Join us for Legislative Action Day, hosted by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Collaborate with advocates, legislators, and community leaders to develop and promote legislative solutions to homelessness. Your voice and action can help shape a better future for those in need. Legislative Action Day We hope you will join us for the Coalition’s next Legislative Action Day (LAD) at the Massachusetts State House. Our annual LAD event brings together community members, advocates, providers, and legislators to take action to address and end homelessness across the Commonwealth. In the morning, participants will hear from powerful speakers who will share their lived experiences and insights on key budget and bill priorities related to housing, homelessness prevention, cash assistance, and safety net benefits. In the afternoon, participants will meet with legislators and staff members to advocate for investments and policy changes to ensure everyone in Massachusetts has a safe and permanent place to call home. We invite you to join us for our next Legislative Action Day. Sponsored by Representative Jim O'Day When Thursday, March 5, 2026 RSVP Registration for our 2026 Legislative Action Day (LAD) is now open! Please complete this short form to let us know you will be coming: https://tinyurl.com/lad2026rsvp Can't make it? Join our alert list to get the invite, training materials and advocacy opportunities. Sign up today! What to expect Check out our 2026 event flyer (PDF) and please share it with others in your community and in your network. During the event, we will focus on the Coalition’s current legislative (bill) priorities and fiscal year budget priorities. Our 2026 event agenda will be available in early March. Here is our 2025 agenda (PDF) for reference. Read about our 2025-2026 bill priorities here (PDF) and here (bill chart). Read about our Fiscal Year 2027 budget priorities here (PDF) and here (budget chart). As a key part of the event you will also be encouraged to meet virtually or in-person with legislative offices. During the registration process, MCH will ask if you need help setting up meetings with your legislators, and if so, we will work to set up appointments for you. You are provided with a training and materials to share with the legislators and staff and during the meetings, you pick a few of our priorities we spoke about in the morning session that are most important to you and let legislators and staff know why. Here are some other tips for meeting with legislators and State House staff. How can you help make this event a success? Volunteer to Be Part of the LAD Event Team Interested in being a Legislative Action Day volunteer? Sign up today to be part of our LAD event team! (Shareable link: https://tinyurl.com/lad26vol ) Spread the Word Help spread the word by sharing the link to this page: https://tinyurl.com/mchlad2026 . Invite your friends, colleagues, community members, and state legislators. Unsure who your legislators are? If you have an address, enter it in this tool from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office . Join Us for the Pre-Event Training Leading up to Legislative Action Day 2026, we hosted a pre-event training on Monday, February 23rd, 1:00–2:00 p.m. In case you missed it, here are the slides we shared . Share Feedback on Your Legislative Meetings After meeting with legislators and/or legislative staff members, please let us know how your meetings went by filling out this feedback form (PDF). An online version also will be posted here shortly. For more information, please contact Kelly or Julia: kelly @ mahomeless. org and julia.garvey @ mahomeless. org (without spaces). Thank you! Interested in sharing your story and expertise to advocate for change? We are actively seeking speakers with lived experiences of homelessness, housing instability, and/or participation in state-funded benefit programs issues to be part of Legislative Action Day, legislative briefings, and other advocacy events. Your story and expertise can help shape public policy and make change. Connect with us and learn more today! CONTACT Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all of your support for our March 7th Legislative Action Day at the State House! Thank you to all the attendees for joining us in the fight to end homelessness. We had 200 people with us: families, youth, and adults with lived experience of homelessness, providers, advocates, and legislators all speaking up for solutions to homelessness, housing instability, and poverty, and taking action to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPEAKERS! We are SO incredibly grateful for advocates, people with lived experience of housing instability and homelessness, and our nonprofit partners who shared their stories and remarks on the importance of addressing housing and homelessness issues NOW. Read Kelly & Julia's heartfelt THANK YOU letter to all involved LEARN MORE Learn more about the legislative process and advocacy opportunities by watching MCH's online Legislative Advocacy 101 Training Video LEARN MORE Take action Today! No amount is too small when it comes to making a difference. Support MCH's work by donating today!

Discover how the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is addressing housing and benefits issues. Engage with us at our Advocacy Committee Meetings to contribute to meaningful change Advocacy Committee Meetings The Coalition hosts monthly Housing and Benefits Committee meetings where advocates, providers, people with lived experience, and other stakeholders come together to discuss the Coalition's public policy campaigns and exchange information on new programs, resources, and legislative updates. Topics The presentations at this meeting focus on topics related to homelessness, poverty, and benefits issues. When Anticipated Upcoming Dates: February 27, 2026 March 27, 2026 April 24, 2026 May 29, 2026 June 26, 2026 July 31, 2026 No August meeting September 25, 2026 October 30, 2026 December 11, 2026 (combined November/December meeting) RSVP You can RSVP for the next monthly meeting right online by filling out our registration form here. Can't make it? Join our Housing and Benefits mailing list to have meeting materials and advocacy opportunities delivered right to your inbox. Please Join Us We invite you to join our informative meetings, held on the last Friday of each month, with a break in August and a combined session in mid-December to cover both November and December. The goal of this meeting is to improve your understanding of the legislative process and discuss avenues for advocacy from allied organizations. Since March 2020, all meetings have been conducted via Zoom. Below, you'll find specific dates and a link to RSVP for the next Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. RSVP TODAY Take action Today! Interested in sharing your expertise or insights? We're actively seeking presentations on housing, homelessness, poverty, and benefits issues from allied organizations. Connect with us and contribute to our community's knowledge and growth. Submit your presentation ideas today! CONTACT No amount is too small when it comes to making a difference. Support MCH's work by donating today!

Make a meaningful impact by getting involved with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Discover volunteer roles, advocacy & youth engagement initiatives, in-kind donation drives, and ways to support our mission Get Involved There are many other ways to support the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless beyond monetary donations. You can volunteer your time and skills, organize a drive to collect much-needed items for those experiencing homelessness, engage youth in educational and awareness-raising activities, and lend your voice and support to our advocacy efforts. Build a Bed Project Strengthen your team and support a worthy cause through our sponsored team-building activity. Join us in building beds for children on A Bed for Every Child's waitlist, a rewarding experience that brings your team together and makes a meaningful impact. Our experienced team will take care of all the logistics, from setting up the event to providing the necessary tools and materials. Simply gather your team and get ready to bond and build together. By participating in this event, your team will not only grow closer but also leave with the satisfaction of knowing you've helped provide a comfortable sleep environment for a child in need. If you're interested in boosting team morale while supporting a worthy cause, contact Tina to learn more and schedule your team bonding experience. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community, one bed at a time! Corporate Giving Corporate sponsorship can make a huge difference to MCH. This funding can be used to support programs, services, and operational costs. Increased Visibility: Partnerships with corporations can increase the visibility and credibility of a non-profit, helping to raise awareness about their cause and reach a wider audience. Resource Sharing: Corporations can provide non-profits with resources such as volunteers, expertise, and access to their network, helping to amplify their efforts and increase their reach. Sustainability: Corporate sponsorships can provide a steady source of income, allowing non-profits to plan and execute long-term projects and ensure their sustainability. Community Engagement: By partnering with corporations, non-profits can engage with the local community, fostering a sense of social responsibility and encouraging others to get involved and support their cause. Internship Opportunities Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in our mission to combat homelessness across the state. Based in Lynn, Massachusetts, our internship program offers unique opportunities in statewide advocacy, legislative initiatives, and community organizing. This role is perfect for those passionate about social justice and seeking hands-on experience in public policy and grassroots movements. Help us make a difference in the lives of thousands. Apply now to be part of our dedicated team working towards a future without homelessness. Contact us to learn more. Volunteer Opportunities Volunteering with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless offers you a chance to directly impact the lives of individuals. and families facing homelessness. Your time, skills, and compassion can create ripples of change, fostering hope and providing essential support to those in need. Contact us to learn more. In-Kind Donation Drives Help supply Sweet Dream Kits which consist of brand new bedding can transform a bed from a mere sleeping place to a haven of comfort. We gratefully accept: New Sheets and blankets New Stuffed animals Gently used Books Contact Tina for a drop-off location, a community drive flyer, and guidelines for giving. Youth Making an Impact Consider organizing drive at your school, place of worship or with community groups that you frequently visit, i.e. the YMCA, dance, scouts, and activity classes. Drive Ideas: New Blankets New Pillows New Hats and Gloves New Children Books If you are interested in organizing a drive, please fill out the form below and a member of our team will get in contact with you. First name* Last name* Email Join our Mailing List Be at the forefront of change by joining the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless mailing list. Receive updates on our latest actions, initiatives, and events directly to your inbox. Staying informed means you’re always ready to lend your voice, support, and time to causes that matter. Together, we can continue to fight homelessness and build a community of support and advocacy. Sign up today and be part of our journey towards making a tangible difference in the lives of many. LEARN MORE The Build a Bed Project LEARN MORE Strengthen your team and support a worthy cause through our sponsored team-building activity. Join us in building beds for children on A Bed for Every Child's waitlist, a rewarding experience that brings your team together and makes a meaningful impact. If you're interested in boosting team morale while supporting a worthy cause, contact Tina to learn more and schedule your team bonding experience. Together, we can build a brighter future for our community, one bed at a time! LEARN MORE Corporate Sponsorships LEARN MORE This funding can be used to support programs, services, and operational costs. Community Engagement: By partnering with corporations, non-profits can engage with the local community, fostering a sense of social responsibility and encouraging others to get involved and support their cause. LEARN MORE In-Kind Donations LEARN MORE Help supply Sweet Dream Kits which consist of brand new bedding that can transform a bed from a mere sleeping place to a haven of comfort. We gratefully accept: New Sheets and blankets New Stuffed animals Gently used Books LEARN MORE Internship Opportunities LEARN MORE Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in our mission to combat homelessness across the state. Based in Lynn, Massachusetts, our internship program offers unique opportunities in statewide advocacy, legislative initiatives, and community organizing. This role is perfect for those passionate about social justice and seeking hands-on experience in public policy and grassroots movements. LEARN MORE Youth Making an Impact LEARN MORE Help supply Sweet Dream Kits which consist of brand new bedding that can transform a bed from a mere sleeping place to a haven of comfort. Consider organizing drive at your school, place of worship or with community groups that you frequently visit, i.e. the YMCA, dance, scouts, and activity classes. We gratefully accept: New Sheets and blankets New Stuffed animals Gently used Books Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness in our community.

Help end homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless by donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Your support can make a difference.

Stay Informed with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless! Sign up today to receive the latest news, updates, and alerts delivered directly to your inbox. Be the first to know about our advocacy efforts, upcoming events, and ways you can make a difference. Join Us Stay Informed with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless! Sign up today to receive the latest news, updates, and alerts delivered directly to your inbox. Be the first to know about our advocacy efforts, upcoming events, and ways you can make a difference.

Get the latest FY25 Budget Priority Updates from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, a leading statewide nonprofit driving legislative advocacy for homelessness solutions FY 25 Budget Priorities Follow this page for updates related to Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless FY25 Budget Priorities Current Budget Priorities: Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Priorities: Last updated January 26, 2024 Here are preliminary resources and details about the Fiscal Year 2025 state budget process and advocacy to increase resources for children, youth, and adults for homelessness prevention programs, permanent housing, emergency shelter, cash assistance, and other programs. The new fiscal year will begin on July 1, 2024 and end on June 30, 2025. Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless budget priority tracking chart Governor Healey’s FY25 budget recommendations, known as the House 2 budget (H.2) , released on January 24, 2024 Governor Healey’s related FY24 supplemental budget recommendations, House Bill 4284 , also released on January 24, 2024 This supplemental budget focuses on the Emergency Assistance family shelter program and housing and homelessness issues more broadly. Check out our bill and budget priority page for additional FY25 budget details . Take action with MCH Today!

Discover the Birth to Big Kid Initiative by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, providing healthy sleep solutions and maternal support to promote family well-being. Birth to Big Kid Initiative The Birth to Big Kid Initiative utilizes the lens of prenatal, infant, and early childhood development to reduce infant mortality through safe sleep education. Our mission is to ensure that infants from low-income households have a safe and secure place to sleep, grow, and thrive. Fostering safe sleep and early childhood development for healthier beginnings. The Birth to Big Kid Initiative partners with health care entities across Massachusetts, the program assists expectant mothers living in poverty. For two years through a data-driven approach, The Coalition gathers information to improve the wellbeing of mothers, infants, and toddlers by providing safe sleep education approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, individualized support, access to resources, and items such as cribs and other material needs. By partnering with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, you help ensure every infant has a safe place to sleep —get involved with our initiative today. Meaningful Collaborations Birth to Big Kid X Casa Project The integration of The Casa Project and the Birth to Big Kid Initiative creates a tangible, family-centered response to poverty and disparities. It works toward the advancement of early childhood development while focusing on the prevention of housing instability, homelessness, and displacement. By combining safe sleep education and homelessness prevention, we offer a holistic approach that prevents infant mortality and housing instability, beginning before birth and continuing through toddlerhood. With a focus on low-income expectant mothers, the initiative partners with hospitals and health centers to provide material items and identify proactive interventions that prevent instability for mothers and infants. This unique and upstream programming integration utilizes a service delivery model that ensures expectant mothers, infants, and children have the stability and resources they need to grow up safely and stably housed. Whether it's a crib for a newborn, housing advocacy for a family facing eviction, a bed to transition a toddler out of the crib, or connection to resources in the community, this programming integration assists families at every critical stage. Referring Partners Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors Acknowledging those who help our Birth to Big Kid Initiative promote safe sleep practices and provide essential resources to families living in poverty across the Commonwealth. 2024 Impact Report

Help end homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless by donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Every contribution makes a difference. Your sustaining donation is a lifeline for those facing poverty. Join us in breaking the cycle and building brighter futures for individuals and families across the state. With Gratitude to Our Valued Sponsors 2023 Impact Report Acknowledging those who help the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless make an impact in communities across the Commonwealth.

Help end homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless by donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Your support can make a difference. Upgrade to remove watermark www.marketpushapps.com www.marketpushapps.com 19,141 People Experiencing Homelessness in MA 7000+ Families Experiencing Homelessness in MA $2500 Average Cost of Rent for a Two-bedroom Apartment in MA 700000+ People in MA are Currently Living in Poverty The mission of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is to create lasting solutions preventing and ending homelessness in all parts of the Commonwealth.  2024 Annual Appeal Providing brand new beds to low-income children throughout Massachusetts, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. A Bed for Every Child Initiative Go LEARN MORE Birth to Big Kid Initiative Working with expectant mothers living in poverty to teach safe sleep education and providing resources until their infants become toddlers. Go LEARN MORE The Casa Project Offering a one-stop comprehensive resource service and supporting families and individuals facing housing instability, displacement, and homelessness. Go LEARN MORE A Bed for Every Child Providing low-income children with brand new beds of their own all across Massachusetts. Providing low-income children with brand new beds of their own all across Massachusetts. A Bed for Every Child Advocating to for housing, benefits, and assistance for underserved populations throughout Massachusetts. Systemic Change Go LEARN MORE With Gratitude to Our Valued Sponsors Acknowledging those who help the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless make an impact in communities across the Commonwealth. 2024 Impact Report Your sustaining donation is a lifeline for those facing poverty. Join us in breaking the cycle and building brighter futures for individuals and families across the state.

Help end homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless by donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Your support can make a difference. Upgrade to remove watermark www.marketpushapps.com www.marketpushapps.com 19,141 People Experiencing Homelessness in MA 7000+ Families Experiencing Homelessness in MA $2500 Average Cost of Rent for a Two-bedroom Apartment in MA 700000+ People in MA are Currently Living in Poverty Providing brand new beds to low-income children throughout Massachusetts, ensuring they have a safe and comfortable place to sleep. A Bed for Every Child Initiative Go LEARN MORE Birth to Big Kid Initiative Working with expectant mothers living in poverty to teach safe sleep education and providing resources until their infants become toddlers. Go LEARN MORE The Casa Project Offering a one-stop comprehensive resource service and supporting families and individuals facing housing instability, displacement, and homelessness. Go LEARN MORE A Bed for Every Child Providing low-income children with brand new beds of their own all across Massachusetts. Providing low-income children with brand new beds of their own all across Massachusetts. A Bed for Every Child Advocating to for housing, benefits, and assistance for underserved populations throughout Massachusetts. Systemic Change Go LEARN MORE With Gratitude to Our Valued Sponsors Acknowledging those who help the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless make an impact in communities across the Commonwealth. 2024 Impact Report Your sustaining donation is a lifeline for those facing poverty. Join us in breaking the cycle and building brighter futures for individuals and families across the state. The mission of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is to create lasting solutions to housing, income, health, education, and racial inequalities in all parts of the Commonwealth. 2025 Annual Appeal

Explore how the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is advocating for key bills and budget priorities. Join our efforts to create impactful changes in homelessness, housing, and benefit policy statewide. 2023-2024 Legislative Session Bill Priorities (January 2023–December 2024) 2023-2024 Legislative Session Bill Priorities (January 2023–December 2024) 2023-2024 bill priority overview fact sheet 2023-2024 bill priority chart Overall bill (and budget) endorsement form Strengthening the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program: Bill fact sheet , organizational endorsement form , and RAFT talking points for testimony Related resource: RAFT FY25 Administrative Plan & Scope of Services from the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (July 2024) Expanding access to Mass. IDs for youth and adults experiencing homelessness: Bill fact sheet , organizational endorsement form , and testimonial statements Improving the Emergency Assistance family shelter and services program: Bill fact sheet and organizational endorsement form Establishing a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness: Bill fact sheet and organizational endorsement form Codifying and strengthening the HomeBASE rehousing program: Bill fact sheet and organizational endorsement form Improving the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) cash assistance program: Bill fact sheet and organizational endorsement form Passing a strong Housing Bond Bill (the Affordable Homes Act, House Bill) and providing bridge subsidies to promote housing stability for low-income older adults: Bill text and status updates for House Bill 4138 Bridge subsidy bond bill fact sheet MCH testimony in support of the bill (January 2024 Making Chapter 257 eviction protections permanent: House bill text and status updates, Senate bill text and status updates , and testimony to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary (May 2023) Related update: The Legislature’s final FY24 budget includes an outside section, Outside Section 64, which would restore the Chapter 257 eviction protections that expired on March 31, 2023 and make the protections permanent. Governor Healey signed the language into law on August 9, 2023, so the protections are back in effect! Expanding access to legal counsel in eviction proceedings: Bill fact sheet Building in affordability requirements in the Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP): Bill text and status updates for House Bill 1300 , Senate Bill 870 , and Senate Bill 863 plus MCH testimony in support of the bills (July 2023) Establishing a housing secretariat: Bill text and status updates for House Bill 43 and MCH testimony in support of the bill (March 2023) Join Us in Uplifting Key Bill and Budget Priorities Support Our Efforts to Address Homelessness and Empower Communities! Recent Budget Priorities: Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Priorities FY25 budget priority overview fact sheet FY25 budget priority tracking chart Governor Healey’s FY25 budget recommendations, known as the House 2 budget (H.2), released on January 24, 2024 Overview of key FY25 budget amendments: Senate amendments, May 2024 Fact sheet on Senate Amendment #603 , “Clarifying Time Limit Implementation Date for Family Shelter,” from Senator Payano (May 2024) House amendments, April 2024 Launching a bridge subsidy program to promote housing stability for low-income older adults (Line Item 9110-XXXX, new line item under the Executive Office of Elder Affairs): Budget fact sheet See the related housing bond bill fact sheet linked above. Increasing cash assistance benefits for older adults, people with disabilities, and families with children participating in the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children program (EAEDC, line item 4408-1000) and the Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC, line item 4403-2000): Lift Our Kids Campaign budget fact sheet Permanently establish and improve the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) homelessness prevention program Lead Sponsors: Representative Marjorie Decker and Senator Brendan Crighton Bill Name: An Act providing upstream homelessness prevention assistance to families, youth, and adults Bill Numbers: House Bill 1488/Senate Bill 961 Bill Fact Sheet (PDF) Organizational Endorsement Form: tinyurl.com/raft2526 MCH Bill Testimony to the Legislature (PDF) Description: This bill would put the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) homelessness prevention program into state statute and ensure that benefits are available to families and individuals earlier in a housing or utility crisis ("upstream", before a household has received a notice to quit or utility shut-off notice). The bill also seeks to streamline access, improve cross-agency collaboration, and allow households to receive up to twelve months of assistance, without arbitrary dollar caps. (The current cap is $7,000/family/year, regardless of household size or rent burden). In addition, the bill would require theExecutive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) to publicly post reports on RAFT to increase transparency on how the program is operating and provide greater understanding of the families and individuals seeking RAFT assistance: how they are being referred, how many apply, how many are approved, how many are denied, what are their demographics, what are their rent and mortgage levels, what RAFT benefits they receive, and what is the housing status of participant households 6, 12, and 24 months after receiving financial assistance or services from RAFT. Ease access to standard Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness by eliminating the $25 fee and allowing alternative ways to verify Massachusetts residency without requiring a permanent address Lead Sponsors: Representative Jim O’Day/Representative Sean Garballey and Senator Robyn Kennedy Bill Name: An Act to provide identification to youth and adults experiencing homelessness Bill Numbers: House Bill 3750/Senate Bill 2399 Bill Fact Sheet (PDF) Organizational Endorsement Form: tinyurl.com/massid2526 Letter to Senate Committee on Ways and Means Description: The Mass ID access bill (a.k.a. Everyone Needs ID bill) would ease access to Mass IDs for people experiencing homelessness by waiving the $25 fee for IDs and easing the verification requirements for youth and adults who are unhoused and seeking IDs. The bill would apply to standard Mass IDs, not REAL ID Act-compliant Mass IDs, for which residents must provide additional verification documents that meet federal standards. The Senate has unanimously passed versions of this bill in each of the past four sessions. Expand access to bridge subsidies for older adults across the Commonwealth who are experiencing housing instability Lead Sponsors: Representative Shirley Arriaga and Senator Pat Jehlen Bill Name: An Act promoting housing stability for older adults across the Commonwealth Bill Numbers: House Bill 4015/Senate Bill 475 Bill Fact Sheet (PDF) Bill Flyer (PDF) Organizational endorsement form: https://tinyurl.com/bridgesubs2526 Flyer for October 8, 2025 legislative briefing at the State House (PDF) Letter to the House Committee on Ways and Means Letter to Senate Committee on Ways and Means Description: This bill would expand the bridge subsidy program for low-income older adults, aged 60years and older, facing housing instability. A version of the program currently is funded as a pilot in the City of Somerville. The program would allow eligible older adults to remain in place while they await approval for long-term subsidized housing through programs such as the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) and state-funded public housing. The bill also would create a steering committee to help guide the expansion of the bridge subsidy program. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities would lead the steering committee, which would include key stakeholders such as older adults with lived experience of housing instability, providers, advocates, legislators, and a representative from the Executive Office of Aging and Independence. Ease access to the Emergency Assistance program (EA) and to create an ombudsperson unit to assist families applying for and participating in EA and HomeBASE Lead Sponsors: Representative Marjorie Decker and Senator Adam Gomez Bill Name: An Act improving emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness Bill Numbers: House Bill 216/Senate Bill 136 Section-by-section bill summary MCH Bill Testimony to Legislature Description: This omnibus legislation would address access and administrative issues for families and children applying for or participating in the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter program, temporary respite center program, and HomeBASE rehousing program. It would allow families who appear to be imminently at risk of homelessness to gain admission into EA shelter. It also would prohibit the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) from turning families away due to lack of documentation and would mandate EOHLC to look in existing state benefits databases to obtain requested documentation instead of delaying applications by requiring families to provide such documentation directly. In addition, the bill would require EOHLC to provide 90 days’ notice to the Legislature, program participants, and the public before altering program benefits or eligibility that would not benefit families. The bill also would officially establish an independent ombudsperson unit located within EOHLC to mediate between EA and HomeBASE applicants/participants and EOHLC. Establish a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness Lead Sponsors: Representative Frank Moran and Senator Adam Gomez Bill Name: An Act establishing a bill of rights for individuals experiencing homelessness/An Act providing a bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness Bill Numbers: House Bill 274/Senate Bill 1120 Bill Fact Sheet Description: This bill would recognize and affirm various rights of people experiencing homelessness, such as the right to move freely in public spaces, the right to confidentiality of records, the right to privacy of property, and the right to register to vote and to vote. The bill would provide additional civil rights protections for people experiencing homelessness. The bill would affirm the right to rest, eat, pray, and be in public spaces by amending the Commonwealth's public spaces laws, amend the Commonwealth's voting laws to affirm the right to vote and register to vote without a permanent address, amend the Commonwealth's antidiscrimination laws to include housing status, and repeal archaic sections of Massachusetts General Laws regarding so-called "tramps," "vagrants," and "vagabonds." The bill would give the Superior Court jurisdiction to enforce the rights included in the legislation. Permanently establish and improve the HomeBASE family rehousing program Lead Sponsors: Representative Christine Barber and Senator Liz Miranda Bill Name: An Act promoting housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program Bill Numbers: House Bill 1469/Senate Bill 1011 MCH Bill Testimony to the Legislature (PDF) Description: This bill would put the HomeBASE program into state statute, direct the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to provide renewals of HomeBASE rental assistance to families and children who otherwise would be facing a return to homelessness, allow families to access HomeBASE upstream to maintain existing housing if they otherwise would be eligible for the Emergency Assistance family shelter program, and increase the maximum benefit levels to $50,000 over the first 24 months of the program and up to $25,000 in subsequent years for families needing additional time in the program. Improve the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children program (EAEDC) Lead Sponsors: Representative Jim O'Day and Senator Pat Jehlen Bill Name: An Act relative to assisting elders and people with disabilities in the Commonwealth Bill Numbers: House Bill 278/Senate Bill 138 Bill Fact Sheet Description: This bill would improve the Department of Transitional Assistance’s (DTA’s) Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children program by ensuring that grants for participants experiencing homelessness are at the same level as the benefits for peers who have housing (putting the 2018 removal of the EAEDC homelessness penalty into statute), providing an annual cost of living adjustment for older adults and people with disabilities who are participating in EAEDC, and increasing grant levels to match the benefits provided under DTA’s Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC). Allow cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants Lead Sponsors: Representative Dave Rogers/Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Pat Jehlen Bill Name: An Act enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants Bill Numbers: House Bill 2328/Senate Bill 1447 Description: This bill would remove the statewide ban on rent control and establish a local option for cities and towns to regulate rents. If passed, cities and towns opting in would be able to limit annual rent increases and limit no fault evictions for certain dwelling units. The bill would limit annual rent increases for covered dwelling units to the change in the Consumer Price Index or 5%, whichever is lower. Fiscal Year 2027 State Budget Priorities (July 2026–June 2027) Coming soon! Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program Cookie Day 2026 advocacy event flyer (PDF) Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget Priorities (July 2025–June 2026) FY26 budget priority overview (PDF) FY26 budget chart Shareable link to chart: https://tinyurl.com/mchfy26 FY26 Conference Committee budget requests: Overview of key conference committee budget requests (PDF) The Coalition's letter to the budget conferees (PDF) One-minute online action to budget conferees and key legislators Action alert on key conference committee requests Key amendments to the FY26 Senate budget: Amendment overview to share with your State Senator Key amendments to the FY26 House budget: Amendment overview for advocates and community members Amendment overview to share with your State Representative One-minute online action to State Representatives to sign and share Action alert on key House budget amendments Campaign spotlight: Learn more about our FY26 budget campaign to expand access to bridge subsidies for older adults facing housing instability: Bridge subsidy budget campaign flyer (PDF) Previous Bill and Budget Priorities Fiscal Year 2024 General Appropriations Act Budget Priorities FY24 budget priority overview fact sheet FY24 budget priority chart Overall budget (and bill) organizational endorsement form Budget requests submitted to the FY24 budget Conference Committee (June 2023) FY24 Senate amendment overview sheet (May 2023) FY24 budget testimony submitted by the Coalition to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means (April 2023) Launching a bridge subsidy program to promote housing stability for low-income older adults (Line Item 9110-XXXX, new line item under the Executive Office of Elder Affairs): Budget fact sheet and organizational endorsement form Strengthening the HomeBASE rehousing program (Line Item 7004-9316): Budget overview and organizational endorsement form Improving the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children cash assistance program (EAEDC, Line Item 4408-1000): Budget overview and organizational endorsement form Fiscal Year 2024 Supplemental Budget Priorities Adequately fund the Emergency Assistance family shelter program (Line Item 7004-0101) to provide traditional shelter or overflow shelter spaces to all eligible children and families (not capped at 7,500 families.) The Administration has told the Legislature that they need $225 million in supplemental funding for FY24 to continue to serve 7,500 families in shelters and hotels and to provide overflow shelter spaces to some of the families who have been approved for shelter but have been placed on a waiting list: $215 million directly for the EA program and $10 million for wraparound services. See Governor Healey’s related FY24 supplemental budget request, House Bill 4284 , released on January 24, 2024. It focuses on the Emergency Assistance family shelter program and housing and homelessness issues more broadly. Find details about the FY24 supplemental budget (signed into law on April 30, 2024) and the FY23 closeout budget (signed into law on December 4, 2023) in this supplemental budget comparison spreadsheet Take action with MCH Today! 2025-2026 Legislative Session Bill Priorities (January 2025–December 2026) 2025–2026 bill priority overview (PDF) and bill tracking chart

A Bed for Every Child is dedicated to giving children in need a better night's sleep and a brighter future. Support our mission to provide beds to kids across Massachusetts. A Bed for Every Child A Bed for Every Child is committed to ensuring that every child in Massachusetts has a safe and comfortable place to sleep and dream. Launched in 2012, as an initiative of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, our mission is simple yet essential: provide beds to children in need in hopes of improving their quality of life and chances of success in the classroom. Supporting low-income children across Massachusetts Partnering with public school districts, health centers, hospitals, community organizations, the Department of Children and Families, faith-based groups, teachers, and case managers the program provides children in low-income households with new beds and essential items. Each year, over 1,500 beds are delivered directly to children's homes. We also educate parents and caregivers on healthy sleep practices to support children's academic success in efforts to ensure that as they continue to grow they utilize education to help break the cycle of poverty. A study found that 40% of children and adolescents in the U.S. experience sleep insecurity, which is associated with poor academic performance and behavioral issues Quality sleep is vital for youth as it aids in physical growth, mental development, and emotional health. Proper sleep enhances concentration, memory, and problem-solving skills, enabling children and teens to perform better in school and social situations. Additionally, sleep helps regulate mood and stress, promoting overall well-being. Learn more by downloading our sleep resource pdf today. Sleep Tips & Resources For every $350 raised, a complete bed goes out into the community. No amount is too small when it comes to making a difference. Support our Mission Today. Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors Acknowledging those who help A Bed for Every Child provide beds completely free of charge to low income children all across the Commonwealth. 2023 Impact Report Interested in partnering with A Bed for Every Child? Click the button below or call 781-595-7570 x16 to learn how you and your team can help support their future by sponsoring a team-building event with us. Contact Team building with a purpose. Sponsor and build beds with your team by participating in our meaningful initiative: the Build a Bed Project Through the simple act of building beds, we provide a fundamental need to children who have gone without a bed to call their own. It's a place for rest, for dreams, and for a sense of security. And for your team? It's a chance to step out of the office, work together in new ways, and see the direct result of your collaboration and care. Learn More