Gov. Healey announced changes​ that would require all shelter applicants to prove their residency status, increase background checks, and more.

Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey is proposing to significantly tighten the rules on who is allowed into the state’s emergency shelter system. But some advocates for the homeless argue the sweeping changes would have long-term negative effects of needy families.

Governor Maura Healey said the right-to-shelter laws' “original intent” was not to cover the “waves and waves of people,” including migrant families, who have come into the state in recent years.