Massachusetts is taking proactive measures to address the rising challenge of finding suitable accommodation for homeless families, particularly as officials hit the state-imposed limit of 7,500 families in the emergency homeless shelter system.
Facing a surge in demand, the state has initiated a grant program, with the first award going to Catholic Charities Boston to establish temporary housing sites for extremely low-income families with children and pregnant individuals.
Innovative Temporary Housing Solutions
The United Way of Massachusetts Bay announced that Catholic Charities Boston has been granted funds to provide temporary rooms in the greater Boston area.
This site, operational since Tuesday evening, can accommodate up to 27 families, approximately 81 people, as they await entry into the state’s emergency shelter system.
The grant covers essential provisions such as bedding, meals, staff, and security, catering to families eligible for the state’s family shelter system who couldn’t be immediately placed in a shelter.
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Massachusetts Addresses Homelessness Crisis
Governor Maura Healey had previously unveiled a $5 million grant program to address the housing crisis, allowing organizations like Catholic Charities Boston to step in and provide immediate relief.
The flexible program supports community gathering spaces with restrooms and heating, such as places of worship, community centers, and school buildings, offering short-term, congregate shelter, meals, and other necessities for families.
Sarah Bartley of the United Way mentioned that several other grant applications have already been received, indicating a growing need for innovative solutions. The program is expected to remain in effect throughout the winter and spring, providing a crucial lifeline for families in distress.
To augment these efforts, the state has also repurposed spaces to provide additional overnight shelter options. Homeless families are now allowed to stay overnight in the state transportation building in Boston, offering space for up to 25 families with cots and limited amenities.
This temporary solution will operate during the evening and overnight hours until additional safety net shelter sites become operational.
The surge in demand for emergency shelter is attributed in part to migrant families entering the state, with approximately half of the current shelter caseload comprising new arrivals.
As of the latest update, there are 92 families on the state’s waiting list for emergency shelter, underscoring the urgency of these initiatives to provide essential support and shelter for those in need.
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