Massachusetts lawmakers are nearing a $425 million compromise bill aimed at funding the state's emergency shelter system while implementing restrictions on family admissions and stay durations. Key changes include reducing the stay period from nine to six months and capping the shelter capacity at 4,000 families. Governor Maura Healey supports modifying the state's right to shelter law, proposing a requirement for families to provide residency proof prior to receiving assistance, which aims to decrease shelter demand as many applicants are ineligible.
Both the House and Senate bills would decrease the amount of time families can stay in emergency shelters from nine to six consecutive months.
Currently, those seeking shelter benefit from 'presumptive eligibility,' meaning that they can be housed before producing the necessary documents.
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