Boston Bans Tent Encampments, Declares Addiction and Homelessness Public Health Crisis

BOSTON — July 22, 2026 — Boston declares substance use disorder and unsheltered homelessness a public health crisis. Mayor Kim Janey issued an executive order Tuesday banning tents and temporary shelters citywide and establishing a central coordinating team to match shelter capacity to need, while the Boston Public Health Commission issued a parallel emergency declaration. The Boston Office of Recovery Services has had more than 21,000 street interactions and made more than 6,000 service referrals in 2026, reversing an average of four to five overdoses per day. Chief of Health and Human Services Marty Martinez said the city currently has roughly 170 open shelter beds but acknowledged the figure fluctuates and said the coordinating team — which met for the first time Tuesday morning — would convene again Thursday to map available capacity. Enforcement will be used only as a last resort and only after individuals have been offered alternatives, with the District Attorney's Office involved to ensure enforcement serves as a pathway to treatment.