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

This bill requires Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing to study future shelter and housing demand statewide, focusing on converting congregate shelters (dorm-style) to non-congregate shelters (private rooms) and expanding permanent supportive housing. It mandates a five-year plan to build new housing solutions prioritizing unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness, especially elderly, disabled, medically complex, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Key provisions include developing unique housing strategies like long-term vouchers, rapid re-housing, and alternative construction models (e.g., modular units, repurposed hotels). The goal is to replace reliance on congregate shelters with adequate, accessible housing capacity matching each municipality’s population ratio.