Public Policy

The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless has a rich 28-year history as a leader in the fight to prevent and end homelessness here in the Commonwealth. The agency is steadfast in our belief that homelessness can be resolved by supplying safe, affordable, permanent housing for the lowest income households and providing opportunities for families and individuals to build economic stability.  To achieve these goals, the Coalition and our members undertake campaigns in support of  affordable housing, income and benefit programs, access to education, and emergency shelter.

Current Policy Campaigns

** Thank you for participating in our "Have a Heart: Help End Unaccompanied Youth Homelessness!" Valentine's Day call-in day action to the House Committee on Ways and Means! **

The Coalition's Fiscal Year 2013 Legislative Priorities

• Coalition's budget letter to Governor Patrick on FY'13 budget priorities
  
  • Governor Patrick's FY'13 budget proposal, released January 25, 2012
  • Coalition's overview of Governor Patrick's FY'13 budget proposal
  • Letter from Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Dan Curley on DTA Accounts in Governor Patrick’s FY'13 budget proposal
• Emergency Assistance (EA) fact sheet from the Coalition and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
• Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) fact sheet
• For more information about the HomeBASE program, please click here. (Scroll to bottom of page for program details and data.)
• Check back soon for additional materials.

The Coalition's Fiscal Year 2012 Legislative Priorities          

• Coalition's Budget Priorities for FY '12
• Conference Committee Budget Priorities

Detailed Fact Sheets on the Coalition's Budget Priorities

• Housing Programs Budget Fact Sheet

• Income Programs Budget Fact Sheet

• Emergency Shelter and Services Budget Fact Sheet

The Coalition's Bill Priorities for 2011-2012

• An Act Providing Housing and Support Services for Unaccompanied Homeless Youth (House Bill 3838): 
  • Fact Sheet (Updated 2-21-12)
  • Copy of Bill Language
  • Legislative Page for Bill    
•  An Act to Prevent Homelessness Among Recipients of Transitional Assistance, a.k.a. "No Place Like Home" (House Bill 2681): Fact Sheet
  
  
•  An Act to Expand Housing Opportunities (House Bill 2130): Fact Sheet
  
  
•  An Act to Invest in Our Communities (House Bill 2553/Senate Bill 1416): Fact Sheet

 

** Please save the date for the Coalition's upcoming Legislative Action Day, Wednesday, February 29, 2012, at the State House! **