Mass — Happening today, Governor Maura Healey is expected to make a major announcement regarding the massive influx of migrants to Massachusetts and the lack of housing. According to one report, she is considering an emergency declaration that will help ease the burden for local cities and towns that are struggling to find people shelter.
At the Red Roof Inn in Framingham, there are 39 people who migrated from Haiti and are using the rooms as an emergency shelter. This is just one of many places where local officials are finding housing for migrants quickly coming in.
The governor’s office says the state has placed more than 5,500 families in 80 communities. With a growing number of migrants coming in, Governor Healey is expected to announce a plan that would involve seeking emergency federal aid, that’s according to The Boston Globe. The declaration would allow the governor to call up the National Guard quickly and it would enable her to quickly hire contractors to build shelters or rent places for people to stay.
Framingham and Southboro are two communities recently taking in migrants. The Framingham mayor told Boston 25 News there needed to be better coordination and planning 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 Mayor Charlie Sisitsky. “If we knew what they were doing and what they expected from us, we would have been better prepared and would’ve had better services provided for the people that are seeking asylum.”
If the governor seeks emergency federal aid, then that means federal dollars could help pay for emergency housing, food, and water. Several states and cities like New York, Florida, Chicago, and Washington DC have made similar declarations to handle the surge of migrants.
The Framingham mayor said local groups are helping the families secure work permits. The state also currently covers the cost of emergency shelters, transportation, and enrollment in schools.
The Governor’s announcement is set for 10:30 this morning.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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