Mass. sets goal of 1,000 more units for homeless

BROCKTON (AP) - Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray is unveiling a plan he says will help create an additional 1,000 units of housing for the homeless and for very low-income families.

Murray said the new effort will focus on so-called "supportive housing" which he said includes other services like child-care, access to job training and mental-health care besides a place to live.

There are currently about 15,000 units of supportive housing in Massachusetts.

Murray has helped lead the Patrick administration's efforts to reduce homelessness in the state.

The new effort will require the coordination of 18 state agencies to help provide the extra services.

The housing is designed to aid individuals and families who are homeless or facing homelessness or who are institutionalized or at-risk of institutionalization. It's also aimed at people with disabilities and the elderly.

Cox Media Group