The state’s “Right to Shelter” mandate does not extend to homeless individuals, and therefore, they’re not driving the escalating costs.

Chapter 450 of the Acts of 1983, signed by Gov. Michael Dukakis, established a family’s “Right to Shelter,” ensuring a family would have a place to stay and establishing the state’s first publicly-funded homeless shelter.

The Right to Shelter does not extend to homeless individuals — they are not covered under this law.