An Act to transform the Commonwealth’s emergency response system and create housing strategies to end the homelessness of unaccompanied adults

This bill directs the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to create a five-year plan aimed at ending homelessness for unaccompanied adults by shifting resources from temporary shelters to permanent housing. The legislation requires the state to conduct a study predicting future shelter needs and to prioritize the construction of permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelters, which offer private rooms with doors and walls, over mass dormitory-style congregate shelters. Additionally, the bill mandates the development of specific housing strategies for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, disabled, and LGBTQ+ individuals, while also exploring alternative construction methods like modular units and repurposed hotels to increase affordable capacity.