- Massachusetts is sheltering 7,000 families with a max capacity of 7,500
- Massachusetts can no longer guarantee housing for new arrivals after the end of the month
Massachusetts stands on the brink of a shelter crisis as winter nears. The state’s shelter system is rapidly approaching its full capacity. Largely in part to the ongoing migrant crisis the state is facing. Meanwhile, new families continue to arrive, stretching local resources to their limits. Accordingly, state officials are devising new strategies and making urgent appeals for federal intervention.
State’s Proactive Response to the Massachusetts Shelter Crisis
Governor Healy recently detailed the state’s strategic response to the growing concern. At the forefront of these measures is the appointment of Lieutenant General Scott Rice as the Emergency Assistance Director. With over 40 years of experience in the U.S. Air Force and a history of handling emergencies like floods and snowstorms, Rice’s role is paramount. He is anticipated to leverage his operational knowledge to steer the emergency shelter system through this critical period.
In addition, Governor Healy highlighted efforts to assist families in transitioning out of shelters. Given that some have been sheltered for over a year, priority access to the home-based rehousing program, rental assistance, and private sponsorships has been introduced. The main goal is to ease the demand on state resources and accommodate more families. Because high housing costs exacerbate the issue, expanding access to affordable housing remains a top priority for the Governor.
Massachusetts, we are a compassionate state. We take seriously our duty of care for those who are vulnerable, and we value the hope and the resilience that newcomers bring. So we’ve met this moment in Massachusetts using all the resources, creativity, and the partnership that we have to offer. We’ve opened two new welcome centers, set up legal services programs, contracted with human services providers, called up National Guard members, and we’ve also seen local communities step up in so many ways.
Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey
Efforts to Solve the Massachusetts Shelter Crisis with Self-sufficiency
Proactive steps are underway to empower shelter residents. Despite federal delays in processing work authorizations, Massachusetts isn’t sitting idle. The state is linking eligible shelter dwellers with job opportunities. Notably, MassHire regional offices and local businesses, such as Dunkin’ Donuts, are collaborating to fill job vacancies. Additionally, a job training partnership with the nonprofit sector of Commonwealth Corps aims to equip shelter residents awaiting work authorization. This dual approach not only accelerates the transition out of shelters but also aids employers in need of labor.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll underscored previous state initiatives to compensate for federal shortcomings. In partnership with the legislature, emergency shelter system funding experienced an uptick. Concurrently, the E.A. Incident Command Team was established for enhanced coordination. Legal assistance programs have also been launched to support families with applications for housing, services, and work permits. Impressively, the Massachusetts Migrant Families Relief Fund, introduced in August, amassed $1.4 million within two months, assisting with necessities from clothing to legal support.
Our Office for Refugees and Immigrants worked with partners to establish a legal services program, helping families apply for work permits, housing, and services. This work continues every day. And in August, we announced the Massachusetts Migrant Families Relief Fund. Created by the Boston Foundation and administered by the United Way of Mass Bay, the fund supports everything from clothes and diapers to English language classes and legal aid. In just two months, the relief fund has raised $1.4 million. That’s making a difference. We’re grateful to our nonprofit partners and all of our donors, big and small. You can still donate if you go to the United Way of Massachusetts Bay website.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll
State’s Appeal to the Federal Government
The looming crisis hasn’t gone unnoticed. The state has persistently voiced concerns about the shelter system nearing its threshold. With a staggering 23,000 individuals currently in shelters, resource management is a daunting endeavor. Particularly alarming is the fact that almost half of these individuals are new arrivals, with children comprising a substantial number. Projections indicate the shelter system will be at full capacity by month’s end.
The state’s primary message to the federal government is clear: intervention is crucial. While Massachusetts remains dedicated to its core values, ensuring vulnerable families receive care, this model isn’t sustainable long-term. Governor Healy emphasized the state’s inability to tackle this challenge alone.
With 23,000 individuals in shelter, that’s equal to the size of a small city spread out in 90 different places. From now on, we’re going to be managing this system, but we cannot continue to expand it. We’re going to manage it with our Massachusetts values, keeping the needs of vulnerable families at the center of our efforts. We’re competent in our ability to move forward in this new phase as a team. General Rice is going to lead this work on the ground and serve as a resource for local officials and communities, and we’d like to invite him to say a few words.
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll
General Rice’s Dedication
Lieutenant General Scott Rice expressed profound gratitude and unwavering dedication to the mission. As a Massachusetts native with vast connections across the state, Rice emphasized the vital role of communication and partnerships. He envisions a cohesive collaboration among local, state, federal, and nonprofit entities, pledging transparency and agility in every move.
What Comes Next
State officials consistently advocate for the right-to-shelter law. However, they’ve also candidly addressed impending constraints, warning that guaranteed placements might soon become untenable. As Massachusetts confronts this significant challenge, its proactive strategies, coupled with strong federal appeals, epitomize a blend of action and accountability. The situation highlights the dire need for federal intervention and a holistic solution to this escalating humanitarian crisis.
Yesterday, close to 7,000 families are in emergency shelter. That’s more than twice the number of families we were sheltering a year ago. This includes 23,000 people spread out across 90 cities and towns at hundreds of locations from traditional shelters to hotels and motels to temporary sites such as college dorms. The reality we are facing now is this. We do not have enough space, service providers, or funds to safely expand beyond 7,500 families. We expect to hit that limit at the end of the month. From that point on, we will no longer be able to guarantee shelter placement for new families entering the system.
Governor Maura Healey
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