On January 28, 2009, the Patrick/Murray Administration filed proposed changes to the Emergency Assistance (EA) regulations in response to a significant deficiency in the appropriation for the program. These changes are part of a comprehensive response to provide housing and stabilization services to homeless families, and to transform the shelter system with a greater emphasis on shared accountability and self-sufficiency.

Changes proposed by the Administration were revised after two public hearings held earlier this month.  The proposed changes are summarized here.