When It Was Enacted 40 Years Ago, Massachusetts Right-To-Shelter Law Primarily Benefited Those With Special Needs

Massachusetts has had a right-to-shelter law since 1983 — but its beneficiaries in the early years looked much different from how they look now. The statute guarantees emergency assistance shelter at state government expense for families and pregnant women.

Massachusetts has had a right-to-shelter law since 1983 — but its beneficiaries in the early years looked much different from how they look now. The statute guarantees emergency assistance shelter at state government expense for families and pregnant women.…