POVERTY

Massachusetts Senate Democrats forged ahead Wednesday with reforms and more funding for the state's family shelter system, adopting some changes that Republicans have long sought to tighten eligibility though GOP senators voted against the bill and said the reforms didn't go far enough.

Gov. Maura Healey's office intends over the next roughly 19 months to phase out the use of hotels and motels for emergency shelter, seek a legislative change to boost rental assistance for needy families, create a reserve account for shelter expenses, and further shorten the length of stay in traditional shelter settings while extending stays in overflow sites.

In less than two weeks, recipients of government food assistance in Massachusetts will see a sharp drop in a benefit many have enjoyed for years. The Healthy Incentives Program — or HIP — has helped low-income residents buy fresh, local produce.

Until December 1, those with SNAP benefits can still count on their Healthy Incentives Program funds to purchase fruits and veggies from local farmers. A family's allotment for HIP is slated to be slashed before the holidays.

Around 10 unhoused residents staying at the site off Cook Avenue in Northampton say they were not given prior warning to vacate the encampment. City officials say they gave notice.

The city of Northampton, Massachusetts, issued a "no trespass" order Monday morning for a group of people living in a tent encampment near Lake Fitzgerald.

The Western Massachusetts Network to End Homelessness reported that the number of homeless people in the four counties has risen by 17%.

An alarming number of Massachusetts school districts are struggling right now to balance budgets for the upcoming year. Significant job cuts and academic program cancellations are on the table.

Dozens of Massachusetts school districts are being told, later than usual in the school budget process, more state funding is being put in the House budget due to a "data" issue that shows more low-income students in schools than initially counted.

"Remedy Hall" in Williamstown, Massachusetts, gives a way items that other service groups don't, such as toothpaste, towels and crock pots.