A family lives in an overflow shelter in Massachusetts. Must reapply every month Democratic Gov. Maura Healey announced Monday that she would provide evidence of attempts to leave shelters and become self-sufficient.
According to recent information, press release, the Healey administration is tightening restrictions on the state’s overflow shelters. The governor believes the additional requirements will encourage families to seek alternative, more stable housing as the state continues to grapple with an overcrowded shelter system amid the immigration crisis.
Starting May 1, families residing in overflow shelter sites will have to undergo a monthly recertification process to continue their stay. Their reapplication must demonstrate an attempt to find a way out of the shelter. Families who do not provide this evidence may not be eligible to remain in the state’s shelter system.
Families with children and pregnant women are eligible for the state’s emergency shelter program. The state noted that “less than half” of families using emergency services are “new to Massachusetts.”
“This recertification process will ask whether you have participated in state-provided services that will help you move toward independence, such as applying for a work permit, participating in a workforce training program, submitting a job application, or taking English classes. You will be evaluated.” We are working on finding a place to live. Families will be allowed to remain in the facility as long as they continue to participate in these services and activities,” a press release from Healey’s office reads.
Emergency Services Director Scott Rice said the new measure is a “responsible step” to address the state’s overstretched shelter system.
“We have said for months that our system is at its limits and we don’t have the space, providers or funding to continue expanding,” Rice said. “Families will need to prove that they have taken steps to move from shelter to independence.”
Healey’s office said the state’s shelter system “has been operating at full capacity for many months.”
“Last fall, the government announced that the system could no longer be expanded safely or responsibly and established a waiting list. There are currently approximately 200 families eligible for EA and on the waiting list. They are eligible to stay at safety net sites in the states they serve,” the press release added.
Families currently in the EA program and new applicants will be notified of any policy changes. Healey’s office said the new measures do not affect people staying at shelters run by the United Way of Massachusetts Bay.
The state plans to open an additional overwater shelter next month at the former Chelsea Soldiers’ Home facility, which is vacant and scheduled for demolition. The new facility will be able to provide shelter for about 100 families.
“This is important because we’re trying to manage this responsibly,” Healey told reporters Monday.
“If you do not have a valid reason for not meeting the requirements, you will lose your position,” she continued. “The whole idea of this plan is to divert people from the emergency shelter system and direct them down a different path.”
Paul Craney of the Massachusetts Fiscal Alliance told Blaze News that Healey and the Massachusetts General Assembly have repeatedly voted against reforms that could have solved the state’s immigration crisis.
“The Governor’s plan completely fails to address the root causes of the financial, humanitarian, health care, and housing crises we currently face. “As long as we give them a blank check, people will continue to fight as hard as they can to get here and reap the benefits,” he said.
“No amount of re-application requirements will solve this problem. It’s not meant to serve as a clearinghouse for people who are inundated with it,” Craney added. .
“If the House is actually serious about solving this crisis, it needs to focus on reforming the state’s generous taxpayer-funded benefits, starting with the residency requirements of the state’s Right to Refuge Act.” he continued. “This will at least act as a deterrent so the whole world won’t be lining up for free housing in one of the most expensive housing markets on the planet.”
Elizabeth Sweet of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition expressed concern that the new measures would “create unnecessary red tape, create confusion and ultimately put more families on the streets.”
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