Governor Healey commits to ending hotel use for emergency shelter by 2025

House Bill 51, introduced in Massachusetts on February 6, 2025, aims to transform the state’s emergency housing landscape by phasing out the use of hotels and motels as shelters by the end of 2025. This legislative push comes in response to the growing demand for emergency housing and the findings of the Special Commission on Emergency Housing Assistance Programs, which highlighted the high costs and inadequacies of temporary hotel accommodations for families in need.

Governor Maura T. Healey has championed this bill, emphasizing its dual purpose: to provide safer, more suitable shelter options for families and to create a more sustainable emergency assistance system. “Eliminating their use will both save on cost and drive the move to more permanent housing,” Healey stated, urging swift legislative action to ensure continued support for unhoused families.

The bill has sparked discussions among lawmakers and community leaders, with some expressing concerns about the feasibility of transitioning families from temporary shelters to more permanent housing solutions within the proposed timeline. Critics argue that the current housing market may not be able to accommodate the influx of families needing stable homes, raising questions about the adequacy of resources and infrastructure to support this shift.

Despite these concerns, supporters of House Bill 51 argue that the move is essential for long-term fiscal sustainability and better living conditions for families. They believe that investing in permanent housing solutions will ultimately reduce costs associated with emergency sheltering and improve outcomes for vulnerable populations.

As the bill progresses through the legislative process, its implications could reshape Massachusetts’ approach to emergency housing, potentially setting a precedent for other states grappling with similar challenges. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for a comprehensive strategy that balances immediate shelter needs with long-term housing solutions, making House Bill 51 a pivotal piece of legislation in the fight against homelessness in the Commonwealth.