Massachusetts is facing a critical situation as the number of homeless families in Emergency Shelters is rapidly approaching capacity. The state is overwhelmed by the influx of migrants, and as of Tuesday, there are already over 7,400 families in the shelters. The state anticipates reaching its 7,500 family capacity soon, which means they can no longer guarantee shelter placement for incoming families.
Families will be placed on a waitlist, and if they have nowhere else to go, they may have to spend the night on the street. In response to the crisis, the state house has approved a plan to allocate an additional $250 million to the emergency shelter system. If this proposal is implemented, it could help alleviate the overcrowding to some extent. The plan also includes $50 million for an overflow site for those who are unable to secure shelter. Given that it is currently winter in Massachusetts, the situation is even more urgent.
Families without a place to go face the harsh cold weather. Governor Healey is calling for assistance from the federal government to address this issue. She has been advocating for changes in the immigration system to allow work authorizations for Asylum Seekers.
This would enable them to find employment and eventually secure permanent housing. Overall, the state of Massachusetts is under significant strain due to the increasing.
