures, concerns remain about the potential impact on families' housing stability.