The governor of Massachusetts has recently put forth a proposal that suggests at least one member of a family seeking refuge in emergency shelters must possess legal status in the country. This move comes as concerns regarding the safety of these facilities continue to be raised.
Democratic Gov. Maura Healey is taking steps to enhance background checks for individuals seeking shelter. Her plan involves requiring applicants to disclose their criminal convictions in both the state and other locations. In addition, applicants would need to verify their identity, residency, and status before being granted housing. This proposal aims to ensure that individuals are thoroughly vetted before being accommodated in shelters. Currently, applicants can be housed without providing any documentation. Furthermore, the plan would restrict eligibility for shelter based on evictions to occur solely within the state, rather than anywhere in the country.
According to a statement from Healey, she believes that these changes are necessary and suitable in order to maintain the long-term viability of the state shelter system. She further explains that these proposed alterations will not only uphold the initial purpose of the law but also enable the system to prioritize safety and provide assistance to unhoused families in local communities. Ultimately, these changes aim to establish a more financially sustainable shelter system.
The legislature must pass the governor’s proposal.
The influx of migrant arrivals since 2023 has overwhelmed the state’s shelter system for homeless families. This surge has also posed similar challenges in cities like New York, Chicago, and Denver, resulting in a notable increase in homelessness.
In a recent announcement, Healey revealed that families who were not given priority for emergency assistance shelters would now have the option to stay at overflow sites for a maximum of five days. Healey stated that these stricter regulations were put in place due to the ongoing limitations in capacity within the emergency assistance system and the importance of maintaining its financial sustainability.
The state has implemented a policy that restricts the length of stay for homeless families in shelters to a maximum of nine months. However, families who have reached this limit can request up to two 90-day extensions to continue receiving assistance.
There have also been concerns raised regarding safety at the shelters. This concern was further exacerbated when a migrant was discovered with drugs and an automatic weapon at one of the shelters earlier this month. State records indicate that there have been numerous serious incidents reported at these shelters, including cases of rape.
According to Democratic House Speaker Ronald Mariano, this proposal aligns with the ongoing efforts of lawmakers.
“In addressing the shelter system crisis, the House has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the long-term financial viability of the Commonwealth’s emergency assistance program. This has led to the implementation of reforms that set limits on the maximum length of stay and mandated job training for individuals in the shelter system,” stated the House representative.
Republicans lawmakers, who have been leveraging these safety concerns to amplify their critique of the governor’s management of the migrant crisis, enthusiastically embraced Healey’s proposal, viewing it as a clear demonstration of her willingness to actively address the issue at hand.
Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr expressed his optimism about the opportunity to implement much-needed changes to the system in the Commonwealth. He emphasized the importance of making the system safer, more accountable and transparent, and more sustainable. Tarr’s statement reflects the growing consensus among lawmakers on Beacon Hill regarding the urgency of these changes.