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

SD 1982 requires Massachusetts' Executive Office of Housing to conduct a study on future shelter and housing needs using population-based ratios to determine required capacity for permanent supportive housing and non-congregate shelters (individual rooms with doors, not dorm-style). It mandates a 5-year plan to build new non-congregate shelters and permanent supportive housing (subsidized housing with support services), prioritizing conversion of existing congregate shelters where feasible. The bill specifically directs the creation of targeted housing strategies for unaccompanied adults experiencing homelessness, with priority for elderly, disabled, medically complex, and LGBTQ+ individuals, including exploring modular construction and repurposed hotels. This legislation directly affects unaccompanied homeless adults in Massachusetts and aims to shift the state's emergency response system away from congregate shelter models.