Homelessness in Massachusetts local government
What Massachusetts city councils, county boards and school districts are deciding about homelessness — plain-English summaries written from official agendas and minutes, updated as meetings happen.
113 Massachusetts meetings since 2024 covered homelessness. Counts are directional — coverage varies by place and platform.
Places in Massachusetts with the most homelessness activity
- Pittsfield, MA (27)
- Boston, MA (9)
- Mansfield, MA (8)
- Lowell, MA (7)
- Somerville, MA (7)
- Plymouth, MA (7)
- Southbridge, MA (6)
- Egremont, MA (5)
- Hubbardston, MA (3)
- Lakeville, MA (3)
- Franklin Town, MA (3)
- Dennis, MA (3)
Latest matching meetings
Design review of Smart Growth Overlay for 53 affordable homes and a 70‑bed shelter
The Design Review Board and Planning Board will review a Smart Growth Overlay District proposal for sites at 56 Margin Street, 54 Margin Street, 7 High Street, 20 Endicott Street, and 24 Endicott Street. The project calls for demolishing two buildings, adaptively reusing another, preserving a facade, and constructing…
Public hearing on bus shelter at 375 Merrimack Street
The Lowell Historic Board will hold a public hearing on a Historic Permit application for a bus shelter at 375 Merrimack Street. The board will also consider minutes from June 8, 2026, and conduct minor development reviews for 166 Suffolk Street and 30 Market Street. An informational presentation on the Pawtucket…
Committee discusses public safety, accessibility, and health initiatives
The committee will review several resolutions regarding police activity in Davis Square, digital and physical ADA compliance, and public health concerns. Discussions also include rodent control measures, fire equipment maintenance, and the provision of free menstrual products in City Hall.
Council considers major housing grants and city budget amendments
The Council is reviewing several large federal grant applications for housing, homelessness, and community development. Other business includes energy fund amendments, cybersecurity investments, and various hearings on public safety and urban planning.
Board to review septic tests and permits for multiple properties
The Hubbardston Board of Health will review Title 5 septic test results and perc tests for several properties, including 111 Hale Rd and 96 Old Princeton Rd. They will consider permits for a well, a one-day food permit, and a disposal system repair. Also discussed will be a request for investigation of a possible…
Committee to review Butternut Fire response and update shelter plans
The Southern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee will review the aftermath of the Butternut Fire and update regional shelter plans. They will also discuss grants, an EMS task force report, and a hazard vulnerability assessment for a Fairview Rural Health Clinic. New business includes heat planning and…
The Mansfield Animal Welfare Committee meeting is cancelled.
This meeting is officially cancelled. The agenda consists entirely of procedural boilerplate and routine committee reports. No substantive decisions, contracts, or public hearings will take place.
Council considers TIF zone for Assembly Square and East Somerville housing
The Land Use Committee will hold public hearings on two items: a proposed Urban Center Housing Tax Increment Financing (UCH-TIF) Zone for Assembly Square and East Somerville, and a zoning ordinance amendment regarding homeless shelters. They will also consider a zoning map amendment for properties at 2 and 9 Union…
Select Board to vote on Fire Chief contract and animal shelter deal
The Select Board will discuss and vote on several key items, including a new contract for the Fire Chief and an agreement with the Town of Carver for animal shelter services. They will also consider awarding DPW supply contracts, water connection applications for two properties, and scheduling a Special Town Meeting.
Town to finalize FEMA grant for emergency management projects
The committee will discuss a $35,000 FEMA grant for emergency management, including generator and water filtration supplies, and review a contract with NV5 for shelter design work.
Council committee to consider $50M federal homeless services grant
The Housing and Community Development Committee will hold a hearing on five grant acceptances from HUD totaling over $77 million. The largest is a $50 million Continuum of Care grant for homeless services. Other grants include Community Development Block Grant, HOME, HOPWA, and Emergency Solutions funds.
Homeless committee to hear from Christian Center on homeless services
The Homeless Advisory Committee will meet remotely to review minutes from April, hear a presentation from Jessica Jones of the Christian Center about their work, and discuss the summer meeting schedule. Public comment will be taken.
Homeless committee to hear from Christian Center director
The Homeless Advisory Committee will meet remotely to hear a presentation from Jessica Jones, executive director of the Christian Center, about the center's work. The committee will also review minutes from April and discuss its summer meeting schedule. Public comment will be taken at the start of the meeting.
Board to discuss banning Bodyworks establishments
The Board of Health will discuss several new business items, including a potential ban on Bodyworks establishments, updates on warming and cooling shelters, the health department's Facebook page, and the Women's Health Expo. They will also receive reports from the Metacomet Shared Service Grant for health agent and…
Lowell commission to review summer food and youth programs
The Hunger/Homelessness Commission will hear updates on summer food assistance programs including SUN Bucks and Summer Eats, as well as youth workforce opportunities from MassHire and YouthBuild. The meeting focuses on coordinating resources for families during summer, with no votes or decisions scheduled.
Regional emergency committee to review grants and shelter plans
The Southern Berkshire Regional Emergency Planning Committee will discuss updates on grants, including the EMPG, and a regional shelter update. They will also review the Butternut Fire after-action report and conduct a shelter tabletop exercise. Additionally, a hazard vulnerability assessment for Fairview Rural Health…
Finance Committee to vote on $3.9M street resurfacing bond payment
The Finance Committee will consider multiple appropriations and contracts, including $3.9 million to pay down street resurfacing bonds and a 60-month contract renewal with Waste Management. Other items include funding for a new fire pumper, a police body-worn camera grant, and opioid recovery funds for homeless…
Animal Welfare Committee reviews shelter and veterinary issues
This meeting includes updates from the Animal Control Officer, reports on cats and dogs in the shelter, and discussions on veterinary and shelter maintenance issues.
Review report on consolidating three water districts
The Select Board will hold a joint meeting with the Housing Authority to fill a vacancy and approve an affordable housing services agreement. They will review a final report on consolidating the town's three water districts, consider an environmentally preferred procurement policy, and award multiple DPW contracts…
Public hearing on banning synthetic cannabinoids, kratom, and unregulated intoxicants
The Board of Health will hold a public hearing on a proposed regulation to prohibit the manufacturing, sale, and distribution of synthetically derived cannabinoids, synthetically derived kratom, and unregulated novel intoxicating products. The board will also discuss a college student internship and warming/cooling…
Providers discuss coordinating homeless and hunger services
This meeting of the Hunger/Homeless Commission features presentations from VINFEN, Community Teamwork, and Lowell Community Health Center on improving coordination among service providers. Topics include the 'Situation Table' for high-risk individuals, the Resource Center's intake process, and a Behavioral Health…
Lakeville Energy Committee to vote on META grant, review EV policy draft
The Energy Advisory Committee will review and discuss the first draft of the Lakeville EV First Policy proposal. They will also discuss and vote on the META grant project, which has a June 5, 2026 deadline. The committee will review town energy costs and receive updates on the Animal Shelter grant and school…
Building committee reviews shelter design, costs, and bid timeline
The Animal Control Shelter Building Committee will discuss and possibly take action on the building project's MEP systems, design, and construction documents. They will review funding, preliminary cost estimates, and the bid process timeline. The committee will also approve invoices for payment.
Council to hear report on housing summit, discuss MPO work plan
The Northern Middlesex Council of Governments will vote on meeting minutes and a financial report, hear a report from the 2025 Greater Lowell Annual Housing Summit (topic: Homelessness to Hopefulness), and receive an update on the regional Metropolitan Planning Organization, including proposed projects for the FFY26…
Board to vote on Harvey Street property, discuss homeless shelter and urban renewal
The Taunton Redevelopment Authority will vote on an update regarding the Harvey Street property and discuss the Whittenton Urban Renewal Plan. They will also receive updates on the former mall land and property acquisitions, and engage in strategic planning for projects, budget, outreach, and a future homeless shelter.
Council to vote on $50M homeless grant, $10.9M drone detection grant
The City Council will consider multiple grants including $50 million for homelessness services and $10.9 million for counter-drone systems. They will also take up the FY27 operating and capital budgets, several zoning changes, and a new ordinance addressing private way potholes. Hearing orders on police grants, animal…
Trust Fund to Discuss ADU Loan Program Changes and CDBG Proposal
The Revere Affordable Housing Trust Fund will hold a regular meeting to review finances, discuss the budget, and receive a report from the Fundraising Subcommittee. Key agenda items include an update on the ADU loan program and proposed future modifications, as well as updates on federal homelessness policy changes…
Committee reviews HMP update for FEMA funding and shelter plans
The Local Emergency Management Planning Committee discusses formalizing LEPC procedures, considering Zello as a communication tool, and reviewing a pending Hazard Mitigation Plan update for FEMA funding. They also discuss an EMPG grant of $2,700, a CERT workshop costing about $500, and shelter upgrades including solar…
Committee to consider free primary care legislation and winter shelter hearings
The Public Health and Human Services Committee will discuss two items: a request to hold a public hearing on state bills that would make primary care free for patients at opt-in practices (PC4YOU), and a request to hold hearings on securing emergency shelter locations and volunteers for winter 2026-2027. The committee…
Homeless Advisory Committee to review Annual Point in Time Count
The committee will meet remotely to discuss the Annual Point in Time Count with representatives from the Three County Continuum of Care. Members will also discuss the next Housing Resource Fair.
Board will consider a public health advisory for Chilson Beach
The Franklin Board of Health will approve minutes from the March 4 and March 18, 2026 meetings. Citizens may comment for up to three minutes on matters not on the agenda. New business includes a public health advisory notice for Chilson Beach, a discussion on regulation of novel intoxicating products, an update on…
Board of Health to discuss public health roles and homeless coalition
The Board of Health will hold a presentation on the role of the Public Health Department in the community and hear from the Plymouth Coalition for the Homeless. Members will also provide updates on various community health and advisory initiatives.
Council to consider $1.9 million public works funding and several ordinance amendments
The Attleboro Municipal Council will hold a special meeting to receive updates from the Mayor and Budget Director and to consider time‑sensitive matters. The council will hear public hearings on the 2026 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan, an amendment to the Animal Shelter Revolving Fund, and a revision of…
Animal Welfare Committee meeting cancelled
The Animal Welfare Committee meeting scheduled for March 19, 2026, has been cancelled. The agenda included reports on the Animal Control Officer, shelter animals, veterinary issues, and maintenance.
Committee reviews rental inspection ordinance and homelessness response
The Public Health and Safety Committee is discussing several tabled petitions regarding city health and safety. Key items include a proposed ordinance for mandatory rental inspections and a Board of Health recommendation to replace a camping ordinance with a public health-led response program.
Committee to review rental inspection ordinance and homelessness response
The Public Health and Safety Committee will discuss several tabled petitions, including a proposal for mandatory rental unit inspections upon tenant turnover. The body will also review a Board of Health recommendation to drop a proposed camping ordinance in favor of a public health-led homelessness response program.
Board reviews tobacco updates, health code standards, and homeless count
The Board will accept minutes from the February 3, 2026 meeting, receive a public health update from Dr. Joel Gorn, and hear a report on tobacco product sales from the Tobacco Control Director. New business includes discussion of the Department of Public Health SAPHE 2.0 performance standards for health‑code…
City Council to consider consolidating housing and homeless services
The City Council will hold a public hearing to review a recommendation from City Manager Yi-An Huang. The proposal seeks to reorganize the Housing Department by consolidating housing and homeless service programs currently spread across three different City departments into one.
Committee to review ADA Transition Plan and Accessibility Guide
The Advisory Committee on Disabilities will review the January 2026 minutes and March 2026 finances. They will discuss the recently distributed Transition Plan and current 2026 projects. New business includes a conflict of interest training reminder, a meeting about the "Dennis Accessibility Guide" with Kieran and…
Commission to form subcommittees after agency program overviews
The Hunger and Homeless Commission will hear program overviews from Alternative House and the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence, including discussion of issues affecting domestic‑violence service providers. The meeting includes an open agenda for community and agency announcements. The commission will decide…