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 Docket 2053/Senate Docket 1162 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 Docket 1085/Senate Docket 1712 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 verifications 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 Docket 359/Senate Docket 1357 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 Docket 4123/Senate Docket 2347 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 Docket 211/Senate Docket 944 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 Docket 1042/Senate Docket 2190 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 Docket 1141/ Senate Docket 1173 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 Docket 2501 and Senate Docket 1084 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 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

Help end and prevent family homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless as we take action to ensure everyone has a place to call home. Protect Access to Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Learn more about our advocacy to protect and improve the Commonwealth's Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program, a state-funded program that provides emergency shelter, rehousing supports, and other resources to eligible families with children under the age of 21 and/or a pregnant household member #HousingisaHumanRight #EndHomelessnessMA Join Us to Protect Families’ Access to Shelter Since November 2023, Governor Healey and the Legislature have taken steps to reduce access to shelter for children and families experiencing homelessness, moving away from the state's 40-year history of honoring the right to shelter for families. Take action with us to restore the right to shelter and improve access to upstream homelessness prevention resources and long-term deeply affordable housing. Take Action Today! Recent and Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities: Join us in person and online for more actions to protect the right to shelter: Upcoming Actions: Check back soon or join our mailing list by clicking here Recent Actions: Wednesday, February 12th: Please join us in asking State Senators to swiftly provide supplemental funding for Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and to adopt key budget amendments on access to Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and temporary respite centers. Learn more about key Senate amendments here: https://tinyurl.com/senate-ea-supp Call-in day to State Senators, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Visibility action at the State House, 10:30–11:30 a.m. We will meet in front of the Senate Chamber on the 3rd Floor. RSVP to let us know you can join us: https://tinyurl.com/ea-event-rsvp Thursday, February 6th: Visibility action at the State House 10:30–11:30 a.m. to call on the Legislature to swiftly provide needed supplemental funding for shelter and services for children and parents experiencing homelessness and to reject the Governor's proposals to further limit access to Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter. We also will be asking Representatives to cosponsor and actively support key supplemental budget amendments, which are scheduled to be voted on that day. Learn more about key House amendments here: https://tinyurl.com/house-ea-supp Monday, February 3rd–Thursday, February 6th: Call-in days to state legislators, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. each day, asking them to swiftly provide supplemental funding for Emergency Assistance shelter and to reject the Governor's proposals to further limit access to EA. Call script and details: https://www.mahomeless.org/_files/ugd/6c63ec_e38e87e26977473cb9f80dddb5ff46bd.pdf Thursday, January 16th: "The People's State of the Commonwealth: Spotlight on Family Homelessness" action: 12:00–1:00 p.m. in front of the Massachusetts State House Call-in day to legislators: 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Call script and more details Tuesday, November 12th: Monitoring the next meeting of the state's Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs, 10:00–11:30 a.m. at the Massachusetts State House in Room 157 or on Zoom: Agenda, meeting details, and Zoom link Tuesday, October 15th: Monitoring action: 1:00–2:30 p.m. in Room 157 of the State House (or on Zoom) at the next meeting of the state’s Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Visibility action: We will start the hour in front of Governor Healey's office on the third floor and end the hour with a procession past key rooms on that floor, including the House Chamber, Senate Chamber, office of the Senate President, and office of the House Speaker. Monday, September 16th: Rally: 4:30–5:30 p.m. on the Boston Common at the Embrace Memorial and the 1965 Freedom Plaza Guest speakers will include Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune and Reverend Mariama White-Hammond of New Roots AME Church, Dorchester. Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CP2ho4SY5RmZjy6V9 Monitoring action: 1:00–2:30 p.m. in Room 157 of the State House (or on Zoom) at the next meeting of the state’s Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Agenda, meeting details, and Zoom link Thursday, September 5th: State House action, 12:30–1:30 p.m. We will start the hour in front of Governor Healey's office on the third floor and end the hour with a procession past key rooms on that floor, including the House Chamber, Senate Chamber, office of the Senate President, and office of the House Speaker. Tuesday, August 20th: Virtual action hour online, 12:00–1:00 p.m. Monday, August 19th: Visibility action : 12:00–1:00 p.m. in front of the McCormack Building, 1 Ashburton Place, Boston, MA 02108 before the next convening of the Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Monitoring action : 1:00–2:30 p.m. inside the McCormack Building, 1 Ashburton Place, 21st Floor, Boston, MA 02108 (or on Zoom) at the next meeting of the state’s Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs Agenda, meeting details, and Zoom link Wednesday, August 14th: Candlelight vigil in front of the State House, 7:00–8:00 p.m. Learn more about the Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Program Emergency Assistance (EA) program information from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) Emergency Assistance biweekly reports and other data from EOHLC Family homelessness, Emergency Assistance, and overflow shelters in the news November 2024 recommendations from the Coalition to the state's Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs November 2023 recommendations from the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, and the Moving Beyond the Emergency Working Group to the Administration and Legislature Are you an advocate, case manager, or social worker interested in learning more about the Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Program? Click here to access the comprehensive guide on Emergency Shelter and Rehousing Services for Families with Children Experiencing Homelessness in Massachusetts. View Advocacy Guide 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.

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.

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!

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.

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 a monthly Housing and Benefits advocacy meeting where advocates, case managers, people with lived experience 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: May 30, 2025 June 27, 2025 July 25, 2025 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!

Explore how the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless is making systemic change through advocacy and public policy initiatives, driving solutions to end homelessness statewide Making Systemic Change The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless has a rich history dating back to the early 1980s as a leader in the fight to prevent and end homelessness here in the Commonwealth. The agency is steadfast in our belief that homelessness can be resolved by ensuring access to safe, affordable, permanent housing for the lowest income households and providing opportunities for families, individuals, and youth to build economic stability. Current Overall Bill and Budget Priorities LEARN MORE Housing and Benefits Committee Meetings LEARN MORE Legislative Action Day 2025 LEARN MORE LEARN MORE Your endorsement matters. Reach out us today to become an organizational or individual endorser and play a pivotal role in our collective action towards ending homelessness. LEARN MORE Unity in Action: Strengthen Massachusetts’ Response to Homelessness Join us at the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless as we fight to end homelessness through targeted public policy efforts. Our mission spans preventing homelessness, ensuring housing stability, providing emergency services, and promoting economic stability and human rights. Your involvement can drive change. Reach out to our policy team and take action today to help build a future where everyone has a home. Let's make a difference together. No amount is too small when it comes to making a difference. Support the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless' mission by donating today! Take action Today! Sign one of our alerts below. Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors Acknowledging those who uplift our efforts addressing the root causes of homelessness through advocacy, policy reform, and community collaboration. 2024 Impact Report Preventing and Ending Youth Homelessness The Massachusetts Youth Count is biannual survey conducted by the Massachusetts Unaccompanied Homeless Youth Commission to understand the needs and demographics of homeless or unstably housed youth under 25. It 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 TAKE ACTION TODAY! Protect Access to Emergency Family Shelter Stay updated on the Emergency Assistance Program with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. We are actively working to protect emergency shelter access for families in crisis across Massachusetts. Recent policy changes have put many vulnerable families at risk, potentially leaving children without a safe place to sleep. Please take action to uphold the Commonwealth's 40 year commitment to providing shelter and services to children and families experiencing homelessness. Emergency Assistance Program Updates

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 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

Make a difference today by donating to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. Support our mission and help us create a future where everyone has a place to call home. Ways to Give Donations help us to provide essential services and advocate for lasting solutions to the pressing issues of housing, income, health, education, and racial inequalities in Massachusetts. Join us in our fight to end homelessness and create sustainable solutions for families and individuals in need. Your generous donation can make a significant difference, providing essential resources, support, and advocacy to ensure everyone has a place to call home. Donate today and help us build a brighter, more stable future for all. Together, we can make a lasting impact. DONATE Your support funds the delivery of a brand new bed to a child in need of one. Your contribution now supplies a wooden bed frame and a brand new mattress. Grounded in our belief that a good night's in a comfortable bed can make all the difference to a child's life from their health to their academic success - sleep is fundamental. Join us in helping a student today. Support our mission to make dreams come true. DONATE Explore Our Ongoing Giving Initiatives Is my donation secure? Yes, our donation platform, powered by Harness, uses industry-standard security measures to protect your personal and financial information. Will I receive a receipt for my donation? Yes, you will receive an email confirmation and receipt immediately after your donation is processed. Can I make a recurring donation? Absolutely! You can choose to make a one-time donation or set up recurring donations on a weekly, monthly, or annual basis. What payment methods are accepted? We accept major credit cards, debit cards, and electronic checks. Specific options will be available at the payment step. Is my donation tax-deductible? Yes, donations are tax-deductible. Please keep your email receipt for tax purposes. How can I update or cancel my recurring donation? You can update or cancel your recurring donation by logging into your account on our donation platform or contacting our support team. How will my donation be used? Your donation will support our mission to end homelessness and create sustainable solutions. We allocate funds to various programs, services, and advocacy efforts that directly benefit those in need. Can I get a refund for my donation? Donations are generally non-refundable. However, if there was an error with your donation, please contact our support team to discuss your situation. Frequently Asked Questions Our 2023 Impact in Numbers Upgrade to remove watermark www.marketpushapps.com www.marketpushapps.com 20059 members engaged across our initiatives on our digital platforms 3683 households assisted through MCH's 4 programs across 298 communities 60900 hours of advocacy provided to 1981 households facing housing instablity 1702 children received healthy sleep education along with brand new beds Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families living in poverty in our community.

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 in touch with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless via our online contact form. Contact us for questions about donations, sponsorships, support, and assistance. Contact Thank you for reaching out to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless. We are here to help! Please take a moment to review our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). If you still need assistance after reviewing the FAQs, feel free to fill out our contact form Contact us First name Last name Email* Phone Company name Subject Message* Submit 73 Buffum Street Lynn, MA 01902 781-595-7570 Frequently Asked Questions Does the Coalition offer any furniture assistance? Unfortunately, we no longer provide furniture assistance, as our furniture bank closed down in 2021. If you're looking for furniture for yourself or a client, we recommend reaching out to a local furniture bank. Please call first before visiting to confirm their hours, donation policies, and available services. New Life Furniture Bank of MA Address: 102 Elm Street, Walpole, MA 02081 Phone: (774) 316-6395 Website: www.newlifefb.org Fresh Start Furniture Bank Address: 16 Brent Drive, Hudson, MA 01749 Phone: (508) 485-2080 Website: www.freshstartfurniturebank.org Household Goods, Inc. Address: 530 Main Street, Acton, MA 01720 Phone: (978) 635-1710 Website: www.householdgoods.org Mission of Deeds Address: 6 Chapin Avenue, Reading, MA 01867 Phone: (781) 944-9797 Website: www.missionofdeeds.org The Wish Project Address: 166 Middlesex Street, North Chelmsford, MA 01863 Phone: (978) 441-9474 Website: www.thewishproject.org Amvets Thrift Stores Address: Multiple locations across Massachusetts Phone: Varies by location Website: www.amvets.org Lazarus House Ministries, Inc. Address: 412 Hampshire Street, Lawrence, MA 01841 Phone: (978) 689-8575 Website: www.lazarushouse.org House to Home Address: 55 Martha Road, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568 Phone: (508) 693-5566 Website: www.housetohomefurniturebank.org Does the Coalition offer any shelter services? We do not provide shelter services directly. To find a shelter in your area, please visit the Massachusetts government’s emergency shelter page: Find Emergency Shelter . Does the Coalition offer financial assistance for rent or utility arrears, first, last, and security deposits? No, we do not provide direct financial assistance for housing costs. If you need financial help, we recommend contacting your local housing consumer education center to start the application process for RAFT (Residential Assistance for Families in Transition): Mass Housing Info . I need a bed for my children. How can I get one? At A Bed for Every Child, we are committed to providing twin mattresses and frames to children across Massachusetts who need them. If you need assistance, a referral can be made for your child through their guidance counselor, teacher, caseworker, or physician. To make a referral, please visit our website: Request a Bed . Please note that due to high demand, there is currently a waitlist of 45-60 days. What should I do if I’m facing a housing emergency or know someone who is? If you are experiencing a housing emergency, please visit our Get Help page to learn about the resources available, how to apply, and where to go for assistance: Get Help . Can I donate money to a specific program or cause? Yes, you can choose to designate your donation to a specific program, such as A Bed for Every Child, or to our general fund, which supports all our programs and services. Please indicate your preference when making your donation. What types of donations does the Coalition accept? We are currently only able to accept new items, such as bedding, pillows, and pajamas, which are distributed directly to children in need through our A Bed for Every Child program. Please check our webpage for a complete list of accepted items and donation guidelines.