HOMELESSNESS IS ON THE RISE ACROSS THE U.S. AND IN MASSACHUSETTS
A perfect storm of factors has led to the highest rates of homelessness since the Department of Housing and Urban Development began tracking in 2007:
Lack of affordable rental units
End of Covid-era housing and health policies
Substance misuse epidemic
Increased rates of domestic violence
Aging population of veterans and Baby Boomers
Influx immigrants fleeing violence and natural disaster across the globe
THE INDIVIDUAL HOMELESS SYSTEM IS DIFFERENT FROM FAMILY SHELTER
An “individual” is defined as an “adult without children”.
MASSACHUSETTS HAS BUILT A SYSTEM FOR INDIVIDUALS THAT WORKS
Critical state funding has allowed providers to build a flexible safety net:
Emergency Shelter, to keep people off the streets
Transitional Services, to rebuild skills, health and autonomy
Supportive Housing, for those unable to live on their own long-term
As a result, Massachusetts is a leader in the fight to end homelessness: 85% of individuals experiencing homelessness are sheltered, 90% are homeless for a short time (0-12 months), and only 10% are chronically homeless.
TODAY, THIS SYSTEM IS UNDER EXTREME STRESS
Communities across the state have seen up to a 25% increase in individuals experiencing homelessness over the past year.
We cannot let our system falter in this extreme moment of need.
OUR ASK
Increase Funding for 7004-0102 Individual Homeless Provider Programs: $121,000,000
Funding for emergency shelter, job training, transition programs, supportive housing. Stress and demand on the system drives this increased funding request.
Fund 7004-0109 Workforce Development: $10,000,000
Initiated by the legislature in FY23, this line item helps providers with recruitment and retention of employees. Providers struggle to keep good staff because of the physical and emotional nature of the work. This program has been an important lifeline.