Homelessness in Massachusetts reaches record high, expected to become worse

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As the economy worsens, energy costs rise, unemployment escalates, people lose their homes and are unable to find affordable housing. Homelessness has greatly increased. The homeless shelters now are full and the state is now being forced to place families in motels.

The state has now started tracking the number of families who find themselves homeless because of their home being foreclosed.

According to Time, the executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Robyn Frost said, "You're seeing a perfect storm."

In September 2007 there were 17 homeless families living in motels. In September of 2008 there are now 550 homeless families in motels. There are also around 1,800 families living in shelters.

In 1999 the Department of Transitional Assistance first began placing homeless families in motels as the shelters were full. In the following five years the state used 97 motels around the state to house families.

The state hired case workers that created self-sufficiency plans for each family and increased shelter capacity. They were able to eliminate the need for motels by August 2004.

Gov. Deval Patrick hopes to end homelessness by finding ways to to detect when families or individuals are about to become homeless so they can offer aid and support.

With the failing economy those goals become harder to meet. A supporter of the plan, state Rep. Byron Rushing said, "This is going to make it more difficult."

Massachusetts isn't alone with this problem. Advocates for the homeless say many areas are reporting an increase in homeless families.

In Michigan there are nearly 80,000 homeless people.

A senior research associate at The Urban Institute, Mary Cunningham said, "Right now we're at the point where communities are holding the line or seeing increases. Family budgets are really tight and when you add on other costs, that can push them into homelessness."

In September 2007 Massachusetts began using motels again as the shelters once again reached their capacity.

Under the laws of Massachusetts they must find shelter for any eligible family that asks for it.

In an effort to move families out of motels and shelters the state is seeking to find public housing units that are vacant.