Phil Johnston, a former Massachusetts Health and Human Services Secretary, expressed concern over Gov. Maura Healey's proposed changes to the state's right to shelter law, which guarantees homeless families with children access to shelter. While he trusts state leaders will find a solution that protects the law's core principles, Johnston hopes vulnerable families won't be prevented from receiving necessary shelter.
A former Massachusetts official who helped shape the state's right to shelter law for more than 40 years ago wants to make sure Gov. Maura Healey's proposed changes don't prevent families from accessing shelter when they need it.
"I trust that vulnerable people will continue to be protected," Johnston said."This is a state that tries to demonstrate that all the time. And we need to continue that approach." The governor's proposed changes include requiring families to show that all members have legal status in the U.S. — instead of just one member of the family as the law now says; a requirement that families provide up-front documentation showing they're eligible for emergency shelter; and a mandate that families show residency in Massachusetts, by documenting they've lived here for at least three months or demonstrating that they intent to stay here.
Massachusetts Right To Shelter Gov. Healey Phil Johnston Homelessness
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