Councilor Colette Zapata files ordinance to create Boston Emergency Relief Fund
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Summary
Councilor Colette Zapata introduced an ordinance to establish a Boston Emergency Relief Fund to provide rapid, flexible aid — rent, temporary lodging, food, clothing — to residents displaced by fires or building collapses; the filing was referred to the Committee on Government Operations.
Councilor Colette Zapata introduced an ordinance proposing a permanent Boston Emergency Relief Fund to provide immediate, short‑term aid to families displaced by fires, building collapses and other sudden emergencies.
"I rise to introduce the Boston Emergency Relief Fund, which is a first of its kind fund and standardized process to support residents in the very worst moments of their lives," Councilor Colette Zapata said, describing the measure as a mechanism to bridge the gap between emergency response and longer‑term recovery.
The filing would create a dedicated account to accept federal and state grants, private foundation support, corporate and individual donations, and require governance and reporting to ensure rapid, transparent deployment of funds. Zapata said the fund would cover critical immediate needs such as first month’s rent, temporary lodging, clothing and food, and would create a predictable, city‑administered option for households when private or landlord responses fall short.
Councilors Louis Jain and Andrea Worrell (as chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency and Parks) voiced support. Jain noted other municipalities with similar funds, and Worrell highlighted community‑based organizations’ role in past emergency response: "This work should not fall solely on community based organizations. It's something that the city should take on."
The president referred Docket 0387 to the Committee on Government Operations for further review. The referral means the proposal will be scheduled for committee discussion before any vote by the full council.
