Bill > H2003

This bill proposes to establish a pilot program in four western Massachusetts regions—Franklin, Hampshire, Hampden, and Berkshire—to address the nutritional needs of homeless families temporarily housed in hotels and motels. The program, to be developed by the relevant state department, will assess the need for and provide nutritious meals, including fresh produce, to these families. A working group will be formed to guide this effort, comprising representatives from various state agencies such as the Department of Transitional Assistance, Department of Children and Families, and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, along with educational institutions like the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and Smith College School of Social Work, and numerous non-profit organizations and associations focused on food security, homelessness, and community services. This working group will also explore creating weekly "family homework nights" at schools attended by homeless children, offering a safe environment for homework completion, academic support, socialization, access to human services, and a hot meal. The department will be required to assess the costs and effectiveness of these initiatives and report its findings twice annually to legislative committees and the Executive Office of Administration and Finance.