Massachusetts Lawmakers Push to Codify Homelessness Prevention Programs Amid Housing Crisis

The Joint Committee on Housing of the Massachusetts Legislature convened on July 23, 2025, to discuss critical housing issues, focusing on the need for legislative support to strengthen homelessness prevention programs. Key testimonies highlighted the importance of codifying existing programs to protect them from potential future cuts and to ensure long-term stability for vulnerable populations.

Ralph, a witness, shared a personal account of homelessness in Massachusetts, illustrating the dire conditions faced by individuals without shelter. He emphasized the progress made since the 1970s, particularly the establishment of a shelter system, but warned against reverting to past policies that failed to address homelessness effectively. He urged the committee to favorably report on bills aimed at enhancing these programs.

Andrea Park from the Massachusetts Law Reform Institute stressed the interconnectedness of the housing crisis, advocating for adequate funding and easier access to programs like HomeBASE and RAFT. She warned that budget cuts could exacerbate homelessness and highlighted the need for a robust safety net to prevent individuals from falling into crisis.

Nithya Badrinath, representing Jane Doe Inc., spoke passionately about the challenges faced by survivors of domestic violence. She called for strengthening the RAFT program and codifying the MRVP program to provide essential support for those fleeing abusive situations. Badrinath noted that many survivors experience homelessness after leaving an abusive relationship and emphasized the necessity of stable housing options.

Brianna Silva from the National Association of Social Workers echoed these sentiments, advocating for the establishment of the Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program in state statute. She highlighted the importance of providing timely assistance to families and individuals facing housing crises.

The committee's discussions underscored a collective urgency to enhance and protect housing assistance programs in Massachusetts. As the state grapples with a housing crisis, the testimonies reflected a commitment to ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the support they need to achieve stability and prevent homelessness. The next steps will involve reviewing the proposed bills and considering their implications for the future of housing assistance in the Commonwealth.