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April 16, 2026 Clouds | 70°F
The 194th General Court of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts

Bill S.136 194th (Current)

An Act improving emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness

By Mr. Gomez, a petition (accompanied by bill, Senate, No. 136) of Adam Gomez for legislation to improve emergency housing assistance for children and families experiencing homelessness. Children, Families and Persons with Disabilities.

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Bill Information

Presenter:
Adam Gómez
Status:
Referred to Senate Committee on Ways and Means
Special Attachments:
Committee - Senate member votes
The bill proposes significant amendments to the emergency housing assistance program in Massachusetts, specifically targeting families with children and pregnant women who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. It broadens eligibility criteria to ensure that families with an immediate need can receive assistance promptly. One of the key procedural changes mandates that the executive office must provide emergency housing assistance without requiring families to spend a night in unsuitable living conditions. The bill also stipulates that any modifications to benefits must not occur without adequate prior notification to stakeholders, unless these changes positively impact the recipients. Additionally, the bill clarifies that families placed in state-funded overflow shelters will not lose their spot on waiting lists for more stable housing and that their time spent in overflow shelters will not count against the duration limits of emergency shelters. In emergency situations, the policy requires immediate placement based on self-certification of need, halts the termination of benefits, and relaxes reentry restrictions under certain circumstances. Furthermore, the bill establishes an ombudsperson unit to mediate and advocate for applicants and participants of housing assistance programs. This unit will address issues such as application denials, benefit terminations, and other bureaucratic hurdles, with a mandate to report annually on the nature and outcomes of mediation requests. Overall, the bill aims to enhance support for vulnerable families, ensuring more immediate and sustained access to emergency housing assistance.
* The bill summary was created by the Primary Sponsor of the bill; no committee of the General Court certifies the accuracy of its contents.

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