Massachusetts is capping family shelter stays. Here’s what to know

Massachusetts plans to start sending notices next month to unhoused families that their time in shelter is running out.

Why it matters: It’s state officials’ latest attempt to manage the shelter crisis, brought on by rising homelessness locally and an influx of migrants.

• Here's the latest:

What’s the limit?

State lawmakers and Healey administration officials are capping emergency family shelter stays at nine months, with some exceptions.

• The clock starts ticking once families enter shelter.
• The time waitlisted families spend in overflow shelters doesn’t count.

When do families start leaving?

The first families being transitioned out must leave by Sept. 29, administration officials say.

• There are some 4,000 families — both migrants and longtime residents — who qualify to leave by then.

Yes, but : Officials say the shelter system will transition 150 of those families out per month.

• State law lets the state transition out as many as 150 families weekly, so the state could ramp up the process.

When do they find out?

The first 150 families receive notices in early July, officials say.

How do they decide who leaves first?

Officials said they’ll consider factors including whether families have health conditions or other safety risks.

• They may also consider whether families have taken steps to become self-sufficient, like enrolling in job training or English classes.

Is citizenship status a factor?

No.

Between the lines: Families need some form of documentation to be accepted into the state family shelter, though it can be a temporary status like humanitarian parole. Undocumented families don't qualify.

Can families stay longer?

Families may apply for up to two 90-day extensions.

• They can also apply for a 120-day extension through a hardship waiver, but only after using the first two extensions.

Can families fight these decisions?

Families can request to have their extension request reconsidered.

• They can also submit an appeal if they’re denied extra time and don’t have any other options.

They can stay in shelter while waiting for the results of their appeal or requests.

What happens once they leave?

If they don’t have stable housing, families who leave on time can re-apply for shelter immediately.

• They would have to be vetted again for eligibility and join the waitlist.

The waitlist has more than 700 people on average, and roughly half are staying in overflow shelter sites.

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