Massachusetts Shelter System Could Reach Capacity This Month

BOSTON (WBSM) — Governor Maura Healy is addressing the migration and shelter crisis and says that her administration is taking steps to effectively help people find more stable housing within the community as numbers rise within shelters.

In a news conference on Monday, Healey called for help from the federal government for funding up to six months of temporary housing assistance for families and newly-arrived immigrants in Massachusetts.

Migrants have currently been dispersed to 90 communities all over the state. They have been placed into motels, shelters, hotels and even college dormitories.

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Healey has previously stated that Massachusetts can only accommodate 7,500 families, and now expressed concern since that number is quickly reaching its capacity.

Due to the unsustainable increase, families seeking shelters will be assessed starting November 1, according to Healey. This assessment will include an “exit strategy” that will connect families within the shelters to permanent housing and training for work, while individuals with high-risk health will be prioritized by placing others on a waiting list.

The Healey Administration has already received nearly $2 million in funding to support migrant housing and transportation with an additional $250 million.

With the colder temperatures approaching, the Healey Administration is pushing additional support of federal funding for the shelter system.