Homeless Report Released

Despite deep cuts in federal aid for the homeless, Massachusetts has managed to develop the most complete network of services in the country for homeless people, according to a report issued yesterday by the state Executive Office of Human Services.

At the beginning of his second term in 1982, Gov. Michael S. Dukakis gave relief for the homeless his top priority. The Human Services Office program divided the state into 26 areas, each with a local coordinating council of legislators and heads of service groups that directs services for the homeless within that area.

Human Services Secretary Philip W. Johnston--who was joined by state First Lady Kitty Dukakis at a news conference--said the 'communitization' program ensures that people familiar with a region's needs decide how to direct state aid. The report says the new service network provided basic shelter for all families and almost all individuals during last winter.

Growing Numbers

The report says that the number of homeless people continues to grow at an alarming rate, especially among families, while the number of single homeless is stabilized or decreasing. Statewide, families account for 75 percent of the total, compared to 50 percent in Cambridge and 90 percent in Somerville.