Summer EBT - apply by 9/7. + Thurs action to protect right to shelter

We hope you all had a rejuvenating long weekend. Our next SNAP Coalition meeting will be on Tuesday, Sept. 24 from 10-11:30 AM. Zoom link here. 

Summer EBT - apply by Saturday 9/7 to get summer 2024 benefit!

Families who have not already been automatically issued Summer EBT and who haven’t filed an application need to apply to get $120/child Summer EBT benefits for this summer. Relatively few families need to apply - the majority of eligible families were automatically issued Summer EBT. 

But, there are some low-income families who do need to apply! Without getting into the specifics, our message this week is: Any family who has not gotten Summer EBT benefits yet should file an application by Saturday 9/7! For the specifics of who was automatically issued Summer EBT vs. who needs to apply, see MLRI’s slide deck here. 

To get Summer EBT for this summer, families need to apply by this Saturday, September 7, 2024. To apply online, visit DTAConnect.com. To learn more, visit Mass.gov/SummerEBT. 

Please let Vicky know if you have any Summer EBT issues/questions.

Thurs. Sept 5 - act to protect the right to shelter for families experiencing homelessness

Each week, there are more and more children and pregnant people sleeping on the streets of Massachusetts - a direct, unprecedented consequence of Governor Healey's restrictive policy changes to the Emergency Assistance family shelter system. 

Some families experiencing homelessness have declined the 5 days at a temporary respite site because they are barred from emergency shelter for 6 months following that 5-day stay. 5 days is not enough time to find safe, affordable housing in a state experiencing a housing crisis.

Please continue to elevate your concerns to the Healey Administration. Below is information about an action this Thursday, Sept. 5 at 12:30, at the State House - please join MLRI, Mass Coalition for the Homeless, Homes for All and more.