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 supplying safe, affordable, permanent housing for the lowest income households and providing opportunities for families, individuals, and youth to build economic stability. To achieve these goals, the Coalition and our members undertake campaigns in support of affordable housing, homelessness prevention, income and benefit programs, and access to education.

Stay up to date with the Coalition’s advocacy initiatives by following us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Voting
Are you registered to vote? If you are eligible to vote, registering to vote and showing up on Primary Day and Election Day can be key advocacy tools for addressing homelessness and housing insecurity here in Massachusetts. Register to vote online (or begin the process) through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website. ** Even if you do not have a fixed, permanent address, you still can register to vote if you are otherwise eligible. **

Current Policy Campaigns

Budget Priority Campaigns for Fiscal Year 2023

– FY23 Budget overview chart, plain language overview sheet (PDF, updated 3-31-22), and general overview sheet (PDF, updated 3-1-22)

The chart currently includes an overview of the Coalition’s FY23 budget priorities, as well an analysis of Governor Baker’s FY23 budget proposal, known as the “House 2” budget. These requests and recommendations are for the state fiscal year that will run from July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023.

–Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP) FY’23 budget request fact sheet from Homes for Families (PDF, updated 2-24-22)

-Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) FY’23 budget request fact sheet from the Lift Our Kids Coalition (PDF, 3-2-22)

Bill Priority Campaigns for the 2021-2022 Legislative Session

– 2021-2022 bill priority overview chart and overview sheet (PDF, updated 2-28-22)

– Everyone Needs ID Mass ID access bill campaign fact sheet for House Bill 3515/Senate Bill 2612, formerly Senate Bill 2276 (PDF, updated 3-25-22)

– Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) bill campaign fact sheet for House Bill 1385 (PDF, updated 10-19-21)

– Emergency Assistance bill campaign fact sheet for House Bill 202/Senate Bill 111 (PDF, updated 10-13-21)

– COVID-19 housing equity bill flyer (PDF, updated 10-12-21) and campaign fact sheet for House Bill 1434/Senate Bill 891 (PDF, updated 2-23-21)

– Bill of rights for people experiencing homelessness campaign fact sheet for House Bill 264/Senate Bill 142 (PDF, updated 10-8-21)

– Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program bill campaign fact sheet for House Bill 1428/Senate Bill 898 from Homes for Families (PDF, updated 2-24-22)

–Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC) and Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled, and Children (EAEDC) bill campaign fact sheet for House Bill 199/Senate Bill 96 from the Lift Our Kids Coalition (PDF, 2-9-21 )

– “I AM” bill campaign fact sheet for House Bill 2354/Senate Bill 2730 to increase access to menstrual products in prisons, shelters, and public schools from the Massachusetts Menstrual Equity Coalition (PDF, updated 3-16-22)

– HomeBASE bill campaign fact sheet for House Bill 1372 (PDF, updated 9-28-21) Note: This bill was sent to study by the Joint Committee on Housing on February 2, 2022, halting its progress for this legislative session. We are pushing for key elements of the bill to be incorporated into the FY23 budget.

Read about our FY22 budget priorities below and other past public policy campaigns here.

FY22 Budget Priority Campaigns:

– Overview chart and overview sheet (updated 3-15-21)

– Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program budget campaign fact sheet for line item 7004-9024