The Healey-Driscoll Administration is stepping up to address the growing issue of family homelessness in Massachusetts. On Friday, June 23, they unveiled a new Family Welcome Center in Allston. This center aims to be a lifeline for struggling families. Including heavily impacted immigrants, providing them with essential supplies, services, and a safe place to stay.
The Family Welcome Center, located at the Brazilian Worker Center at 14 Harvard Ave, Allston, will operate from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm Monday–Friday, and noon to 7:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. The center will not only provide shelter intake services but also basic necessities like food, baby formula, and diapers. In the coming weeks, the center’s offerings will expand. This will include health services and assistance with enrollment in various support programs.
Joint Base Cape Cod to Serve as Temporary Shelter
Meanwhile, the administration is turning to Joint Base Cape Cod (JBCC) as a temporary shelter site to meet the rising need. Starting June 23, JBCC will be able to house 16 families in the townhouses at the base. The administration says there is potential to expand support to up to 60 families. Families will be provided with transportation to JBCC from the Family Welcome Center.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) is coordinating with the Massachusetts National Guard. They’re working to accommodate up to 60 units of housing at JBCC. These townhouse-style units come with shared green space for recreation. MEMA is also contracting with a vendor to support shelter operations. To provide services including staffing, janitorial, linens, laundry, and medical services.
Government Officials Speak Out
“In Massachusetts, we are committed to ensuring that families have access to safe and secure shelter,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why we are establishing a Family Welcome Center to serve as a central entry point to connect families, particularly newly-arrived families, with the support they need.”
Lieutenant Governor Driscoll added, “The townhouses at Joint Base Cape Cod provide a comfortable and private location for families to be in community, enjoy outdoor space, and access service providers, resources, and amenities to meet their immediate needs.”
Future Plans and Funding
The Healey-Driscoll Administration is working to open additional Family Welcome Centers in other areas across the state in the near future. They recently implemented an Incident Command Structure to lead a coordinated approach to addressing the needs of families seeking shelter.
In March, Governor Healey signed a supplemental budget into law that dedicated $85 million to the Emergency Assistance program to meet the demand of a growing number of families, immigrants, and refugees facing homelessness. The Governor’s FY24 budget proposal recommended a $324 million budget for the EA program, which represents a 48% percent increase above the FY23 budget.
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