“It’s not like you can accommodate 7,500 on July 1 (and) July 2 without having 7,500 families, so it’s going to take concerted action,” Driscoll continued, referring to the state’s shelter cap. administration. “And we looked at this commission as really focused on what we’re building in the future, so that we have a better system for homeless families that follows the principles that we talked about: short, rare, non-recurring, operational and financially viable.

While members are still reviewing the draft report and considering the potential changes, Driscoll said the commission plans to meet next Tuesday afternoon to vote on the document, which is currently 35 pages long.

The commission has until December 1 to submit a report to the Legislative Assembly with recommendations on the “sustainability, efficiency and effectiveness” of the emergency shelter system, “how best to support and “ensure the long-term sufficiency of those seeking shelter,” and “create a regional response to support families in need of shelter.”