What is the length of stay policy?
The Massachusetts Legislature has passed a new law that sets a 9-month limit on families’ time in the EA Emergency Family Shelter program. Under the new law, families will have 9 months to transition out of EA shelter and into stable housing.
When does the limit on shelter stay come into effect?
- The new policy will become effective on June 1, 2024. However, per the policy outlined in the legislation, the 9-month limit will be implemented over time and will not affect all families immediately.
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Families will receive 90 days notice before their shelter benefit expires, and will not be required to exit EA Emergency Family Shelter due to this policy until September 1, 2024 at the earliest.
How will families be informed?
Families will receive notice 90 days before they are required to exit EA Emergency Family Shelter as a result of the new 9-month time limit.
Are there extensions? Can a family stay longer than 9 months?
- Families may have the option to extend shelter for up to two 3-month periods if they meet certain criteria specified in the law.
- Extensions may be granted if specific criteria are met like employment, training program participation, veteran status, disability status, school enrollment, or imminent placement in housing.
- More information about extensions and the extension process will be available in the future.
What date will be used to start counting a family’s 9 months in shelter?
A family’s length of stay will be determined based on their date of placement in EA Emergency Family shelter. Families will receive notice 90 days before they are required to exit EA shelter as a result of the new 9-month time limit.
Can families reapply to emergency assistance after they have been exited due to the 9-month time limit?
- Families who have reached their time limit will be allowed to re-apply for the EA Emergency Family Shelter program, subject to the waitlist and prioritization process, after qualified extensions are exhausted.
I need more information. Where can I go?
Over the coming weeks EOHLC will provide additional updates and guidance on how the new law will affect families enrolled in the EA Emergency Family Shelter program.