Sour economy creates a surge in homeless families and a landmark initiative in Massachusetts

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. (AP) _ There's been a surge in the number of homeless families in Massachusetts — a spike that has overwhelmed the state's shelter capacity and forced it to again place homeless families in motels.

It's an increase driven by the sour economy, rising energy costs, escalating unemployment and shortage of affordable housing. For the first time, the state is tracking how many families are winding up homeless due to foreclosures.

"You're seeing a perfect storm," said Robyn Frost, executive director of the Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless.

The upswing is also putting pressure on a landmark initiative by Gov. Deval Patrick to virtually end homelessness in Massachusetts in the next five years.


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