For Immediate Release:
Contact: Christine Dunn
christine@sevenletter.com | 617.646.1044

Eviction protections expired March 31st, and the failure to restore would increase avoidable evictions, cause loss of housing and homelessness, and reduce rental assistance payments to landlords.

Boston, MA (April 14, 2023)— Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) are praising language in the recently released House Ways and Means fiscal year 2024 state budget to reinstate and make permanent critical eviction protections known as “Chapter 257”. These protections would guarantee that tenants facing eviction are granted a case continuance if they have a pending emergency rental assistance application, ensuring that time is provided for tenants and landlords to gain access to critical funding and avoid unnecessary evictions.

“We are thrilled and grateful to see that the House Committee on Ways and Means included the restoration of Chapter 257 eviction protections in their version of the budget. We implore the Senate to do the same. We call on state leaders to explore additional vehicles within the Legislature and the Trial Courts for swiftly restoring Chapter 257 protections before the July 1st start of FY24, “ said Kelly Turley, Associate Director of MCH.

In addition to reinstating Chapter 257 protections, MLRI and MCH have emphasized the need for continued investment and improvements in access to Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT), the state’s main emergency rental assistance/homelessness prevention program. “To maximize the impact of Chapter 257 eviction protections on housing stability, we also urge the House and Senate to provide $250 million funds for RAFT in FY24, allow eligible families and individuals to access at least $10,000 per year in RAFT assistance, and move access to RAFT benefits more upstream by allowing renters to access back rent funds before being given a notice to quit by their landlord,” Turley noted.

MLRI, MCH, and over 120 organizations delivered a letter to state leaders last month to urge the continuation of Chapter 257, citing the high numbers of applications for RAFT benefits, reflecting tremendous ongoing need. “Too many families and individuals across Massachusetts are living under the threat of displacement, particularly in communities of color,” said Andrea M. Park, Director of Community Driven Advocacy at MLRI. “We are grateful to House leadership for taking this important step to help those facing eviction or struggling with increasing housing costs. We look forward to working with both chambers to make Chapter 257 protections permanent, and also to fund and reduce barriers to RAFT benefits.”

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About Massachusetts Law Reform Institute
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) is nonprofit legal services organization that provides statewide advocacy and leadership in advancing laws, policies, and practices that secure economic, racial, and social justice for low-income people and communities. MLRI furthers its mission through impact litigation, policy advocacy, coalition building, community lawyering, and public information. In addition, MLRI serves as the poverty law support center for the Massachusetts civil legal aid delivery system and anti-poverty advocacy community.

About Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless
The mission of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless (MCH) is to create lasting solutions to housing, income, health, education, and racial inequalities in all parts of the Commonwealth.  Over 40 years ago, as homelessness in Massachusetts rose, a group of concerned shelter providers launched MCH. The agency was established in 1981 to work on long-term systemic change to address the crisis. Since its inception, MCH has become a leader in shaping systemic change through public advocacy and creating programs and initiatives for those who are living in poverty and at-risk of being unsheltered or experiencing housing instability. For more information, please visit www.mahomeless.org.