Support Families Experiencing Homelessness and Protect the Right to Shelter. Join us in our mission to ensure that every child in Massachusetts has a safe place to sleep. Take Action With Us Data and Updates on the Emergency Assistance (EA) Program Follow this page for data, reports, and resources related to the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program. Dashboard Link The dashboard generally is updated each week, and includes information on how many families currently:​ ​ Are participating in the EA program Were placed in shelter within the last 24 hours Are staying in traditional shelter placements and in hotels/motels In hotel/motel placements are supported by social service providers, National Guard members, or are without provider supports (when applicable) Are staying in each city/town, broken down into cities and towns hosting 1-50 families, 51-200 families, and over 200 families ​ We continue to advocate with the Administration for additions to the dashboard, including data on how many families have been approved for EA and are on the waiting list and how many families on the waiting list are staying in overflow and safety-net shelter sites directly operated or funded by the state. Emergency Assistance Statewide Placement Data Dashboard Link Additional Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Documents and Resources ​ Training opportunities: Join the Coalition, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education for the annual Assisting Families Experiencing Homelessness Basic Benefits Training Livestream: Tuesday, October 1, 2024 First rebroadcast of webinar: Wednesday, October 16, 2024 Second rebroadcast of webinar: Thursday, October 24, 2024 Register here Slides from meetings of the Commonwealth's Special Commission on Emergency Housing Programs (a.k.a. Emergency Assistance Commission) Meeting #1: July 18, 2024 Meeting #2: August 19, 2024 Meeting #3: September 16, 2024 Meeting #4: October 15, 2024 ​ Updated Emergency Assistance Family Shelter Reports As part of the supplemental budget passed on December 4, 2023, the Healey Administration is required to provide updates to the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Ways and Means every two weeks on the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program and the state’s response to families experiencing homelessness (including both longer-term Massachusetts residents and newly arrived immigrant families). See Chapter 77 of the Acts of 2023, line item 1599-0514 and Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024, Section 19 . As we receive copies of the reports as submitted, we will post them here. Some of the reports also are available on the Legislature’s website on the Reports and Communications page . 2024 November 4, 2024 report October 21, 2024 report October 7, 2024 report September 23, 2024 report September 9, 2024 report August 26, 2024 report August 12, 2024 biweekly EA report plus a new monthly report on Temporary Respite Centers July 29, 2024 report July 15, 2024 report July 1, 2024 report June 17, 2024 report June 3, 2024 report May 20, 2024 report May 6, 2024 report April 22, 2024 report April 8, 2024 report March 25, 2024 report March 11, 2024 report February 26, 2024 report February 12, 2024 report January 29, 2024 report January 16, 2024 report January 1, 2024 report 2023 December 18, 2023 report Take action with MCH Today! MCH Sep 5 1 min read Take action today to ease access to Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness! Published August 22, 2023; last updated September 6, 2024 296 views Post not marked as liked MCH Aug 16 1 min read Protect Families' Access to State-Funded Shelter and Supports On July 23rd, Governor Healey announced new policies that will prioritize certain children and families for Emergency Assistance (EA)... 941 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1

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 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. Shareable link to our online action: https://mahomeless.org/fy25-house-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 Axios Boston coverage – How Bay Staters can help with the migrant crisis 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, migrant families as officials scramble to expand shelters 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 migrants and 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

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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.

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.

Massachusetts Youth Count The Massachusetts Youth Count is a biannual survey that gathers data on the needs and demographics of homeless or unstably housed youth under 25. This data informs the state's plan to end youth homelessness by shaping advocacy efforts and developing 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 2023 Massachusetts Youth Count is coming soon, so stay tuned for the big reveal. 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 About the Massachusetts Youth Count 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 About the Commission Take action with MCH Today! MCH Sep 5 1 min read Take action today to ease access to Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness! Published August 22, 2023; last updated September 6, 2024 294 views Post not marked as liked MCH Aug 16 1 min read Protect Families' Access to State-Funded Shelter and Supports On July 23rd, Governor Healey announced new policies that will prioritize certain children and families for Emergency Assistance (EA)... 940 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1

Birth to Big Kid Initiative The Birth to Big Kid Initiative utilizes the lens of prenatal, infant, and early childhood development to reduce infant mortality through safe sleep education. Our mission is to ensure that infants from low-income households have a safe and secure place to sleep, grow, and thrive. Fostering safe sleep and early childhood development for healthier beginnings. The Birth to Big Kid Initiative partners with health care entities across Massachusetts, the program assists expectant mothers living in poverty. For two years through a data-driven approach, The Coalition gathers information to improve the wellbeing of mothers, infants, and toddlers by providing safe sleep education approved by the American Academy of Pediatrics, individualized support, access to resources, and items such as cribs and other material needs. By partnering with the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, you help ensure every infant has a safe place to sleep —get involved with our initiative today. Referring Partners Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors Acknowledging those who help our Birth to Big Kid Initiative promote safe sleep practices and provide essential resources to families living in poverty across the Commonwealth. 2023 Impact Report

Legislative Action Day Legislative Action Day (LAD) is the Coalition's annual event organized in the Massachusetts State House Great Hall of Flags. A morning spent where community members, advocates, and legislators unite to address homelessness and housing instability. The day features educational sessions, impactful speeches, and meetings with state legislators to push forward legislative priorities aimed at providing solutions for those affected by homelessness. Our hearts are filled with gratitude for all of your support for our March 7th Legislative Action Day at the State House! Thank you to all the attendees for joining us in the fight to end homelessness. We had 200 people with us: families, youth, and adults with lived experience of homelessness, providers, advocates, and legislators all speaking up for solutions to homelessness, housing instability, and poverty, and taking action to ensure that everyone has a place to call home. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO OUR COMMUNITY SPEAKERS! We are SO incredibly grateful for advocates, people with lived experience of housing instability and homelessness, and our nonprofit partners who shared their stories and remarks on the importance of addressing housing and homelessness issues NOW. Read Kelly & Julia's heartfelt THANK YOU letter to all involved We invite you to join us for our next Legislative Action Day. Sponsored By Representative Jim O'Day ​ ​ Learn More When Winter 2025! Stay tuned for the save the date. ​ Subscribe RSVP You can RSVP for the next LAD by filling out our online registration form here. RSVP Can't make it? Join our alert list to get the invite, training materials and advocacy opportunities. Sign Up Take action Today! Interested in sharing your stories and experience? We're actively seeking speakers with lived homelessness, poverty, and benefits issues experience from members or guest's of allied organizations. Connect with us and share your story today! CONTACT LEARN MORE Learn more about the legislative process and advocacy opportunities by watching MCH's online Legislative Advocacy 101 Training Video LEARN MORE No amount is too small when it comes to making a difference. Support MCH's work by donating today! What to expect? During the event, we will focus on the Coalition’s current legislative (bill) priorities and fiscal year budget priorities. ​ Read about our 2023-2024 priorities here . ​ As a key part of the event you will also be encouraged to meet virtually or in-person with legislative offices. During the registration process, MCH will ask if you need help setting up meetings with your legislators, and if so, we will work to set up appointments for you. You are provided with a training and materials to share with the legislators and staff and during the meetings, you pick a few of our priorities we spoke about in the morning session that are most important to you and let legislators and staff know why. ​ Here are some other tips for meeting with legislators and State House staff. ​ How can you help make this event a success? Volunteering Interested in being an event-day volunteer? Sign up today to be part of our LAD event team! (Shareable link: tinyurl.com/lad24vol) ​ Spread the Word Help spread the word by sharing the link to this page: tinyurl.com/lad24info . Invite your friends, colleagues, community members, and state legislators by sharing the event invitation and flyer. Unsure who your legislators are? If you have an address, enter it in this tool from the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office . ​ Pre-Event Training Be a part of the LAD 2025 online pre-event training to prepare for Legislative Action Day. Sign up here to receive the invitation. The training included an overview of our Legislative Action Day agenda, helpful hints about meeting with legislators and legislative aides, a review and discussion of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless budget and bill priorities, and a question and answer session. Check out the training agenda . For more information, please contact Kelly or Julia: kelly @ mahomeless. org and julia.garvey @ mahomeless. org (without spaces). Thank you! MCH Sep 5 1 min read Take action today to ease access to Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness! Published August 22, 2023; last updated September 6, 2024 294 views Post not marked as liked MCH Aug 16 1 min read Protect Families' Access to State-Funded Shelter and Supports On July 23rd, Governor Healey announced new policies that will prioritize certain children and families for Emergency Assistance (EA)... 940 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1

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! MCH Sep 5 1 min read Take action today to ease access to Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness! Published August 22, 2023; last updated September 6, 2024 294 views Post not marked as liked MCH Aug 16 1 min read Protect Families' Access to State-Funded Shelter and Supports On July 23rd, Governor Healey announced new policies that will prioritize certain children and families for Emergency Assistance (EA)... 940 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1

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 On July 23rd, Governor Healey announced new policies that will prioritize certain children and families for Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and force other families to choose: stay 5 days in a temporary overflow shelter and then become ineligible for EA shelter for 6 months, or remain on the EA waiting list even if they have nowhere else to go. These policies went into effect on August 1st and will leave many children and families awaiting EA shelter placement with no safe place to sleep at night. Take Action Today! ​ Join us in person and online for more actions to protect the right to shelter: ​ Upcoming Actions: Tuesday, November 12th, 10:00–11:30 a.m., at the Massachusetts State House in Room 157 or on Zoom, to monitor the next meeting of the state's Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs RSVP here: https://tinyurl.com/ea-event-rsvp Agenda, meeting details, and Zoom link Recent Actions: 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. ​ Recent and Upcoming Advocacy Opportunities: 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! MCH Oct 23, 2023 4 min read Support Families Experiencing Homelessness and Protect the Right to Shelter Posted October 24, 2023; last updated December 4, 2023 Supplemental budget update: On November 30th, House and Senate leadership... 28 Post not marked as liked MCH Apr 3, 2023 2 min read Join us in uplifting key 2023-2024 bill priorities and FY24 budget priorities! Posted April 4, 2023; last updated January 22, 2024 See our current bill and budget priorities here: https://mahomeless.org/current-bill-... 5 Post not marked as liked MCH Mar 23, 2023 2 min read Take action today to restore critical Chapter 257 eviction protections! Posted March 23, 2023; updated April 21st Between January 2021 and March 2023, many tenants in Massachusetts facing an eviction could... 1 Post not marked as liked MCH Sep 29, 2022 0 min read Take action to restore upstream access to RAFT! 2 Post not marked as liked MCH Jul 26, 2022 0 min read Participate in Our Online Action to Strengthen the Economic Development Bill! 0 Post not marked as liked MCH Jul 17, 2022 0 min read FY23 Budget Advocacy: Participate in Our Online Action to Ask Governor Baker to Keep Key Housing and Homelessness Funding and Provisions in the FY23 Budget 0 Post not marked as liked 1 2 MCH Sep 5 1 min read Take action today to ease access to Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness! Published August 22, 2023; last updated September 6, 2024 294 views Post not marked as liked MCH Aug 16 1 min read Protect Families' Access to State-Funded Shelter and Supports On July 23rd, Governor Healey announced new policies that will prioritize certain children and families for Emergency Assistance (EA)... 940 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1

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. MCH Sep 5 1 min read Take action today to ease access to Massachusetts ID cards for people experiencing homelessness! Published August 22, 2023; last updated September 6, 2024 294 views Post not marked as liked MCH Aug 16 1 min read Protect Families' Access to State-Funded Shelter and Supports On July 23rd, Governor Healey announced new policies that will prioritize certain children and families for Emergency Assistance (EA)... 940 views 1 like. Post not marked as liked 1 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. 2023 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