Massachusetts's shelter policy changes mirror MassGOP proposals
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Gov. Maura Healey and Beacon Hill leaders address reporters outside her office. Photo: Steph Solis/Axios Boston
Gov. Maura Healey shocked housing advocates by cutting stays to overflow family shelter sites — among other changes Massachusetts Republicans have proposed for months.
Why it matters: Massachusetts' plan to rein in its family shelter system and network of overflow sites could leave families on the street, advocates say.
- But the moves announced by Healey on Tuesday so far face no apparent opposition from Beacon Hill leaders.
Catch up quick: Starting Aug. 1, families qualified for but waitlisted from family shelter are limited to five days in an overflow site.
- That's down from the current cap of at least 30 days, with chances to renew monthly.
- Families who do stay the five days have to wait at least six months to access long-term shelter.
Plus: The state will also start prioritizing Massachusetts families who are unhoused because of no-fault evictions or "unusual circumstances," including a fire or flood.
Between the lines: Healey's latest strategy is in line with the MassGOP, which for months has called for cuts to stays and changes to prioritize veterans and their families.
- MassGOP Chair Amy Carnevale said in a statement Healey "is finally implementing some of the measures we've been advocating, despite repeated opposition from the Democratic supermajority."
- The changes also put Healey at odds with the housing and immigration advocates who stood alongside her when she declared a state of emergency due to shelter constraints a year ago.
- Kelly Turley, associate director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, called the decision to deny families long-term shelter for six months after staying in an overflow site "punitive" and "draconian."
Reality check: Healey cited unsustainable costs and said she wants to keep the family shelter system financially sustainable long-term.
- The state spent roughly $1 billion last fiscal year alone on the family shelter system and related services.
- "Massachusetts is out of shelter space, and we simply cannot afford the current size of this system," Healey said in a statement.
House Speaker Ron Mariano and Senate President Karen Spilka defended Healey's decision Tuesday.
- Mariano said the changes were responsible — and within the bounds of the right-to-shelter law — considering the state has limited resources.
Asked about MassGOP's response, Healey said she hadn't seen the statement and declined to comment further.
What's next: Housing advocates scrambled to meet with state lawmakers Tuesday, urging them to stop the shelter changes.
- But given that Mariano and Spilka defended Healey's moves, it seems unlikely legislative intervention will gain traction.
- Ana Vivas, a Mariano spokesperson, said he doesn't support legislative action against the shelter changes. Spilka's office did not respond to questions on the matter.