Boston has revealed an innovative strategy to address the significant homeless encampment at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard, popularly known as “Mass and Cass.” The plan involves granting the police the authority to remove tents and makeshift shelters at the intersection, while also establishing a short-term shelter capable of accommodating up to 30 individuals in the area.
Mayor Michelle Wu stated on Friday, “Living in a crowded and dangerous encampment, frequented by numerous individuals involved in drug trafficking and violence, does not serve anyone.” She expressed the need to take action.
City officials, including Mayor Michelle Wu, announced that police would have the power to remove tents and makeshift shelters in the encampment area, which has become home to a sprawling encampment for the homeless. Many individuals residing there struggle with mental health issues and substance abuse disorders. The plan also includes the establishment of a new short-term shelter with a capacity for up to 30 people in the Mass and Cass area.
Law enforcement has reported an increase in drug use and violence within the encampment at the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard.
Mayor Michelle Wu emphasized the urgent need for change, stating, “Nobody benefits from living in a crowded and dangerous encampment visited by hundreds of people engaged in drug trafficking and violence.”
Approval from the city council is required for the proposal allowing the police to remove tents. Mayor Michelle Wu stated her intentions to submit an ordinance to the council on Monday.
City officials assured that no tents would be taken down until the individuals residing in them are provided with adequate housing, treatment services, transportation, and a place to store their personal belongings.
A photo of the homeless encampment at Mass and Cass intersection in Boston, Massachusetts, was captured by Michael Dwyer, and the image can be viewed using the provided baseimage link.
Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, the city’s commissioner of public health, commented on the situation, stating, “In recent weeks, the conditions at Mass and Cass have made it impossible for the Boston Public Health Commission and our partners to effectively provide critical services to those in need. It is necessary to enact this ordinance to regain control of the situation.”
The proposed ordinance will not only apply to the Mass and Cass area but to the entire city, ensuring that the problem does not simply relocate to another site. Police Commissioner Michael Cox stated that mobile units will be deployed and a continuous police presence will be maintained in the area to prevent a recurrence of this situation.
To address homelessness, in addition to the temporary beds at the Boston Public Health Commission’s campus on Massachusetts Avenue, the city plans to expand low-threshold shelter space in its emergency shelters.
Homelessness has been a long-standing issue in the neighborhood. In January 2022, the city’s public works employees cleared the area, removing tents, tarps, and other items such as milk crates, wooden pallets, and coolers. Over 500 individuals from the encampment have since been relocated to the city’s six low-threshold housing sites, and 149 have transitioned to permanent housing.
Cities across the country, including Los Angeles, Washington, and Phoenix, have been grappling with the challenge of clearing tent encampments while simultaneously providing support for those living in them.
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