Massachusetts has spent over $700 million on the emergency shelter system housing migrant families and local residents, with projections to spend even more in the coming fiscal years. The high costs were driven by an influx of migrants over the past year, prompting the state to use hotels and motels to increase shelter capacity.
Governor Maura Healey has implemented restrictions on the shelter system, including a time limit on families’ stays, a cap on the number of families allowed, and a prohibition on sleeping overnight at Logan Airport. Despite the state’s obligation to provide shelter, there is only so much room available.
Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Lynn are hosting the most families in shelters, hotels, and motels in Massachusetts. A significant portion of the funds have gone to shelter providers and municipalities to alleviate costs associated with an increased student population from shelters.
Efforts are being made to move 400 migrant families out of state-run shelters and into stable housing by the end of the year. Ascentria Care Alliance, along with other organizations, have received contracts to assist families in finding long-term housing.
The state has also spent money on improving overflow sites and providing educational supports for students in the shelter system. As of June 27, there were over 7,000 families in the emergency shelter system, with plans to move more families into stable housing in the near future. Governor Healey has called on Congress to provide relief to the state in managing the influx of migrants.
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