Product Description

This program focuses on strategies to assist families experiencing homelessness in accessing and retaining shelter, short-term housing, and services from the Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC). Trainers provide an overview of the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and services program, including current restrictions on access to EA shelter. The training also includes advocacy tips regarding the range of issues facing families at risk or experiencing homelessness as they seek access to EA shelter, overflow shelter, and the HomeBASE program. The training includes an overview of the system, the application process, denials, terminations, shelter placements, and program requirements.

This training is for legal services advocates, lawyers in private practice, social and health services workers, and community activists who want to learn about the nuts-and-bolts of the EA system and the HomeBASE program. Training materials include the Emergency Assistance Advocacy Guide: A Guide to Emergency Shelter and Rehousing Services for Homeless Families with Children in Massachusetts.

ABOUT BASIC PUBLIC BENEFITS ADVOCACY TRAININGS

MCLE and Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) collaborate annually with a training series designed for both community-based organizations and public/private sector legal advocates who assist low income Massachusetts residents. The training series covers the nuts and bolts of federal and state public benefits, tax credits, tenant and utilities rights and more.

Agenda & Materials

• 9:30am - 9:45am

  Introduction to the EA Shelter System

  Andrea M. Park, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  
• 9:45am - 10:20am

  How to Apply for Shelter

  Andrea M. Park, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  Kelly Turley, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless , Lynn
  Catherine Ady-Bell, Esq., Central West Justice Center , Worcester
  Elizabeth Alfred, Esq., Greater Boston Legal Services , Boston
  Grace A. Filohoski, Esq., Greater Boston Legal Services , Boston
  Ben Levine, Esq., MLRI , Boston
  
• 10:20am - 10:25am

  Break
• 10:25am - 11:00am

  Shelter Tracks and Placements

  Panel
  
• 11:00am - 11:10am

  Break
• 11:10am - 11:25am

  Questions and Discussion

  Panel
  
• 11:25am - 12:00pm

  Length of Stay Time Limits

  Panel
  
• 12:00pm - 12:30pm

  Lunch (on your own)
• 12:30pm - 1:00pm

  Noncompliances and Termination

  Panel
  
• 1:00pm - 1:15pm

  Language Access

  Panel
  
• 1:15pm - 2:00pm

  HomeBASE Basics

  Panel
  
• 2:00pm - 2:10pm

  Break
• 2:10pm - 2:30pm

  RAFT and Other Resources

  Panel
  
• 2:30pm - 2:45pm

  Legislative and Other Advocacy

  Panel
  
• 2:45pm - 3:00pm

  Questions and Discussion

  Panel
  

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Cochairs

Faculty