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HD 4516

A communication from the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (see item 1599-1213 contained in Section 2A of Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024) submitting the Temporary Respite Center monthly report from January 23, 2025 to February 19, 2025

194th Legislature (2025-2026)

Requires ongoing, data-driven reporting on Temporary Respite Centers (TRCs) and CSRA to Ways and Means, guiding resource allocation and faster housing for homeless families.

Placed on file
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HD 4516

Summary of HD 4516 — Temporary Respite Center Monthly Report (Feb 20, 2025)

What is this bill?

HD 4516 is a proposed bill consisting of a communication from the Executive Office for Administration and Finance (EOAF) and the Executive Office for Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). The communication transmits the Monthly Rapid Track Shelter / Temporary Respite Center (TRC) report required by Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024. The report covers data through February 20, 2025 and is intended for submission to the Senate Committee on Ways and Means and the House Committee on Ways and Means. The measure was introduced on April 10, 2025 and has been placed on file.

Purpose and intent

  • Provide ongoing, transparent reporting on the operation and outcomes of Temporary Respite Centers and Clinical and Safety Risk Assessment Sites (CSRA) as part of Massachusetts’ shelter and housing coordination efforts.
  • Update policymakers and stakeholders on caseload, flow, services, vendor procurement, and connections to housing programs.
  • Support oversight of state-funded overflow shelter operations and related services.

Key provisions and data highlights (as of 2/20/2025)

  • Sites included:
    • TRCs (Temporary Respite Centers): Chelsea, Lexington, Norfolk (all state-funded; 24/7 operations)
    • CSRA site: Revere (clinical and safety risk assessment)
  • Caseload and movement
    • Families in TRCs/CSRAs: 329
    • New families placed into TRC/CSRA since Jan 23–Feb 19: 136
    • Individuals in TRC/CSRA: 1,114
    • New individuals placed into TRC/CSRA since Jan 23–Feb 19: 437
  • Length of stay
    • Average length of stay (TRCs/CSRA): 55 days
    • Longest stay recorded: 168 days
  • Exits (movement out of TRC/CSRA)
    • Families placed into Emergency Assistance (EA) from TRC/CSRA: 97
    • Families leaving TRC/CSRA to non-EA location: 47
  • TRC/CSRA services provided
    • Shelter and wraparound services, case management, legal assistance for work authorization, housing/diversion services, health and vaccination support, benefits enrollment, and referrals to ESOL, mental health, and other services
    • HomeBASE and Family Welcome Center services (basic needs, diapers, hygiene products, meals, employment assistance, etc.)
    • 24/7 operations at TRCs
  • Procurement and overflow housing
    • Record of procurement for state-funded overflow sites to provide additional shelter capacity
    • Procurement activities referenced: EOHHS solicitations BD-24-1039-EHS01-ASHWA96820 (overflow shelter) and another for CSRA sites; bids due April 5, 2024; contracts expected by end of June 2024
  • Service integration and outcomes
    • Case managers conduct regular needs assessments, develop rehousing plans, and connect families to housing and employment programs to expedite rapid rehousing

Sites and operational context

  • The TRCs are intended to divert families from homelessness and expedite placement into more stable housing when possible.
  • The CSRA site provides clinical supports and care connections for eligible families on the contact list.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Report submitted per Chapter 88 of the Acts of 2024.
  • Status: Placed on file by the Legislature on April 10, 2025.

Potential impact

  • Provides a structured, data-driven view of shelter capacity, throughput, and services, enabling informed decisions on resource allocation, program design, and housing pathways for families experiencing homelessness.
  • Helps monitor effectiveness of overflow shelter strategies and coordination with housing programs like HomeBASE and rapid rehousing initiatives.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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