MAMH Blog
New Legislation Promotes Affordable Housing and Access to Supportive Mental Health Services
Aug 26, 2024
Access to safe, quality, affordable housing constitutes one of the most basic and powerful social determinants of health and a crucial foundation to overall wellbeing.
On August 6, 2024, Governor Maura Healey signed into law the Affordable Homes Act to address the state’s housing challenges. As the most expansive housing bond bill ever filed in Massachusetts, the Act both designates funding for housing programs and includes policy provisions to promote housing production and access.
Among its many provisions, the Affordable Homes Act creates a Supportive Housing Pool Fund, thanks to the leadership and support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Legislature. The Fund will supports the production of permanent supportive housing, a critical component in addressing the complex needs of people with mental health conditions. By providing stable, affordable housing combined with access to supportive services like counseling, case management, and health care, this model creates a foundation for individuals to focus on their overall health and wellbeing.
The stability offered by permanent supportive housing reduces the stress and instability often associated with homelessness, which can exacerbate mental health challenges. This supportive environment not only enhances the quality of life for individuals but also fosters greater community integration and reduces the reliance on emergency services and institutional care. Ultimately, permanent supportive housing represents a holistic strategy that acknowledges and addresses the intersection between stable housing and mental health.
According to the Massachusetts Pay for Success Initiative, 84% of individuals experiencing chronic homelessness who receive both a housing voucher and supportive services remained housed one year later.
The Act, and the inclusion of the Supportive Housing Pool Fund, represents the collaborative efforts of many people including individuals with lived experience and their families, advocates – such as the Supportive Housing Pipeline Coalition and it’s more than 80 cross-sector partners, and political leaders. The bill’s strength comes from the diversity of housing issues it seeks to address and the incorporation of ideas of people working on these issues year after year. The changes this bill will bring will be felt for years to come.
Massachusetts Hoarding Resource Network Strengthens Supports for Homelessness Prevention
Education
With generous support from a 2-year grant from the Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds, MAMH will establish a statewide Hoarding Resource Network to support stable housing and eviction prevention.
Older Adult Behavioral Health Network Supports Community Living for Older Adults
Education
With generous support from a two-year general operating grant from the Point32Health Foundation, MAMH will continue to elevate the importance of behavioral health and wellness for older adults across the Commonwealth.
Facilitating Social Connection and Support
Education
Social connections play a pivotal role in fostering overall well being and happiness. Meaningful relationships provide us with emotional support, a sense of belonging, and opportunities for personal growth.
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