Bill > H1515

This bill aims to transform Massachusetts' approach to addressing homelessness by requiring the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities to conduct a comprehensive study and develop strategic plans for housing unaccompanied adults. The bill mandates creating an objective study to determine future shelter and housing demand, including calculating housing capacity for each municipality based on population ratios. It requires developing a five-year implementation plan to build permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelter solutions, with the goal of reducing reliance on traditional congregate (mass dormitory-style) shelters. The executive office must create an inventory of existing shelters, assess their potential conversion to more individualized housing options, and develop specific housing strategies for unaccompanied adults. The plan will prioritize vulnerable populations, including elderly, disabled, medically complex, and LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing homelessness, and explore innovative housing solutions like modular construction, micro-units, and repurposed hotels. The bill requires the executive office to submit detailed plans to legislative housing committees within one year of the section's effective date, with the ultimate goal of creating comprehensive, individualized housing strategies to end homelessness for unaccompanied adults in Massachusetts.