Thanks to the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless for this week’s action alert to protect families’ access to shelter.
We are continuing to call on Governor Healey, legislative leaders, and the full Legislature to take swift action to protect the right to shelter for children and families and to prevent more families from having to sleep in places not meant for human habitation.
In-Person Action: Thursday, 9/5, at the State House
Please join the Coalition, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute, Homes for All Massachusetts, UU Mass Action, City Life/Vida Urbana, Lynn United for Change, and other allied organizations inside the State House, this Thursday, September 5th, 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.
Click here for more details and to RSVP.
On-Going Online Action
Please also continue to sign and share our one-minute online action to uphold the Commonwealth’s four-decade commitment to providing shelter and services to children and families experiencing homelessness. This online action will be sent to Governor Healey, Senate President Spilka, House Speaker Mariano, and your own State Legislators.
Additional background information:
As we have reported in previous action alerts, Governor Healey’s Administration is now limiting many families to only five days of shelter at the four state-funded overflow shelter sites in Cambridge, Chelsea, Lexington, and Norfolk. Under the policy that went into effect on August 1st, families choosing to take placements in overflow shelter (which have been rebranded as “temporary respite centers”) are not allowed to access Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter for at least six months.
Click here to learn more.
