Shelter Regulation Changes Spark Fear and Fury

Gov. Patrick's proposed family shelter regulation changes sparked fear and fury as well as requests for immediate revisions. Stricter regulations at a time of increased need are sending people into panic. The proposed regulations would make the prospect of emergency shelter impossible for many, including the removal of some families already in shelter. Fortunately, revisions were made quickly to alleviate some of the frustration.

 

The proposal attempted to shorten the grace period after families exceed income requirements from six months to three and change the maximum age to be considered a child. The grace period change was withdrawn with the ideology that six months would provide families with a better foundation and savings fund for when they move into permanent housing.

 

Past regulations considered any individual 21 years or younger as eligible to reside in a family shelter as a child. The new regulations proposed changing the maximum age to 17, unless they met disability or educational guidelines. This proposal was rejected because of the probability of a continuation of homeless generations.

 

The ultimate goals of the proposed changes were to encourage families to find options other than entering the system and to close the deficit in the department of transitional assistance emergency shelter budget. However, many feared that the strict regulations would destroy any chances families have of escaping poverty. The revisions include regulations changes as well as language usage changes. The changes in language allow for more specific and clarified restrictions. It is hoped that the new changes will allow for continued support and protection of homeless families.    

 

For more information, check out the MA Department of Transitional Assistance website.