Governor Healey enforces shelter time limits

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – Governor Healey signed a spending bill Tuesday that will enforce a time limit on stays in the state’s emergency shelter system, it reverses a 40-year-old “right to shelter” for families and pregnant women.

The legislation will enforce a nine-month limit on stays in the system starting in June, but it also allows for two 90-day extensions after that initial limit.

William Davila, Vice President of Diversity Shelter and Housing at CHD, told 22News, “We already have a system that’s very strained we already have a lot of limitations and challenges with housing these families in a permanent way.” Cities and towns throughout the Pioneer Valley are bearing the brunt of finding housing and support for the hundreds of un-housed migrant families, seeking refuge, but with an ongoing housing crisis, cities like Springfield are being put into a corner.

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno told 22News, “It’s not fair to the residents and the business community in the city of Springfield but it’s also not fair to these migrants that have left some terrible terrible situations and I’m sure there are many of them that want that opportunity to stand on their own two feet.”

Fighting homelessness and providing the services that these families need to take that next step is a daily priority at CHD in Springfield, but these additional limitations on length of stay put further strain on them.

Davila adds, “We’re getting ready for it we’re trying to see what we can do to support these families and take a more aggressive approach to finding permanent housing for them.” Healey says that her office is “finalizing details” in the coming weeks to ensure that families and providers are informed of the requirements, and the services that are available to help secure work and stable housing.

“They are not looking for anything extraordinary I think they are just looking to get back to normal they are looking to have a place to live, a warm meal, a good education for their kids,” says Davila. “You know basic job and transportation so they can get around.”

If you are in need of services or have any questions, please call 1-844-CHD-HELP.

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Melissa Torres is a reporter who has been a part of the 22News team since 2021. Follow Melissa on X @melissatorrestv and view her bio to see more of her work.

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