Summary:
- Massachusetts Governor Healy declares a state of emergency due to a surge in migrant families seeking shelter, compounded by a shortage of affordable housing.
- Around 5,600 families with children are currently housed in emergency facilities across the state, marking an 80% increase in a year.
- Governor Healy appeals for federal intervention, aiming to secure funding and expedited work authorizations for migrants.
- Massachusetts faces labor shortages alongside the influx of migrants, prompting the call for external assistance.
- The state's right-to-shelter law provides emergency housing for eligible homeless families, and Governor Healy urges collective efforts from businesses and communities.
- In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams seeks to suspend a similar rule as the city addresses its own housing challenges.
Massachusetts Governor Healy has declared a state of emergency in response to the escalating migrant housing crisis, as the number of families seeking shelter continues to surge. The state's limited affordable housing supply is also under significant strain.
As of today, approximately 5,600 families with children are residing in state-funded shelters, hotels, dormitories, and other emergency facilities across Massachusetts. This represents an 80% increase in just one year. Governor Healy emphasized the urgent need for federal government intervention and action, seeking both funding and expedited work authorizations for migrants. The state is grappling not only with the influx of migrants but also with significant labor shortages.
Massachusetts, unique in having a right-to-shelter law, provides emergency housing for eligible homeless families. While there is no current discussion of suspending the law, Governor Healy called upon businesses, organizations, and communities to join the efforts to address the crisis. In contrast, New York City, facing its own housing challenges, saw Mayor Eric Adams request the suspension of a similar rule.