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 Bill Fact Sheet Description: This bill would recognize and affirm various rights of people experiencing homelessness, such as the right to move freely in public spaces, the right to confidentiality of records, the right to privacy of property, and the right to register to vote and to vote. The bill would provide additional civil rights protections for people experiencing homelessness. The bill would affirm the right to rest, eat, pray, and be in public spaces by amending the Commonwealth's public spaces laws, amend the Commonwealth's voting laws to affirm the right to vote and register to vote without a permanent address, amend the Commonwealth's antidiscrimination laws to include housing status, and repeal archaic sections of Massachusetts General Laws regarding so-called "tramps," "vagrants," and "vagabonds." The bill would give the Superior Court jurisdiction to enforce the rights included in the legislation. Permanently establish and improve the HomeBASE family rehousing program Lead Sponsors: Representative Christine Barber and Senator Liz Miranda Bill Name: An Act promoting housing stability for families by strengthening the HomeBASE program Bill Numbers: House Bill 1469/Senate Bill 1011 Description: This bill would put the HomeBASE program into state statute, direct the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to provide renewals of HomeBASE rental assistance to families and children who otherwise would be facing a return to homelessness, allow families to access HomeBASE upstream to maintain existing housing if they otherwise would be eligible for the Emergency Assistance family shelter program, and increase the maximum benefit levels to $50,000 over the first 24 months of the program and up to $25,000 in subsequent years for families needing additional time in the program. Improve the Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children program (EAEDC) Lead Sponsors: Representative Jim O'Day and Senator Pat Jehlen Bill Name: An Act relative to assisting elders and people with disabilities in the Commonwealth Bill Numbers: House Bill 278/Senate Bill 138 Bill Fact Sheet Description: This bill would improve the Department of Transitional Assistance’s (DTA’s) Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children program by ensuring that grants for participants experiencing homelessness are at the same level as the benefits for peers who have housing (putting the 2018 removal of the EAEDC homelessness penalty into statute), providing an annual cost of living adjustment for older adults and people with disabilities who are participating in EAEDC, and increasing grant levels to match the benefits provided under DTA’s Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children program (TAFDC). Allow cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants Lead Sponsors: Representative Dave Rogers/Representative Sam Montaño and Senator Pat Jehlen Bill Name: An Act enabling cities and towns to stabilize rents and protect tenants Bill Numbers: House Bill 2328/Senate Bill 1447 Description: This bill would remove the statewide ban on rent control and establish a local option for cities and towns to regulate rents. If passed, cities and towns opting in would be able to limit annual rent increases and limit no fault evictions for certain dwelling units. The bill would limit annual rent increases for covered dwelling units to the change in the Consumer Price Index or 5%, whichever is lower. Fiscal Year 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

Read the Privacy Policy of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless to understand our commitment to privacy, data protection, and transparency as a statewide nonprofit. Privacy Policy Your Privacy Matters. Browsing The Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (“MCH, the Coalition”) understands that privacy is an important concern to members of our community. You can visit most portions of the Coalition website without telling us who you are and without revealing any personal information. The only information we collect from a normal web site visit is the IP address of the computer being used to visit our site, the browser and type of machine being used, the web site that referred that computer to us, the pages requested and the date and time they were requested. We use this information to generate statistics and measure site activity to improve the usefulness of the site to our visitors. Collection of Personal Information Online Data: The Coalition may collect email addresses and other personally identifiable data about visitors when such data is voluntarily submitted on the site. All such information is collected and stored in a manner appropriate to the nature of the data. If you choose to make an online contribution to the Coalition, we will collect information necessary to accept and process your donation and send you a receipt. This information may include your name, address, telephone number, email address, and credit card information. All donations made online and off-line, are not exchanged or sold with any other organizations. We use a number of security measures to protect your information. We limit access to only those people necessary to ensure that the website is functioning correctly. Sensitive data such as credit card information is additionally protected through encryption. Servers that contain sensitive information are maintained in secured facilities. Donor Information Exchange: For all donations made online and off-line, are not exchanged or sold with other organizations. Third Party Information Collection and Disclosure Practices Coalition web pages may contain hyperlinks to websites operated by third parties. The Coalition does not control the content or privacy practices of those sites. You expressly acknowledge and agree that such third parties may employ information collection and/or disclosure practices that differ from those of Coalition. The Coalition does not make any warranties or representations concerning the information collection and/or disclosure practices of such parties.

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. Special Commission to Study Poverty Download A Shortage of Affordable Home 2025 Report Download The State of the Nations Housing 2025 Report 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 Annual Homelessness Assessment Report Download Out of Reach The High Cost of Housing 2023 Download 2024 Kids Count Data Book Massachusetts 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.

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.

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

Discover the Casa Project by the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, offering homelessness prevention, housing stabilization and flexible services to support individuals and families statewide. The Casa Project The Casa Project is an upstream homelessness prevention program that provides wraparound individualized services that secure housing stability for families and individuals. Every year, we assist over 1,800 households, working under the mission of ensuring everyone has a place to call home. Are you or someone you know on MassHealth and experiencing homelessness? Learn More For over 20 years this one-stop service model has addressed housing instability and prevented displacement and homelessness for thousands of families, individuals, older adults, young adults, and children across the Commonwealth. Our Casa Housing Advocates empower, serve, and educate households facing housing issues, helping them overcome barriers, and secure resources to remain stably housed. Upgrade to remove watermark www.marketpushapps.com www.marketpushapps.com 2287 Households Assisted in Addressing Financial Barriers 1981 Households Assisted in Preventing Housing Instability 70898 Hours of Advocacy Provided $198,457 Secured in Funding to Address Housing Instability. Meaningful Collaborations Birth to Big Kid X Casa Project The integration of The Casa Project and the Birth to Big Kid Initiative creates a tangible, family-centered response to poverty and disparities. It works toward the advancement of early childhood development while focusing on the prevention of housing instability, homelessness, and displacement. By combining safe sleep education and homelessness prevention, we offer a holistic approach that prevents infant mortality and housing instability, beginning before birth and continuing through toddlerhood. With a focus on low-income expectant mothers, the initiative partners with hospitals and health centers to provide material items and identify proactive interventions that prevent instability for mothers and infants. This unique and upstream programming integration utilizes a service delivery model that ensures expectant mothers, infants, and children have the stability and resources they need to grow up safely and stably housed. Whether it's a crib for a newborn, housing advocacy for a family facing eviction, a bed to transition a toddler out of the crib, or connection to resources in the community, this programming integration assists families at every critical stage. HRSN Services Support As part of the newly launched MassHealth Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) initiative, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless provides critical homelessness prevention services to MassHealth members with complex health and housing needs. Our HRSN services are designed to reduce health disparities, promote long-term housing stability, and support the well-being of vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth. Through this program, MCH supports individuals who are at high risk of housing and nutrition insecurity, many of whom are frequent users of emergency services and live with chronic health conditions. As the largest HRSN housing services provider in Massachusetts, MCH partners with 14 of the state’s 17 Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), delivering housing stabilization services to 13 ACOs and both housing and nutrition support to 1 ACO. Partnering with these contracted ACO's: Community Care Cooperative Fallon Health- Atrius Health Care Collaborative Fallon Health – Reliant Medical Group ACO Mass General Brigham ACO Revere Health Choice Tufts Health Together with Cambridge Health Alliance (CHA) Tufts Health Together with UMass Memorial Health East Boston Neighborhood Health WellSense Alliance WellSense BACO WellSense Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) Performance Network ACO WellSense Boston Children’s ACO WellSense Mercy Alliance WellSense Southcoast Alliance WellSense Signature Alliance As the state of Massachusetts continues to transform the Flex Services Program into the new framework of the Health Related Social Needs (HRSN), we are actively equipping our agency in the process of becoming a Managed Care Entity (MCE). This transition will enable us to continue serving members referred by ACO's, providing support in housing and nutrition, and becoming a Hub for these services. Click here to reach out to a member of MCH's team is you would like to collaborate with MCH and the Casa Project. Our program's services support the needs of collaborating entities that refer households from healthcare facilities to obtain assistance from The Casa Project. These are our collaborating entities: Brockton Neighborhood Health Center Codman Square Health Center Dimock Center DotHouse Health Greater Lawrence Family Health Center Greater Roslindale Medical and Dental Center Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center Lynn Community Health Center Manet Community Health Center Mattapan Community Health Center New Bedford Community Health Center North Shore Community Health South Boston Community Health Center Upham's Corner Health Center To learn more visit: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/masshealth-members-who-need-assistance-with-food-or-housing Local and Regional Contract Work The Casa Project engages in contracted work with community-based organizations and municipal entities. Currently, Casa is partnering with: City of Boston Office of Housing Stability, Town of Lexington Youth and Family Services Division Lynn Public Schools Minuteman Senior Services Mystic Valley Elder Services Get help from the HRSN Program Get Help with Health-Related Social Needs Support MCH's Casa Project offers services in partnership with MassHealth as well as several ACOs to help individuals who are experiencing challenges with homelessness, housing instability, and unhealthy living conditions. To be considered for eligibility you must be a Massachusetts resident on MassHealth. How to Apply: Fill out our quick referral form, and a team member will contact you to determine what services you qualify for. Submit Referral Download Flyer Participating Partnerships Load More Our 2023 Impact in Numbers Every dollar counts in the fight against homelessness. Support the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless and make an impact on the lives of those in need. Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors Acknowledging those who help our Casa Project offer homelessness prevention and housing stabilization resources to the Commonwealth's most vulnerable households. 2024 Impact Report

Help end homelessness in Massachusetts. Join the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless by donating, volunteering, or advocating for change. Every contribution makes a difference. 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!

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Since 1981, the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless has been committed to ending homelessness through advocacy, support, and systemic change. Learn more about our mission and impact About Us 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. Our Vision At the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, our vision is a Commonwealth where everyone has a safe, stable, and dignified place to call home. We envision a future where homelessness is rare, brief, and nonrecurring, and where systemic barriers to housing and income are addressed through collaborative solutions. Through advocacy and innovation, we strive to create a Massachusetts where all individuals and families living in poverty can thrive. Our Core Values Dignity and Compassion We honor the lived experiences of those impacted by homelessness and approach all our work with empathy, respect, and a belief in the inherent dignity of every person. Prevention and Systemic Change We prioritize upstream solutions that prevent homelessness before it begins and advocate for long-term policy changes that address the root causes of poverty and housing instability. Advancement and Equal Access We believe that housing is a human right, and that addressing homelessness requires a deep commitment to creating opportunities and advancing social inclusion. Accountability and Impact We are data-informed and results-driven, committed to continuously improving our work and delivering measurable, meaningful outcomes. Collabortation and Community We believe lasting change is only possible through authentic partnerships with community members, service providers, legislators, and those with lived experience. Our Programs A Bed for Every Child: Helps children to obtain a place to dream, learn healthy sleep habits, and improve academic performance. Launched in 2012, A Bed for Every Child is one of a few resources in the state that utilizes a holistic approach to create a stable and nurturing environment for children living in poverty. Birth to Big Kid Initiative: Works to reduce infant mortality by providing cribs and safe sleep education to low-income expectant mothers, focusing on prenatal and childhood development. Since 2022, MCH has partnered with hospitals and health centers across Massachusetts to assist pregnant mothers with safe sleep education approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Birth to Big Kid is the only initiative in Massachusetts that supports families from prenatal stages through toddlerhood. The Casa Project: Helps low-income families and individuals avoid displacement or becoming unsheltered by providing upstream preventive resources and support. For over 20 years, MCH has utilized an upstream homeless prevention approach, ensuring that over 30,000 households in Massachusetts could have obtained a place to call home. Statewide Systemic Change: Advocates on behalf of underserved populations and communities across Massachusetts. For over 40 years, MCH has propelled vital efforts that have led to lasting positive impacts such as securing funding for RAFT, the Massachusetts YOUth Count, and strengthening the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act in the Commonwealth. Our 2023 Impact in Numbers Upgrade to remove watermark www.marketpushapps.com www.marketpushapps.com 30123 Members engaged across our initiatives on our digital platforms 2287 Households obtained or retained housing 70898 Hours of advocacy provided 2259 Children received beds and learned sleep education Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of individuals and families facing homelessness in our community. Consider giving today!

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!

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