Voices for Housing Stability

Legislative Action Day 2026 Recap

On March 5, 2026, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless welcomed over 250 community members, advocates, service providers, and legislators to the State House for our annual Legislative Action Day.

Together, participants raised their voices to advance solutions to homelessness, housing instability, and poverty. Through shared experiences and advocacy, attendees helped highlight the urgent need for policies and investments that ensure everyone has a place to call home.

Throughout the day, advocates met with legislators and staff to discuss key housing and homelessness priorities impacting communities across Massachusetts.

Individuals and families with lived experience of homelessness and housing instability shared personal stories that underscored the importance of strengthening homelessness prevention efforts, expanding housing access, and addressing the realities of poverty across the Commonwealth.

A meaningful moment during the event was the Coalition’s recognition of State Senator Patricia Jehlen of Somerville for her longstanding collaboration with the Coalition and her continued leadership in advancing housing stability and equity across Massachusetts. Senator Jehlen is the lead Senate Sponsor of legislation to expand access to bridge subsidies for older adults experiencing housing instability, to improve cash assistance benefits for extremely low-income older adults, people with disabilities, and unaccompanied youth, and to stabilize rents across the Commonwealth.

We are deeply grateful to the individuals with lived experience, community partners, legislators, and advocates who helped make this year’s Legislative Action Day possible, especially our legislative host, State Representative Jim O'Day of West Boylston. As advocates and community members gathered from across the Commonwealth, the event reflected the continued momentum behind efforts to strengthen housing stability, advance equity, and address the realities of poverty across Massachusetts.

Learn more about the work of the casa project here: https://www.mahomeless.org/public-policy