October 24, 2023

Dear Robyn,

We are writing today to share with you a joint statement from the Coalition, Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI), and Citizens' Housing and Planning Association (CHAPA) in response to last week's announcement from the Governor on the Emergency Assistance (EA) family shelter program and the plan to curtail the right to shelter for families with children at the start of November.

For four decades, Massachusetts has honored the right to shelter, a cornerstone in the Commonwealth's commitment to dignity, safety, and human rights. We are calling on the Legislature to swiftly approve adequate supplemental funding for EA and related resources for FY24 as well as budget language to ensure that the Commonwealth continues to uphold the right to shelter. Simultaneously, we are asking the Administration and Legislature to scale up the homelessness prevention, housing, and services needed to address this crisis. 

As noted in the statement, we will be sharing additional recommendations shortly from a working group convened by the Coalition, MLRI, and CHAPA. The Moving Beyond the Emergency Working Group brings together providers, advocates, community group members, and faith leaders from all across the Commonwealth, focused on addressing the housing, shelter, immigration, and service needs of families experiencing homelessness. To learn more about the working group, please contact Kelly.

Please also stay tuned for details about a press conference/gathering focused on upholding to the right to shelter.

Thank you as always for your collaboration in ensuring that everyone in Massachusetts has a safe and permanent place to call home.

With hope and gratitude,

Kelly and Julia

Kelly Turley

She/her/hers

Associate Director

kelly@mahomeless.org

Julia Garvey

She/her/hers

Community Organizer/Legislative Advocate

julia.garvey@mahomeless.org

P.S. Stay up to date with the Coalition’s advocacy initiatives by following us on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. (Links also included at the top of this message.)