This resolution directs the Joint State Government Commission to conduct a comprehensive study on the cost and effectiveness of Housing First programs currently in operation across the United States, as well as their potential impact within the Commonwealth. Housing First is a strategy aimed at providing stable housing to individuals experiencing homelessness, regardless of their circumstances, such as substance use disorders. The resolution highlights the pressing issue of homelessness in the Commonwealth, noting that as of 2024, there are over 14,000 unhoused individuals, with a significant portion being veterans and children.

The study will assess various factors, including the state of the unhoused population, the effectiveness of Housing First programs in reducing chronic homelessness in other states and cities, and the cost comparison between Housing First and traditional shelter-based programs. Additionally, it will examine the impact of recent events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and rising living costs, on homelessness, as well as the effects of homelessness on children's academic performance. The Joint State Government Commission is tasked with compiling a report of its findings and recommendations, which must be submitted within 18 months of the resolution's adoption to key legislative leaders.