Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) and Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) present a series of trainings every year for legal, social, health services, and community advocates who assist low- and moderate-income individuals and families. Each session includes substantive materials and is led by expert advocates from legal services programs throughout the state, including Community Legal Aid, Disability Law Center, Greater Boston Legal Services, Legal Advocacy and Resource Center, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, MLRI, MetroWest Legal Services, Neighborhood Legal Services, Shelter Legal Services, and South Coastal Counties Legal Services.

This program focuses on strategies to assist families experiencing homelessness in accessing and retaining shelter, short-term housing, and services from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). Trainers provide an overview of the Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter and services program, including recent changes to the family homelessness system. The training also includes advocacy tips regarding the range of issues facing families at-risk or experiencing homelessness as they seek access to EA diversion, shelter, housing ("HomeBASE"), and stabilization resources. The training includes an overview of the system, the application process, denials, terminations, shelter placements, and program requirements.

Training materials include the Emergency Assistance Advocacy Guide: A Guide to Emergency Shelter and Rehousing Services for Homeless Families with Children in Massachusetts; relevant DHCD policy notices and DTA Field Operations Memos; and statewide listings for DHCD offices, family shelters, community rooms, and legal services offices.
Faculty

•Kelly B. Turley, MSW, Massachusetts Coalition for the Homeless, Lynn

•Steven J. Valero, Esq., Speaker, Greater Boston Legal Services, Boston

Fees
•$95
•$25 Legal Services attorneys and Non Lawyer Advocates
CLE Credit Comments: 5 substantive credits, 0 ethics credits