State Takes New Bold Steps to End Homelessness

On Tuesday, January 6th the Patrick-Murray Administration announced a dramatic new move in its effort to end homelessness. Currently the emergency shelter services program sits within the Department of Transitional Assistance (our state's welfare department). The Administration is now working to shift this program to sit within the Department of Housing and Community Development, a move designed to recognize that homelessness is an issue of housing that should be aligned with the state's housing resources.

Last year, United Way was part of the Governor's Special Commission Relative to Ending Homelessness which set forth a set of recommendations that would alter policies and programs to more effectively and efficiently put and end to homelessness for individuals and families. The recommendations all had a Housing First framework, focusing on prevention when possible, rapid re-housing when necessary and home-based support services to ensure long-term stability. This move from the Administration will allow a direct line of sight from the homeless or at-risk client to the available housing that they need. The state's public and private housing stock can be more deliberately matched to the specific needs seen from those presenting themselves for homeless services.

This reorganization, which will come from legislation filed under Article 87 of the Constitution, is part of a larger effort to implement Commission recommendations and house all our neighbors in the Commonwealth. Just last month the state's Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness (ICHH) announced an $8 million investment in innovations proposed by newly formed regional networks across the state. These and other efforts are all coming together to bring about real change.

We should commend those most closely engaged in leading the efforts, as none of this is simple or straightforward. Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray, ICHH Executive Director Bob Pulster, DTA Commissioner Julia Kehoe, and DHCD Undersecretary Tina Brooks have all, along with their staffs, been working for a year or more on brining about these specific solutions. It's a very good sign for all of us that these folks and many others have been able to work so collaboratively for the good of this extremely vulnerable population.