Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey issued a warning on Monday, stating that the statewide emergency family shelter system will soon reach its capacity. She explained that the system has been expanding rapidly to accommodate the influx of migrant families, but this growth is unsustainable.
Due to the combination of newly arriving migrant families and the slow exit of families already in long-term shelters, the state is on track to reach its capacity of 7,500 families, or approximately 24,000 people, by the end of October.
Families are currently housed in various locations across 90 cities and towns, ranging from traditional shelters to hotels and motels, as well as temporary sites like college dorms. Nearly half of those in emergency shelter are children.
Massachusetts college town’s slavery reparations may include money for youth programs, housing
As a “right-to-shelter” state, Massachusetts is legally obligated to provide shelter to eligible families through its emergency assistance program.
Governor Healey clarified that the state is not abandoning this law. However, starting from November 1, families seeking shelter will be assessed based on their needs, prioritizing those with the highest health and safety risks. Families who cannot be immediately placed in shelters will be put on a waiting list.
“The reality we are facing now is this. We do not have enough space, service providers, or funds to safely accommodate more than 7,500 families,” Healey informed reporters. “Beyond that point, we will no longer be able to guarantee shelter placement for new families entering the system.”
She also mentioned that efforts are being made to help families already in shelter exit the system, thus creating more available space.
Governor Healey once again appealed to the federal government, requesting expedited work authorizations for new arrivals to facilitate their quick integration into the workforce. She emphasized that many of them are ready and able to work, and the state has numerous job openings.
An interpreter signs, as Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey speaks, Boston, June 14, 2023. (Pat Greenhouse/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
“We urgently need support from the federal government, as they bear the ultimate responsibility for this situation,” she stressed. “This is a federal problem that requires a federal solution.”
Adam Chapdelaine, the Executive Director of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, expressed appreciation for the administration’s efforts to address the emergency shelter crisis. He also expressed eagerness to continue the essential partnership between the state and local governments as conditions change in the future.
Immigrant rights activists acknowledged the steps taken by the administration but urged both state and federal lawmakers to do more.
“It is now time for the state to allocate additional funding for shelters, and for Congress to take action and pass immigration reform that allows immigrants to work,” said Elizabeth Sweet, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition.
In August, Governor Healey announced the activation of up to 250 members of the Massachusetts National Guard to assist at shelters and hotels due to the strain on the state’s shelter system. This decision followed the declaration of a state of emergency.
Massachusetts shells ‘Turtleboy’ blogger with criminal charges in First Amendment fight
Other states and cities have also faced challenges in finding shelter for migrants. Last week, New York Governor Kathy Hochul supported New York City’s attempt to suspend a legal agreement that mandates the provision of emergency housing for homeless individuals. The city’s shelter system has been overwhelmed by a large influx of migrants.
For months, the city has been seeking to modify the so-called right to shelter rule after more than 120,000 migrants arrived last year without housing or jobs. This has resulted in the city setting up emergency shelters and providing various government services, with an estimated cost of $12 billion over the next few years.
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
