In response to the growing number of migrants arriving in Massachusetts and the rising housing costs affecting residents, Governor Maura Healey has declared a state of emergency in the state. The move comes as local emergency shelters struggle to accommodate the influx of migrants and provide assistance to those already living in the state.
Governor Healey joins a growing list of governors across the country who have taken emergency action to address the issue of migrants fleeing unstable conditions in their home countries. The Massachusetts Democrat has also called on the federal government to provide funding and expedite work authorizations for migrants, citing them as the primary driver of the emergency situation.
During a press conference held at the State House, Governor Healey was joined by shelter providers, faith leaders, and other advocates to discuss the emergency declaration and its implications. She emphasized the need for immediate action to secure housing, shelter, and health and human services to address the “humanitarian crisis” at hand.
Governor Healey highlighted the demographics of the migrant families arriving in Massachusetts, which includes newborns, very young children, and expecting mothers. She expressed concern over the unprecedented number of families in need of assistance, stating that it far exceeds the capacity of the state’s emergency assistance program. The surge in numbers is attributed to the difficult journeys that these families have endured before reaching the United States.
Over the past year, the steady stream of migrant families arriving in Massachusetts has severely strained the state’s emergency shelter system. As available space has dwindled, the Healey administration has resorted to alternative options such as utilizing hotels, motels, college dorms, and military bases to provide temporary housing for the migrants.
According to a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, as of Monday morning, there were 5,550 families in state shelters. This includes 1,887 families housed in hotels, 3,546 families in permanent shelters, 62 families at Joint Base Cape Cod, and 55 families in a college dorm in Quincy.
The state of emergency declaration aims to address the immediate needs of these migrant families and alleviate the strain on the emergency shelter system. Governor Healey’s plea to the federal government for funding and expediting work authorizations demonstrates the urgency of the situation and highlights the need for a coordinated response at the national level.
As the emergency situation continues to unfold, Massachusetts will rely on the collaboration and support of local officials, shelter providers, faith leaders, and other advocates to ensure the well-being of the migrant families and the current residents affected by the rising housing costs.
It remains crucial for the federal government to provide the necessary resources and assistance to Massachusetts and other states facing similar challenges. By working together, both at the state and federal level, communities can provide the humanitarian aid and support that these families desperately need.
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