Lt. Gov. Editorial on State’s Approach to Families At-Risk of Homelessness
Yesterday’s Boston Globe had an editorial by Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray outlining the Patrick administration’s reforms to the state’s response to homelessness: the movement away from shelter to a housing-first approach; the placement of the shelter services within the Department of Housing and Community Development; the creation of 10 regional networks able to respond quickly to the needs of at-risk households; and the commitment of MassHousing rental subsidies, which are combined with employment assistance and an asset-building component.
From the editorial:
With the recent reforms and reorganization, as well as the establishment of regional networks focused on a housing-first strategy, the state has made a fundamental change in its approach to helping those at-risk of homelessness. These strategies should end the need for emergency motel placements, and help us achieve our goal of ending homelessness.
Things are moving forward and DHCD is doing a good job in taking the lead on issues. however we need the housing so as to place families into appropriate housing in a time effective manner. 7/24/09 motel count was at 886
7/27/09 motel count was at 892