Massachusetts Legislature Enacts Affordable Homes Act, Ushering in a New Era for Supportive Housing

Massachusetts state policymakers, with their visionary leadership, are setting a national benchmark with thoughtful policies and transformative investments in supportive and affordable housing. Last week, the Massachusetts state legislature passed the Affordable Homes Act with strong bipartisan support, authorizing $5.16 billion for housing over the next five years. The act introduces numerous policies that will significantly advance efforts to expand supportive housing alongside affordable housing initiatives needed across the nation’s 16th most populous state. 

One of the Affordable Homes Act’s most significant aspects is the creation of a Supportive Housing Pool Fund. This landmark fund serves as a new resource aimed at enhancing and broadening the creation of housing and services for those at risk of homelessness. The Supportive Housing Pool Fund is set to benefit all communities, particularly focusing on individuals with behavioral health issues, substance use disorders, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual violence, as well as those who are at risk of entering or transitioning out of the foster care system. 

CSH is a member of the state-based Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition comprising over 80 cross-sector partners, which has advocated for the Supportive Housing Pool Fund and additional policies included in the legislation. 

“The Massachusetts Affordable Homes Act is a win for the state residents and especially for individuals and communities who will be transformed through supportive housing,” said Deborah De Santis, President and CEO at CSH. “This legislation serves as a model for other states in its scope of investment for accelerating affordable and supportive housing development and adequately funding the services that are the critical part of helping people achieve stability.” 

This achievement follows a historic $20 million allocation that the Michigan state legislature passed in June that will fund supportive housing services.

CSH will continue to work with the MA Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition and state leaders to implement the Supportive Housing Pool Fund. The Coalition is led by United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance, Citizens’ Housing and Planning Association, Massachusetts Association for Mental Health, and Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness.