FRAMINGHAM, Mass. — Local communities are on the front lines of helping thousands of migrants coming into the Commonwealth. Framingham and Southboro are the most recent communities being asked to help the state.
The Red Roof Inn in Framingham is now being used as a state emergency shelter for 39 people who migrated from Haiti.
Framingham Mayor Charlie Sisitsky says his community rallied and the fire department was able to drop off donations. The Mayor says they did not get much notice from the state. “It would have helped if we had some better communication and more advance notice from the state because we weren’t prepared for it,” said Sisitsky.
The Governor’s office says the state has placed more than 5,500 families in 80 communities. The state covers emergency shelter services and emergency aid for transportation and enrollment in schools at a rate of $104 per student per day. “They were very responsive. They worked the whole weekend just like us but it would have been helpful if we got some advance notice,” Sisitsky explained.
The Governor’s spokesperson told us, “Our administration does everything in our power to ensure families have a safe place to stay each night and utilizes all resources and options at our disposal. We work hard to give them as much notice and support as possible”.
Framingham says their volunteers made the response manageable. “No taxpayer money from the city of Framingham is being used. It has been all-volunteer,” said Sisitsky.
The mayor’s office says local groups like Metro West Legal Services is helping the families secure work permits.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
©2023 Cox Media Group
