Massachusetts spending on emergency shelters for migrant families and local residents has surpassed $700 million, according to a new report. With costs estimated to reach $932 million in fiscal year 2024 and $915 million in fiscal year 2025, state officials have been grappling with the influx of migrants over the past year.
The state has turned to hotels and motels to house families with children and pregnant women, with the cost per night sometimes reaching $300. Gov. Maura Healey has implemented restrictions on the shelter system, including time limits and caps on the number of families allowed.
Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Lynn are hosting the most families in shelters among the 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts. A significant portion of the funds, about $210 million, has been paid to shelter providers while another $24 million has gone to municipalities to support an increased number of students from shelters.
Efforts are underway to move 400 migrant families out of state-run shelters and into stable housing by the end of the year, with $10.5 million in contracts signed with eight resettlement agencies. Ascentria Care Alliance is tasked with helping 75 families in the Worcester and Greater Springfield area, while other organizations are set to assist smaller numbers of families.
Despite the challenges and costs associated with the emergency shelter system, Healey emphasized the state’s commitment to providing shelter to families with children and pregnant women, while also urging Congress to provide relief to the state.
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