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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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

Stay updated on the Emergency Assistance Program with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Discover our efforts to protect emergency shelter access for families statewide. Support Families Experiencing Homelessness and Protect the Right to Shelter. Join us in our mission to ensure that every child in Massachusetts has a safe place to sleep. Take Action With Us Data and Updates on the Emergency Assistance (EA) Program Follow this page for data, reports, and resources related to the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program. Dashboard Link The dashboard generally is updated each week, and includes information on how many families currently: Are participating in the EA program Were placed in shelter within the last 24 hours Are staying in traditional shelter placements and in hotels/motels In hotel/motel placements are supported by social service providers, National Guard members, or are without provider supports (when applicable) Are staying in each city/town, broken down into cities and towns hosting 1-50 families, 51-200 families, and over 200 families We continue to advocate with the Administration for additions to the dashboard, including data on how many families have been approved for EA and are on the waiting list and how many families on the waiting list are staying in overflow and safety-net shelter sites directly operated or funded by the state. Emergency Assistance Statewide Placement Data Dashboard Link Additional Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Documents and Resources Final report of the Commonwealth's Special Commission on Emergency Housing Programs (a.k.a. Emergency Assistance Commission), approved on November 19, 2024 Slides from the Emergency Assistance Commission meetings Meeting #1: July 18, 2024 Meeting #2: August 19, 2024 Meeting #3: September 16, 2024 Meeting #4: October 15, 2024 2025 June 16, 2025 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report June 2, 2025 report May 19, 2025 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report May 5, 2025 report April 22, 2025 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report April 7, 2025 report March 24, 2025 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report March 10, 2025 report February 24, 2025 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report February 10, 2025 report January 27, 2025 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report January 13, 2025 report 2024 December 30, 2024 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report December 16, 2024 report December 2, 2024 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report November 18, 2024 report November 4, 2024 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report October 21, 2024 report October 7, 2024 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report September 23, 2024 report September 9, 2024 biweekly EA report and monthly Temporary Respite Center report August 26, 2024 report August 12, 2024 biweekly EA report plus a new monthly Temporary Respite Center report July 29, 2024 report July 15, 2024 report July 1, 2024 report June 17, 2024 report June 3, 2024 report May 20, 2024 report May 6, 2024 report April 22, 2024 report April 8, 2024 report March 25, 2024 report March 11, 2024 report February 26, 2024 report February 12, 2024 report January 29, 2024 report January 16, 2024 report January 1, 2024 report 2023 December 18, 2023 report Updated Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Reports As part of the supplemental budget passed on December 4, 2023, the Healey Administration is required to provide updates to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways and Means every two weeks on the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program and the state’s response to families experiencing homelessness (including both longer-term Massachusetts residents and newly arrived immigrant families). See Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023, line item 1599-0514 and Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024, Section 19 . As we receive copies of the reports as submitted, we will post them here. Some of the reports also are available on the Legislature’s website on the Reports and Communications page . Take action with MCH Today!

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. 2024 Annual Appeal

Explore the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless in the news. Stay informed about our latest initiatives and media coverage as we work to address homelessness across the state. Social Media and the News Click on the links below to access the articles and resources referenced on our social media pages, as well as media coverage of the Coalition’s work. We also invite you to follow us on across social media at the links below. Links and Latest News June 11, 2025: Take action: Join us today to work to strengthen the FY26 Conference Committee budget Shareable link to our online action – https://tinyurl.com/fy26confbudget Read more in our latest action alert - https://conta.cc/3FRQVY4 May 12, 2025: Take action with us tomorrow to support a key bill to improve the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program April 24, 2025: Action alert – Please ask your State Rep to cosponsor and actively support key homelessness prevention, housing, and cash assistance amendments to the FY26 House budget. Shareable link to our online action – https://tinyurl.com/fy26housebudget April 23, 2025: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our April meeting are here . March 26, 2025: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our March meeting are here . February 26, 2025: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our February meeting are here . December 11, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our November/December meeting are here . October 23, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our October meeting are here. Action alert – Participate in an online listening session this Friday to help shape the recommendations of the Emergency Assistance Commission, and more! September 25, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our September meeting are here. August 16, 2024: Invitation – Join us in person and online for more actions to protect the right to shelter. Details and RSVP form for August 19th and August 20th events August 12, 2024: Invitation – Join us at the State House this Wednesday, August 14th, 7–8 p.m. for a candlelight vigil to protect access to shelter for children and families. More details below the online action on this page: https://mahomeless.org/protect-access-to-shelter/ August 3, 2024: Boston Globe Article: Shelter policy is cruel and harmful August 2, 2024: Action alert: Join us to protect families’ access to shelter July 25, 2024: Invitation – Join us at the State House or in Springfield next Monday to protect access to shelter for children and families July 24, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our July meeting are here. July 5, 2024: Invitation – We are participating in the Target Circle program! You can vote for us and help direct Target’s giving to benefit the Coalition’s A Bed for Every Child program. Learn more and vote here now until September 30th: Target Circle June 5, 2024: Invitation – Follow the House of Representatives debate on the housing bond bill: livestream link June 4, 2024: Action alert – Please ask your State Rep to cosponsor and actively support key amendments to the housing bond bill May 29, 2024: Action alert – Thanks for your advocacy in support of key FY25 Senate budget amendments! Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our May meeting are here . May 17, 2024: Advocacy opportunity – Please ask your State Senator to cosponsor and actively support Amendment 603 from Senator Pavel Payano to clarify the start date for Emergency Assistance Family Shelter time limits. Help ensure children and families have the additional time needed to secure housing before losing vital shelter benefits: Fact sheet and one-minute online action on this amendment and other key amendments April 22, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our April meeting are here . April 19, 2024: Action alert – Please sign our new one-minute online action to encourage your State Rep to cosponsor key FY25 budget amendments. March 27, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our March meeting are here . March 22, 2024: Invitation – Join us at the State House next Tuesday, March 26th for the Joint Committee on Ways and Means public hearing on the FY25 budget! If you would like to provide oral testimony to the committee, sign up here by Monday, March 25th at 5 p.m. March 20, 2024: Action alert – Please ask your State Senator to cosponsor key amendments to the supp budget to better serve families experiencing homelessness March 19, 2024: Thank you note/action alert – Thank you for being part of Legislative Action Day. Our advocacy together continues. March 1, 2024: Invitation – Volunteer with us at the State House next Thursday at Legislative Action Day 2024! Learn more and sign up today to be part of our event-day team February 27, 2024: Invitation – Join us tomorrow for our pre-event Legislative Action Day training and sign up to join us at the State House next Thursday February 20, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our February meeting are here . January 24, 2024: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our January meeting are here . December 20, 2023: Action alert – Participate in our organizational sign-on letters on the new Emergency Assistance regs and procedures plus take action to support the Everyone Needs ID Mass ID access campaign December 15, 2023: Advocacy opportunity – Weigh in with Housing and Livable Communities on their new Emergency Assistance family shelter regulations and guidance December 13, 2023: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our November/December meeting are here . December 6, 2023: Action alert – Great news: The Legislature passed the supplemental budget and the Governor signed it into law! December 1, 2023: Supplemental budget update: We are back at the State House today, encouraging legislators to do all they can to swiftly pass the compromise supplemental budget, which was released by House and Senate leadership yesterday. The compromise bill includes $250 million to address family homelessness issues as well as language to require the Administration at least one overflow shelter site for families who have been placed on the waiting list for longer-term shelter placements. Read more at https://tinyurl.com/right-to-shelter November 21, 2023: Advocacy update – Thank you to everyone who joined us for our candlelight vigil at the State House and at local solidarity events to support children and families experiencing homelessness! Vigil videos and photos: Google Photos album Keep up the pressure at the State House: Weigh in with State Legislators to push for swift passage of $250 million in supplemental funding for family shelters and services plus language to require the Healey Administration to create overflow shelter spaces to serve all families put on the Emergency Assistance family shelter waiting list. See our November 17th action alert for a call script and call details. November 17, 2023: Invitation – Please join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and allied organizations for a candlelight vigil this Monday, November 20th, 4–5 p.m. in front of the Massachusetts State House to show support for families and children experiencing homelessness and to call on state leaders to establish overflow shelter sites for families on the waiting list for longer-term shelter placements. Read more here and RSVP here . Boston Globe letter to the editor from the Coalition – Mass. right-to-shelter law collides with harsh reality November 6, 2023: Invitation – Please join us for a legislative briefing on the Mass ID access bill this Thursday, November 9th! October 25, 2023: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details here . October 24, 2023: Action alert – Join us in protecting the right to shelter for children and families October 12, 2023: Action alert – Mass ID Access Action: Please sign and share our online action to House leaders on expanding access to Mass IDs for people experiencing homelessness! September 27, 2023: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details here . September 21, 2023: Action alert – Please join us for an important bill hearing next Wednesday to codify MRVP and create an Access to Counsel program! September 6, 2023: Action alert – Please join us for an important bill hearing next Tuesday to improve the EAEDC program! August 23, 2023: Action alert – Mass ID Access Action: Please sign and share our latest online action to House leaders on expanding access to Mass IDs for people experiencing homelessness ! Plus direct link to online action Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details here. August 21, 2023: WBUR coverage – State places homeless families in unstaffed sites, raising safety concerns August 15, 2023: Axios coverage – Advocates urge lawmakers to spend remaining federal COVID aid on shelter crisis August 11, 2023: Action alert – Sign our joint statement on the Governor’s family homelessness emergency declaration plus take action on the FY24 budget July 26, 2023: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details here . July 19, 2023: WBUR coverage – In new strategy, state asks locals to host unhoused. June 23, 2023: WBUR coverage – Mass. expands services for homeless families, opening intake center and shelter at Joint Base Cape Cod June 21, 2023: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details here . June 20, 2023: Action alert – Please join us for an important bill hearing next week: Support legislation to improve the RAFT, HomeBASE, and Emergency Assistance programs on Monday, June 26th! June 14, 2023: Action alert – Take action to prevent and end homelessness: Join with us today to work to strengthen the FY24 Conference Committee budget plus direct link to our one-minute online action to legislators June 6, 2023: Action alert – Please plan to join us for two important bill hearings next week: Support the #EveryoneNeedsID Mass ID access bill, bill of rights, and Emergency Assistance bills on Tuesday, June 13th! May 25, 2023: Action alert – FY24 budget update: Thank you for asking your State Senator to cosponsor and actively support key FY24 budget amendments! May 23, 2023: Livestream link to watch Day 1 of the FY24 Senate budget debate , link to our FY24 budget tracking chart , and invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details here. May 17, 2023: One-minute online action – Join us by signing our online action to your State Senator and Senate leaders to strengthen the fiscal year 2024 Massachusetts state budget May 8, 2023: Action alert – Join us at the State House or online tomorrow to support key bills on eviction protections, access to counsel, and eviction record sealing! April 28, 2023: One-minute online action: Please sign and share our new online action to State Senators and Senate Leaders to strengthen the FY24 budget! April 26, 2023: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details here. April 24, 2023: Advocacy resource – The Coalition’s FY24 budget tracking chart, with a new column (Column D), where we will share updates and outcomes from the House budget debate April 21, 2023: One-minute online action – Join us by signing our online action to your State Representative and House leaders to strengthen the fiscal year 2024 Massachusetts state budget plus see our related action alert April 10, 2023: Boston Globe article – “Mass. House leaders to propose making eviction protection measure permanent” plus link to the online Chapter 257 action to legislators April 7, 2023: Action alert – Two quick updates: Participate in Monday’s Ways & Means Committee hearing on FY24 budget and sign our updated online action to restore Chapter 257 eviction protections April 4, 2023: Action alert – Provide testimony at the Ways and Means Committee hearing on the FY24 budget this Monday, April 10th! Sign up to testify here. March 31, 2023: WBUR interview –“How the end of a pandemic-era protection against eviction impacts Mass. residents” plus link to our one-minute online action to legislators March 30, 2023: Join us on for Homes for Families’ “Cookie Day” events to advocate for the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program. Register here for the Tuesday, April 4th Zoom event. There also will be a rally and legislative meetings at the State House on Wednesday, April 5th. March 29, 2023: Invitation – RSVP today for Friday’s Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. More details about our March meeting are here. March 28, 2023: Boston Globe article – “As evictions climb in Mass., one last measure to prevent them expires Friday “ plus letters of support from Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell (PDF) and Boston City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune (PDF) March 27, 2023: Testimony – The Coalition’s testimony in support of House Bill 43, An Act to create the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities and rename the Executive Office of Economic Development , presented to the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight March 26, 2023: Salem News, Gloucester Times, and the Daily News of Newburyport article – “Advocates seek further eviction protections” March 25, 2023: WBUR newsletter – “The clocking is winding down on a Mass. eviction prevention policy hailed by advocates” March 23, 2023: Action alert – Keep up the momentum: Sign our new one-minute online action to extend important eviction protections! Plus join us for a legislative hearing on creating a new Executive Office focused on housing. Additional links: Direct link to online action and details on the hearing. March 13, 2023: Action alert – Take the next step to extend important eviction protections for tenants with pending rental assistance applications! Be part of a new organizational sign-on letter from the Coalition and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute to extend Chapter 257 eviction protections beyond March 31st. Direct link to sign-on letter . March 9, 2023: Livestream link to watch the Senate debate on the FY23 supplemental budget March 8, 2023: Action alert – Join us in welcoming Julia Garvey, our new Community Organizer/Legislative Advocate, and take action to extend important eviction protections! plus direct link to online action from our colleagues at Lynn United for Change. February 13, 2023: Action alert from February 9th – Please take action today by asking your State Representative and Senator to cosponsor priority bills on housing and homelessness. Register for Legislative Action Day 2023, too! February 5, 2023: Pediatrics Journal advocacy case study: “Community-academic advocacy to improve shelter access for families experiencing homelessness ” (PDF); video abstract and additional materials on the American Academy of Pediatrics website February 4, 2023: MassLive articles – “Mass. shelters prepare to help unhoused during ‘dangerously cold’ temperatures” and “Boston’s South Station to open for homeless as ‘dangerous arctic blast’ arrives in Mass.” January 25, 2023: Happening this week! Please join us online this Friday, January 27th for our first Housing and Benefits Committee meeting of the new year. Check out the agenda and details here. January 6, 2023: We are continuing to accept applications for our Community Organizer/Legislative Advocate position on a rolling basis. Read more and apply today! December 23, 2022: Daily Hampshire Gazette obituary: We pause to honor and remember former State Representative Stephen Kulik , who passed away over the weekend. December 22, 2022: WBUR coverage – “In record numbers, families without shelter are turning to Massachusetts emergency departments” December 15, 2022: WBUR coverage – “Advocates question conditions at shelter for families experiencing homelessness” December 9, 2022: The Coalition is hiring a new Community Organizer/Legislative Advocate! Please read and share our posting and see the posting on our website . November 2, 2022: Radio Boston segment – “The latest on families placed in emergency housing in hotels in Methuen and Plymouth” October 19, 2022: Action alert – Thank you for your efforts thus far to restore upstream access to the RAFT homelessness prevention program October 17, 2022: There’s still time to participate in our email action to legislators to restore upstream access to the RAFT homelessness prevention program. Also check out the related organizational sign-on letter we delivered today to legislators and Baker Administration officials, which includes 167 organizations and municipal officials. October 13, 2022: Boston Globe coverage of the campaign to restore upstream access to the RAFT homelessness prevention program – “Mass. fended off a feared wave of evictions for two years, but with aid drying up, some worry it’s coming soon” September 30, 2022: Join us in taking action to restore upstream access to the RAFT homelessness prevention program. Participate as an organization or an individual: Sign-on letter for organizations and email action to legislators for individuals July 27, 2022: Action alert – Take action today to strengthen the economic development bill, plus there’s still time to sign our FY23 budget action letter to Governor Baker July 25, 2022: Action alert – Participate in our online action to ask Governor Baker to keep key housing and homelessness funding and provisions in the FY23 Budg et July 20, 2022: Action alert – Take action today to strengthen the economic development bill: Please ask your State Senator to cosponsor and actively support key housing and homelessness amendments July 12, 2022: Action alert – Take action today to strengthen the economic development bill: Please ask your State Rep to cosponsor and actively support key housing and homelessness amendments June 29, 2022: Email alert to State Senators – Take action to repeal archaic and derogatory statutes on people experiencing homelessness: Please cosponsor and actively support Amendment #1 to Senate Bill 2956 June 15, 2022: Action alert – Take action to prevent and end homelessness: Join with us today to work to strengthen the FY23 Conference Committee budget June 1, 2022: Online action – Everyone Needs ID: Sign our online action to push for passage of the Mass ID access bill! May 27, 2022: Action alert – Thank you for strengthening the Senate budget outcomes! See how key budget amendments on housing, homelessness prevention, and cash assistance fared in the final FY23 Senate budget. May 19, 2022: Action alert – Please keep up the calls and emails to State Senators in support of key Senate budget amendments on housing, homelessness prevention, and cash assistance! April 25, 2022: Action alert – Take action! There’s still time to encourage your State Representative to cosponsor and actively support key housing stability, shelter access, and cash assistance amendments to the FY23 budget April 19, 2022: Action alert – Take action! Please encourage your State Representative to cosponsor and actively support key housing stability, shelter access, and cash assistance amendments to the FY23 budget April 12, 2022: Video from today’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) press conference, where the Coalition and allies called on the Baker Administration and Legislature to stop the April 15th cuts to ERAP. Special thanks to all of the speakers and organizers, and shout outs to the Massachusetts Public Health Association for filming the press conference and to Homes for All Massachusetts for posting the video! April 8, 2022: Action alert – Emergency Rental Assistance Program advocacy: Join the Coalition and allies for a press conference as we call on the Baker Administration and Legislature to stop the April 15th cuts to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) March 31, 2022: Action alert – Weigh in today or tomorrow with the Joint Committee on Ways and Means to actively support deeper rental assistance, housing stability, and benefits program investments in the FY23 budget March 30, 2022: WBUR Radio Boston coverage of the winding down of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and advocacy to continue it – “The return of live music, and the end of pandemic-era rental assistance” March 28, 2022: Action alert – Next steps: Please ask your State Legislators to actively support key rental assistance and housing stability provisions in the compromise FY22 supplemental budget plus updated amendment chart with Senate outcomes March 24, 2022: Follow along as the State Senate debates its version of the FY22 supplemental budget: livestream link March 22, 2022: Take action with us to expand rental assistance, tenant protections, and homeowner resources in the Senate version of the FY22 supplemental budget! Chart of key Senate amendments ; link to find out who your State Senator is and their contact information March 17, 2022: Action alert – Find out what is happening with efforts to expand rental assistance in the FY22 supplemental budget and join us in taking action! and check out the Senate Ways and Means version of the supplemental budget, Senate Bill 2776 , released this afternoon March 16, 2022: Join the advocacy efforts on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and read the Baker Administration’s March 15th ERAP announcement March 9, 2022: Action alert – Take action this morning! Please ask your State Representative to cosponsor and actively support Amendment #39, Access and Equity in Homelessness Prevention, in the FY22 supplemental budget March 1, 2022: Action alert – Two days to go! Sign up today to join us online for the Coalition’s Legislative Action Day this Thursday, March 3rd February 19, 2022: It’s time to invest more in housing stability: Supplement the FY22 budget January 28, 2022: Action alert – See how housing and homelessness issues fared in the Governor’s FY23 budget proposal and take action with us to strengthen the budget January 26, 2022: Governor Baker’s fiscal year 2023 budget proposals January 24, 2022: Sign up today for Legislative Action Day 2022: Registration link and more details January 18, 2022: Free at-home COVID-19 test kits from the federal government: Website in English ; sitio web en español; test kit order form in English ; formulario de pedido de pruebas en español January 12, 2022: Good news on the Everyone Needs ID bill to expand access to Mass IDs for people experiencing homelessness December 27, 2021: State House News/MassLive coverage of the state’s planned scaling back of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) and the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program – “New checks on Massachusetts emergency rental aid draw protests “ December 23, 2021: CommonWealth Magazine coverage of scaling back of the Emergency Rental Assistance Program – “Mass. to start trimming back housing assistance in Jan.” December 22, 2021: Thank you to everyone who participated in our organizational sign-on letter to state leaders to avoid negative changes to the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP). See the final letter and endorser list . December 17, 2021: Please sign and share our organizational sign-on letter to state leaders on the Emergency Rental Assistance Program: State leaders must act with urgency to allocate additional funding for emergency rental assistance instead of curtailing benefits December 1, 2021: Please join us for our monthly Homeless Youth Providers Engaging Together (HYPET) meeting on Thursday, December 9th! November 17, 2021: Public Health & Human Rights for Mass. and Cass Coalition recommendations letter and Boston Globe article: “Mayor Wu says city will pause removals of unhoused people at Mass. and Cass while lawsuit pending” November 13, 2021: Massachusetts Latino News Network Opinion+ interview on the Coalition’s work on the issues of homelessness and housing instability November 10, 2021: Action alert – Take action! Please contact your State Senator today to ensure maximum investments in housing, homelessness prevention, and cash assistance programs in the COVID-19 recovery budget. October 27, 2021: Action alert – Take action! Please contact your State Rep today to ensure maximum investments in housing, homelessness prevention, and cash assistance programs in the COVID-19 recovery budget. October 22, 2021: Join us online next Friday, October 29th, at our monthly Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. See the meeting agenda and details and RSVP today! October 18, 2021: Details for this week’s Unity in Diversity event, hosted online by Merrimack College . We will be part of a panel discussion, “Engaging Diverse Communities through Activism and Advocacy”, this Wednesday, October 20th between 2:00-3:15 p.m. October 13, 2021: Join us online this Friday, October 15th for an important virtual State House hearing on key homelessness legislation October 8, 2021: Action alert – Join us for two important virtual State House hearings next week. October 6, 2021: Join us online next Tuesday, October 12th for an important virtual State House hearing on key housing and homelessness legislation. The Housing Committee will be taking testimony on key bills related to HomeBASE, RAFT, MRVP, and right to counsel. Read more here. September 29, 2021: Happening now: Virtual hearing on income and food security issues in front of the Joint Committee on Children, Families, and Persons with Disabilities, including the Lift Our Kids bill (House Bill 199/Senate Bill 96.) Watch the hearing here . Participate in the next public hearing of the Commission on Structural Racism in the Massachusetts Probation Service, scheduled for this Friday, October 1st at 1 p.m. Read more here. September 23, 2021: RSVP to join us online tomorrow at our monthly Housing and Benefits Committee meeting. September 21, 2021: Training opportunity – Sign up now to join us for an online training on assisting families experiencing homelessness September 8, 2021: The Coalition is hiring for our next Community Organizer/Legislative Advocate! Please check out our job description and help us spread the word. August 27, 2021: Join us in thanking Marwa and saying farewell to her, plus take action to support swift passage of the COVID-19 Housing Equity bill August 5, 2021: Details on the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Housing August 12th hearing on House Bill 1434/Senate Bill 891 , legislation to prevent evictions and foreclosures and promote housing equity during the ongoing pandemic and the upcoming recovery August 3, 2021: Breaking news: The CDC has instituted a new eviction moratorium. Read for preliminary details plus updates on veto overrides and federal relief funds July 30, 2021: Advocates, Baker admin. officials press for stimulus spending on housing, job training July 22, 2021: Join us in asking your State Rep and Senator to swiftly override the Governor’s FY22 vetoes and reject amendments on homelessness and benefits programs: July 21st action alert and online action to sign and share Join Homes for All Massachusetts and the Coalition in reaching out to State Legislators to push for swift passage of the COVID-19 Housing Equity bill (House Bill 1434/Senate Bill 891) July 20, 2021: Livestream of the Legislature’s first hearing on how to invest new federal recovery funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) July 15, 2021: Information about advance Child Tax Credit payments for tax year 2021 from the IRS July 14, 2021: Action alert – The Legislature unanimously approved the FY22 Conference Committee budget, and the budget is now on the Governor’s desk. July 9, 2021: FY22 state budget chart, updated with details from the Conference Committee June 29, 2021: Supreme Court rejects request to lift federal ban on evictions June 25, 2021: The CDC has extended its nationwide COVID-19 eviction moratorium until July 31st: New York Times coverage and the text of the CDC order June 9, 2021: Be part of Massachusetts Youth Count 2021! June 3, 2021: Register to join the Massachusetts delegation for the National Alliance to End Homelessness’ virtual Capitol Hill Day 2021 on Wednesday, June 16th! June 3, 2021: Joint Committee on Housing informational hearing on the Eviction Diversion Initiative June 1, 2021: Action alert – Weigh in with Senate Ways and Means in support of ongoing housing protections and read our update on homelessness and housing issues in the final FY22 Senate budget May 25, 2021: Senate budget email action to Senators and link to watch today’s Senate budget debate May 20, 2021: Advocates for homeless on alert as state of emergency winds down (State House News/WBUR) May 19, 2021: Send an email to your State Senator urging them to cosponsor and support key FY22 budget amendments May 17, 2021: “Mass. to ease mask mandate, lift all other COVID restrictions May 29; end state of emergency June 15” May 11, 2021: Senate Committee on Ways and Means FY22 budget recommendations and the Coalition’s FY22 budget chart May 1, 2021: “No one knew we were homeless”: New relief funds fuel efforts to find students lost during virtual school April 30, 2021: 2021 Massachusetts Youth Count details April 26, 2021: House FY22 budget debate video April 22, 2021: Send an email to your State Representative urging them to cosponsor and support key FY22 budget amendments April 14, 2021: House Ways and Means FY22 state budget recommendations on housing, homelessness, and cash assistance programs

Explore a collection of impactful reports on homelessness shared by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Access valuable resources and insights from leading experts in the field. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked tirelessly to research, survey, and publish this information. Their efforts are crucial in making a positive impact and difference on the lives of many. Annual Homelessness Assessment Report Download Out of Reach The High Cost of Housing 2023 Download 2024 Kids Count Data Book Massachusetts Download Massachusetts Homeless Student Data 2023 Download Barriers to Obtaining ID and Assistance to Help Gain Access Download March of Dimes: Healthy Moms. Strong Babies. Download Massachusetts Youth Count 2022 Download The Gap: A Shortage of Affordable Homes Download Housing America's Older Adults 2024 Download Kids Count Report 2024 Download Greater Boston Housing Report Card 2023 Download Homeless Camping Ordinance Dispute Download Massachusetts State Plan to End Youth Homelessness 2018 Download Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs Housing Inventory Download The State of Maternal and Infant Health for American Families Download Reports and Resources Along with the dedication and support of our partners in ending and preventing homelessness, we have created this page to provide valuable information and reports on critical issues related to homelessness, poverty, sleep, and housing. This page aims to serve as a centralized location for accessing the latest research, data, and guidelines that can help inform and support individuals, families, and communities facing these challenges. Emergency Assistance Family Dashboard Download Homelessness in Greater Boston Download National Center for Homeless Education View

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.

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

Take action now with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless' 1 Minute Advocacy Actions. Support homelessness prevention and housing policies with just a minute of your time. Take Action Join us in making a difference! Take action today by reading our latest announcements and staying informed about our initiatives and action alerts.

Explore the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless's guidance on accessing homelessness prevention, benefits and housing stabilization resources. Find advice on where to seek support and services across Massachusetts. Learn More The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program offers financial aid for housing crises like eviction, foreclosure, moving costs, and utility loss. The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition Program Learn More The Massachusetts home energy assistance program (HEAP) is a free resource to help eligible households pay a portion of winter heating bills. Home Energy Assistance Programs Learn More Aims to close the digital divide by ensuring that all residents have access to high-speed internet, digital devices, and the necessary skills for the digital age. Digital Equity Program Learn More Provides cash assistance, food stamps, job training and access to medical care for low-income families with children. Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) Learn More A state-funded program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals who are elderly, disabled, or caring for a child who is not their own. Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) Financial and Energy Resources Find Housing Today through the Housing Navigator Massachusetts Housing Navigator Massachusetts provides an online platform that aggregates listings of affordable rental properties across the state. The tool is designed to simplify the search process for tenants and housing counselors, making it easier to find suitable housing options. The platform includes listings from various housing providers, including public housing authorities, nonprofit organizations, and private landlords who offer affordable units. It provides detailed information about each property, such as eligibility requirements, amenities, and contact information. SEARCH AVAILABILTY SEARCH AVAILABILTY Learn More Is a state-funded initiative designed to provide immediate and temporary shelter to homeless families in Massachusetts. Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Program Learn More A Guide to Emergency Shelter and Re-housing Services for Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness in Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Advocacy Guide Learn More Housing assistance and support services for individuals under 25 Emergency Housing Resources for Young Adults Learn More Temporary shelter in various locations, including hotels, motels, and dedicated family shelters. Apply by contacting a local DTA office. MA Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Directory Learn More This act ensures homeless children and youth have equal educational access and stability, regardless of their housing status. The McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act Learn More Is dedicated to providing support and housing solutions to veterans experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. New England Center and Home for Veterans Learn More These shelters provide temporary housing and various support services for individuals without children experiencing homelessness Emergency Shelters for Individuals Emergency Shelter Resources Learn More Understand your rights and responsibilities as a tenant during move-in, throughout your tenancy, and when moving out. Tenant Rights Learn More For information on eviction procedures, such as receiving a Notice to Quit, representing yourself in court, or stopping an eviction, please seek further assistance or guidance. Evictions Learn More Learn about security deposits, including what landlords are allowed to charge and how to get your deposit back. Security Deposits Learn More An overview of laws that specifically apply to mobile homes, rooming houses, and condos in Massachusetts. Tenant's Rights in Rooming Houses, Mobile Homes, and Condos Learn More Homeowners undergoing foreclosure and tenants living in properties being foreclosed upon. Foreclosures Learn More Learn the basics about rent laws for private housing, state and federal public housing, and subsidized housing. Understanding Rent Learn More Addressing issues with your landlord and documenting any health or safety concerns in your residence. Repairs and Bad Housing Conditions Learn More Navigating the Massachusetts court system, initiating a lawsuit against your landlord, and representing yourself in legal proceedings. Taking your Landlord to Court Tenant Rights and Resources Learn More Provides monthly financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to help them purchase nutritious food. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Learn More Provides low-income pregnant women, new mothers, infants, and children up to age five with nutritious foods, nutrition education, and referrals to health care services. Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Learn More Project Bread's FoodSource Hotline is a confidential and toll-free hotline designed to connect Massachusetts residents with food resources and assistance. Project Bread's Food Source Hotline Food Assistance Programs Learn More MassHealth offers comprehensive health coverage for children and young adults, including preventive care, dental, behavioral health, and more. Learn about eligibility and how to apply MassHealth Resources for Children and Young Adults Learn More For individuals recently released from jail or prison, MassHealth provides additional support through the Community Support Program for Justice-Involved (CSP-JI) members. Community Support Program for Justice-Involved (CSP-JI) members. MassHealth Resources Learn More Learn about the different forms of housing discrimination and protections under Massachusetts law. Housing Discrimination Learn More Learn about the different kinds of discrimination that can happen in the workplace and how you are protected under Massachusetts law. Employment Discrimination Learn More Businesses open to the public cannot deny people access or treat people differently based on their membership in a protected class. Discrimination in Public Places Learn More Regardless of your housing status, you are still eligible to vote. You can register to vote or update your voter registration information at DTA at any time. Your Right to Vote Regardless of Housing Status Anti-Discrimination Laws Learn More Massachusetts public housing provides affordable rental housing for low-income individuals and families. Understanding Public Housing Learn More Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities works with the following Local Housing Authorities in Massachusetts Local Housing Authority Contact Listing Learn More Housing assistance programs offer financial help, mainly through vouchers, to support low-income families and individuals in renting apartments outside of public housing. Housing Vouchers Learn More Use the CHAMP form (Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs) to apply for state-aided subsidized housing. Applying for Public Housing Learn More These programs are designed to ensure that individuals and families have access to safe, decent, and affordable homes. Affordable Housing Programs Learn More Offering on-site services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in designated public and private subsidized housing. Supportive Housing Learn More As a landlord or property manager, you have a role in your tenants’ applications for rental assistance programs, such as RAFT and housing vouchers (such as Section 8 and MRVP). Housing Assistance Programs for Landlords Public, Subsidized and Housing Assistance Programs Learn More Provides free and confidential support and information about substance use treatment and recovery services. Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline Learn More If you are a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, connect with our caring, qualified responders for confidential help. Many of them are Veterans themselves. Veteran Resource Centers Learn More The Department of Mental Health ensures and facilitates access to necessary services and support for individuals of all ages, helping them live, work, and engage within their communities. Massachusetts Dept. of Mental Health Learn More Services designed to support the individual, familial, and social needs of survivors of domestic violence, their children, and/or their other dependents. Domestic and Sexual Violence Resources Learn More Learn more about the Tenancy Preservation Program, a homelessness prevention program that helps find solutions to disability-related issues. Tenancy Preservation Progam Learn More As a partner of the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC), your local Child Care Resource and Referral agency (CCR&R) can provide you with resources for accessing child care services Child Care Resources Addiction, Mental Health and Child Care Support Services Learn More MassHealth provides comprehensive healthcare coverage to eligible low-income residents, including families, children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities Masshealth Learn More An initiative to address food insecurity, housing instability, and homelessness, aiming to improve health outcomes and reduce medical costs by partnering with community-based social service organizations. Massachusetts Flexible Services Program Learn More Community health centers provide primary, preventive and dental care, as well as mental health, substance use disorder and other community-based services to anyone in need regardless of their insurance status Community Health Centers Learn More Find a VA location or in-network community care provider. For same-day care for minor illnesses or injuries, select Urgent care for facility type. Veteran Affairs Hospital Healthcare and Community Health Centers Learn More Offers services including housing search assistance, workshops on eviction prevention, and budget support among other resources. Metro Housing Boston Learn More Provides financial education, housing support, and information for both tenants and property owners. There are multiple locations: North Shore, Cape Ann, & Merrimack Valley Community Teamwork Learn More Serves as a resource for foreclosure prevention, financial coaching, and RAFT program applications. NeighborWorks Housing Solutions Learn More Specializes in homeownership support, landlord and tenant mediation, and financial capability training RCAP Solutions Learn More Offers a variety of services including information and referral, individual counseling, homelessness prevention programs, workshops, and seminars. South Middlesex Opportunity Council Learn More Finding Affordable Housing Solutions for all People across the Communities of Berkshire County Hearthway Learn More Housing support, financial literacy, rental assistance, homelessness prevention. Way Finders Learn More Housing counseling, rental and homeowner assistance, development services. Franklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority Learn More Rental housing management, homeowner education, affordable housing advocacy. Housing Nantucket Learn More Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard, and Nantucket, providing a variety of housing-related services. Housing Assistance Corporation Housing Support and Education Services Get Help Navigate this page to find assistance accessing housing, shelters, benefits, and homelessness prevention resources in Massachusetts. Your Guide to Area Median Income and Housing and Benefits Eligibility In Massachusetts benefit programs and housing assistance are based on Area Median Income (AMI). Understanding AMI is crucial because it determines eligibility for various programs and housing options, particularly those aimed at low- and moderate-income families. Programs often categorize income levels as a percentage of the AMI, such as 30%, 50%, 60%, 80%, or 120%. Double check your eligibility for assistance based off of your income by clicking the button below. Verify My Income TAKE ACTION WITH US Learn More Please check the individual furniture bank’s website for more details and information on how to access their services Furniture Banks in Massachusetts Furniture Assistance Programs

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Help end homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless by donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Every contribution makes a difference. Massachusetts Youth Count The Massachusetts Youth Count is a survey that gathers data on the needs and demographics of youth and young adults under the age of 25 who are experiencing homelessness and housing instability. The survey currently is administered every other spring. The Youth Count data informed the creation of the state's plan to end youth homelessness and continues to shape advocacy efforts and the development of targeted programs to provide stable housing and support services for young people. Massachusetts Youth Count 2024 The Massachusetts Youth Count is a biannual survey sponsored by the Massachusetts Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission to learn about the scope, needs, and demographics of youth and young adults under the age of 25 who were unstably housed or experiencing homelessness. The Youth Count partnered with youth, young adults, providers serving youth and young adults experiencing homelessness, Continua of Care, and other community partners to conduct the survey. Youth Count provided opportunities for young people to utilize their leadership skills in planning and administering the count, and for participants to connect to resources and services. The insights and data gathered from the survey process were used to influence advocacy and programming to address youth and young adult homelessness. Massachusetts Youth Count 2024 was conducted this past spring! If you were under the age of 25 and were unstably housed or experiencing homelessness, you could have taken the Youth Count survey between Monday, April 1st, and Saturday, May 4th. The data from the 2024 Massachusetts Youth Count is available now at the link above. We'll be back at it with the next round of surveying in 2026. Your insights and experiences matter, and we can't wait to continue this important work with you! Download Download More about the Massachusetts Youth Count The Massachusetts Youth Count is biennial survey conducted by the Massachusetts Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission to understand the needs and demographics of youth and young adults under the age of 25 who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The Commission partners with young people, service providers, and community organizations to conduct the survey, offering leadership opportunities and connecting participants to resources. The data collected informs advocacy and programming to address youth homelessness. Learn More About the Commission Take action with MCH Today!

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.