Massachusetts Emergency Assistance Shelter for Families: New Length of Stay Policy

Please join MHA and COBTH, for a briefing by key members of the Healey Administration on new guidance to implement the recently passed law regarding the Emergency Assistance (EA) Family Shelter program.The Massachusetts Legislature passed the law that sets a 9-month limit on families’ time in the EA family shelter program. Under the law that became effective June 1, 2024, families will have 9 months to transition out of an EA shelter and into stable housing. However, per the policy outlined in the legislation, the 9-month limit will be implemented over time and will not affect all families immediately. Families will receive 90-days notice before their shelter benefit expires and will not be required to exit an EA family shelter until September 1, 2024, at the earliest. More information may be found on the state’s website here.