On Wednesday, Massachusetts joined the list of blue states dealing with an increase in migrants and decided to move ahead with enforcing time limits on shelter stays. Despite objections from advocates, this decision was made to address the issue at hand.
Starting early next month, the administration of Democratic Governor Maura Healey will send out 90-day eviction notices to alleviate the overcrowding in the state’s emergency family shelter system. The aim is to help some families exit the system by September 29.
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“In a statement released to the public, Healey emphasized Massachusetts’ proactive approach towards solving the federal problem of housing instability, which Congress has failed to address. The newly implemented policy on length of stay is yet another step taken by the state to provide families with the necessary resources and services to transition into more stable housing and ultimately contribute to the workforce.”
Like other Democratic strongholds such as New York, Illinois and Colorado, Massachusetts has experienced an influx of migrants. However, the state is taking steps to limit the amount of time that families can stay in state- or city-run homeless shelters, which are already overburdened. This move follows the example of red-state governors who have implemented transportation programs to move homeless individuals and families to major cities in blue states.
Starting in July, the administration of Healey has introduced new regulations that permit the state to send 90-day notices to 150 families every month on a rolling basis. Families can apply for up to two 90-day extensions and, in certain cases, further extensions can be granted through a hardship waiver application. Families that are ineligible for extensions or have already used both extensions can still reapply to enter the emergency shelter system. Presently, almost 4,000 families, out of approximately 7,500 in the system, have been living there for at least nine months.
According to a statement by State Senate President Karen Spilka, the issue of immigration is a federal problem that requires a comprehensive federal legislation. She further added that until the reform takes place, they will work together with government partners to handle the challenge in a way that is both compassionate and financially responsible, as demonstrated in the recent supplementary budget.
Other states’ Democratic leaders are implementing even more rigorous regulations compared to Massachusetts. Attorney General Healey is following through with the Legislature’s mandate to reduce emergency shelter expenses, which are projected to reach nearly $1 billion in the current and upcoming fiscal years.
Mayor Eric Adams of New York City has implemented a 60-day time limit for families with children and a 30-day limit for single adults seeking shelter. Additionally, the first-term mayor has taken steps to prevent certain adults from reapplying for shelter. Meanwhile, Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago has enforced a 60-day limit on shelter stays, although there are some exceptions to this rule.
Local advocates for homelessness prevention and immigration are expressing their concerns about the rules, fearing that families may have no other option but to seek shelter on the streets or at Logan Airport, where many have already been staying. The backlash against the rules is growing and advocates are calling for alternative solutions to be put in place.
POLITICO spoke with Kelly Turley, the associate director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, who expressed deep concern about the future of families who will be affected by the situation.
On Wednesday, Massachusetts House Speaker Ron Mariano was asked if he had concerns about individuals becoming homeless due to the new legislation. In response, Mariano stated that individuals could appeal based on their circumstances and expressed hope that there would be no one left without housing as a result of the changes.
Like New York City, Massachusetts is also obligated under a long-standing “right-to-shelter” law to furnish emergency housing to homeless families and expectant women.
Last summer, Healey declared a state of emergency due to the migrant and shelter crisis in the state. However, in October, Healey limited the emergency shelter system to only accommodate 7,500 families. As a result, hundreds of families are still on the waitlist for the main system. To address this, the state has opened up temporary overflow shelter sites. The state is also enforcing time limits for families staying in these facilities.
The bipartisan border bill, which would have provided funding to states like Massachusetts that have experienced a significant influx of migrant arrivals, has not been passed by Congress, much to the disappointment of Healey and Democratic leaders in the Legislature. Despite some criticism from fellow Democrats, including members of the state’s all-Democratic congressional delegation, regarding President Joe Biden’s recent executive action to effectively close much of the southern border, Healey commended the president for taking a necessary step to tackle the crisis. She emphasized the importance of action to address the issue at hand.
