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Advocates press committee to restore presumptive placement and longer shelter limits for families
Summary
Witnesses told the committee that statutory changes made in 2024/2025 narrowed eligibility for Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and created delays that leave families sleeping in cars or on streets; Senate 136 would restore presumptive placement, an independent ombudsman, and a longer durational limit.
Lawmakers heard detailed testimony urging restoration of protections for families seeking Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and related rehousing benefits.
Adam Houle, lead paralegal at Greater Boston Legal Services, told the Joint Committee that a recent change in the supplemental budget removed "presumptive placement" — the right for eligible families to be placed in shelter the same day they apply — and described a family that slept in their car for three weeks while attempting seven times to get shelter assistance. Houle said the family had 20 of 21 requested documents available but could not be placed quickly because of the tightened rules and the…
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