Former Massachusetts Prison Converted into Temporary Shelter for Homeless and Migrant Families
- Former prison in Massachusetts to be used as a shelter for homeless and migrant families.
- Governor Maura Healey takes action to address the surge in homelessness fueled by an influx of migrants.
- The state repurposes a facility to provide temporary housing for those in need.
In Norfolk, a former prison will be used as a temporary shelter for homeless families in Massachusetts, including migrants who have been sleeping at Boston's Logan Airport. The shelter will have play areas for children and classrooms for adults to take classes like ESOL, job training, and housing search workshops. This decision was made without involving the town of Norfolk beforehand. The shelter will house up to 140 families, totaling 450 people eligible for emergency assistance. About half of the families seeking emergency assistance in Massachusetts are newly arrived migrants. The state is providing extra funding to help schools accommodate students from families staying in emergency shelters. Starting June 1, homeless families in Massachusetts will be limited to staying in shelters for nine months, with the option for two 90-day extensions. The town of Norfolk was surprised by the decision to use the former prison as a shelter and is concerned about the logistical challenges it may bring, especially to the local elementary school. The emergency shelter system in Massachusetts reached its capacity of 7,500 families in November. Many families at the new Norfolk shelter were previously on a waitlist and had been staying overnight at the airport. The town officials plan to work with state authorities to address concerns and find solutions that benefit Norfolk.